Top Gear: James May drives the Jaguar XF

omarrana submitted on 12/26/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:46 PM
from: www.egmcartech.com

Tags: Jaguar

Jaguar

Top Gear: James May drives the Jaguar XF

James May, the third and least talked about Top Gear guy, had the pleasure of test driving the brand new Jaguar XF. “It goes like a 4-door XK,” says May. He even goes as far as to say that the car is a better value than the BMW 5-Series.

In the U.S. the Jaguar XF will only come in a base 4.2 liter V8 engine that will produce 300 horsepower and a 4.2 liter Supercharged V8 engine that will produce 420 horsepower. Jaguar will offer three trim levels including Luxury, Premium Luxury and Supercharged.

The base 4.2 liter V8 Jaguar XF will go for $49,975 while the Supercharged variant is priced at $62,975.

Click through for the video... Read Article

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DaHarder - 12/26/2007 1:08:17 PM

+7 Boost

"a better value than the BMW 5-Series"

Sounds Like More Than a Contender To Me...

A Solid Winner!

Awesome Job Jaguar!

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w209w114 - 12/26/2007 2:43:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

One can only hope that the resdiual value is nothing like the car it replaces, the S Type!

SVTruong - 12/26/2007 1:17:20 PM

+5 Boost

wow... I am so impressed with the interior! As an industrial designer there are so many ingenious ideas in there. Such as the hiding nob gear shifter and hiding vents reminiscent of the older pop-up headlights. The vents are kind of unnecessary, but cool none the less. It definitely has that "wow" factor. However that hiding nob gear shifter... I wonder if that has a patent. =P

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r15mohd - 12/26/2007 1:31:54 PM

+4 Boost

from the beginning this car has impressed me...glad to see some positive change, hopefully TaTa motors can build on this.

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chuck717 - 12/26/2007 2:07:08 PM

+3 Boost

The stance of the car is very very nice, the interior is all Jag, a little sporty,luxury, and a lot 21st Century, all in all this is a machine that has to bring buyers into the showrooms for a look, i think a lot of them will forgo a trip to MBZ and BMW and drive home with a great car congrats Jag i believe you have a winner.
PS> The video was so true, the Brits now have Jaguar back in the running as a class act?

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Anthony - 12/26/2007 2:30:25 PM

+2 Boost

I plan on buying one, possibly to replace an E500, although I am kind of holding out until the new E-Class is shown. Fabulous car this Jag appears to be.

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farabira1 - 12/26/2007 2:42:54 PM

+2 Boost

So modern, and just take a look at the video, this car looks just miles ahead of 5 series in terms of design and quality of materials. If this car drives as good as the 5 series, then it will be hard to beat the XF. Because this car certainly has an X factor.

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JRobUSC - 12/27/2007 1:24:36 PM

+1 Boost

you can tell the quality of materials in that car and a 5-series from a video that barely shows the interior (aside from some neat "gadgets") and doesn't show a 5-series at all? That's awesome, can you watch a video of yesterday's lottery drawing and tell me what tomorrow's winning numbers will be too?

JUGNU - 12/26/2007 3:04:53 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

engine choices are a bit confused.

The 8 cylinder model (4.2 300BHP) will go against the the 6 cylinder 535i, M35, GS350 (producing 300BHP) or the V8 powered 550i, M45, GS460...etc?

That's a bit unusuall because XF normally doesn't compete with anyone.

JUGNU

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JUGNU - 12/26/2007 3:36:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

That's a bit unusuall as it seems like, XF is not competing with others in the class.

same way the 400BHP XF-R is also (normally) not a direct rival of 550i, GS460...etc

anyway i really like the new XF and to me it's the best in it's class.

JUGNU

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Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 2:04:02 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The XF-R will have 500 hp the current 2 versions of the car are the 300BHP standard V8 and the supercharged at 420BHP. So the XF-R will be the M or AMG Killer

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/27/2007 3:12:34 PM

+1 Boost

Take a deep breath and hold it. Now let it out when Ford manages to bring to market an Engine that produces 500 hp from 5.0 litres without Forced Induction.

ThierryHenry14 - 12/26/2007 5:04:35 PM

-2 Boost

I agree that overall, I think its great progress for Jaguar, but it still looks a little bland.

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farabira1 - 12/27/2007 6:51:39 AM

+2 Boost

can't disagree more, the more close up videos that i see of the XF, the more it becomes clear to me that the initial press shots by Jaguar during XFs commencement were very misleading, the car's front is way more edgy and has sharp pointy front, unlike the flat and round looking front that you pick up from pictures that are circulated in the internet for the XF. Actually the front looks awesome, if you care to surf through several videos of XF in youtube, and if you take a look at one video that has been shot from normal vantage point, you'll see how fantastic and edgy the front looks.

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Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 6:34:53 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

By the way you must have missed the post on my web site I95. The 5.0 liter engine naturally aspirated just tested at 470.BHP So there you go. With a little tuning you get 500BHP.

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I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/30/2007 6:40:49 PM

+1 Boost

Jagexpert2

5.0L NA Engine from Jaguar producing 470hp and you think "A Little Tuning" will suffice to get another 30hp out of it ?

Ill let you do that. I might lease an XF just to try and support Jaguar but i am under no illusions as to the quality of their engines. They are good, but nothing from Jaguar will keep up with AMG, M or RS Vehicles from Germany.

I like to hope, but you obviously live to dream.

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Talli - 12/26/2007 6:04:02 PM

+2 Boost

i love its ass..

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TauronB2G - 12/26/2007 6:06:15 PM

-1 Boost

I love teh look of the car I just think they need to give the engines some balls. They are a good 60-80 hp below all the V8 competition.
T

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Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 2:04:49 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

The 500BHP engine will be out in 9 months OK? Happy Now!

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/26/2007 6:30:28 PM

-2 Boost

Still waiting for that Jag salesman to comment on here

Such a Pathological Liar

I remember him telling Rupert that the jag was all new with no parts being carried over from the S-Type.

When we all know the XF actually has a lot of the stuff beneath the skin borrowed from the S-Type

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Rupert - 12/26/2007 7:25:56 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

It's the same chassis, I read it in Top Gear magazine!! Which was very complementary about the XF, despite the fact they didn't even drive it!

10 years old the chassis is, I tell ye! 10!
Same old V8! Same old 6 cylinder! Same 2.7 diesel!!! Same gearbox!
The Jag man lies.

Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 2:05:49 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Thanks for the compliment.

urbansouljah - 12/26/2007 10:41:24 PM

+3 Boost

You do know that the chassis has been almost completely redesigned right? Why do you think every reviewer is saying that it feels nothing like the S-type? The XF gets the suspension set-up from the XK (a simpler version is used in the last gen S-type) which is further enhanced with more gadgets in the XF. Braking system is straight from the XK too. The only thing that is truly old is the engine which feels great anyway. Why would they change the gearbox? It's the same one used by BMW!

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Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 2:16:11 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

The difference is that the only thing vaguely resembling the s type is the chassis. But you simpletons need to understand that by the time the S TYPE development was done, its chassis was best in class. Not me saying this. This is mentioned several places in the automotive press.
Now that being said, yea there are similarities to the S TYPE (structure) but its not the same exact chassis. they incorporated different materials in to the chassis, namely new high strength alloys(read steel here). It is the strongest and stiffest in class. Again not me saying this. The press has done a fine job of putting all you naysayers in your place. So take what I have said in the past and spin it anyway you want but I have been saying for a long time that the Chassis from the S Type was redeveloped over the last 5 years and yes some of the architecture is the same but (and the press did get this part wrong) it is not the same chassis from the S TYPE it is AN IMPROVED VERSION OF AND ALREADY REDEVELOPED CHASSI. GOT IT? GOOD ! CAN WE MOVE ON NOW!

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TheSailor - 12/27/2007 1:01:14 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

"But you simpletons need to understand that by the time the S TYPE development was done, its chassis was best in class" Do you have any proof of "not you saying"? Or is it just you trying to sound more intelligent? Because I have NEVER heard that before... Maybe it is just me, but I really haven't!

Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 6:30:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Yes i read it. Now I have to find it. But I really did see it in one of the respected mags. I just read so dam much I cant remember. Give me a minute. Ok?

Jag_xfr - 12/27/2007 8:56:22 AM

+1 Boost

This car is perfection. Anyone who does not like the front end will change their mind after seeing one in the flesh, it's a beauty!

Jaguar is on a role, can't wait for the new redesigned XJ, but I still like the current one anyway!

Hope they replace the X-Type with a two seater sports car asap???

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Htay7500 - 12/27/2007 12:03:51 PM

+2 Boost

neat!

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TheSailor - 12/27/2007 12:57:20 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I'm still not impressed by the design... I know several people have already been lynched for saying this, but I think it looks too american! Even though both Jeremy Clarkson and now James May aswell are trying to convince us that it is a fantastic car...

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I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/27/2007 3:09:53 PM

+1 Boost

We always knew they would tell us it was fantastic.

If you watch closely you will notice they seldom have a bad word to say about any of the british vehicles.

The M6 / Carrera 4S / V8 Vantage review is just one exampl.e

Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 6:32:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I95 it must be strange for you to finally be in the minority opinion on a Jaguar. Will you be ok? I am worried about you.

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Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 6:33:19 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

By the way they have always hated the look of the S TYPE. May says as much in the video. Did you watch it?

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/30/2007 6:45:30 PM

+1 Boost

I am very comfortable with holding a view which is in the minority, I am blessed with not needing to feel like part of a herd.

When i look at what is available I find it difficult to justify the XF purchase over the Current 5-Series or CLS and both of those have been avail for 3 years now.

Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 6:40:18 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

From EVO in 2004. This was the start of the good opinions

The S-Type's chassis has been further honed with the addition of new low-friction ball joints, retuned dampers and revised spring rates. The net effect is superb control, especially with the optional sport suspension set-up, which has near-perfect damping and provides a wonderful combination of tautness and excellent bump absorption. Forget air springs; the S-Type's conventional steel- spring set-up is as good as it gets.

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Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 6:42:05 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Automobile.com September 2005

Chassis refinements for 2005 for all models include revised springs and dampers (shocks) and the addition of low-friction ball joints. CATS, DSC and the steering ECU have been retuned as well. Suspensions for the S-Type come in three grades: Comfort, the softest, is standard on the 3.0 and 4.2 models. Sport is firmer and comes on the 3.0 and 4.2 models with the Sport package. R is the stiffest suspension, using a unique CATS calibration and stiffer springs. Each of the three suspensions uses specially tuned dampers (shocks) and anti-roll bars and unique CATS calibrations. CATS, Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension is optional on V6 and V8 models, standard on the R. CATS optimizes ride and handling by using uprated springs to increase roll stiffness and electronically controlled two-stage adaptive dampers (shocks). Accelerometers and a brake sensor send signals to an electronic control unit to dynamically tune the suspension to driving conditions. The result is an optimized balance between ride comfort and handling agility. It's completely automatic and requires no intervention from the driver. We found that CATS does a great job of filtering out road vibration and rough surfaces without isolating the driver from the road. With it, the car feels unflappable in the corners without riding like a race-prepared sports sedan on city streets.

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Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 6:47:08 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The Truth About Cars.com Dec. 2007

Back in ’03, Jag’s chassis engineers realized they’d let the side down in the grace department, and set about reclaiming their brand’s dynamic heritage. At the front, unequal length wishbones now minimise track and camber changes, while the sedan's forged aluminium upper A-frame incorporates two fluid-block bushes and an integral ball joint for added refinement. The upper control arm axis is also inclined, providing improved anti-dive characteristics under heavy braking. Or so I'm told.

I’ll say this about that: the outgoing S-Type offers the finest ride in its class. Potholes, broken pavement and other egregious surface imperfections are dismissed with brand-faithful imperious ease. The S-Type’s magic carpet ride renders the car a perfect long distance executive commuter (save for its 121mph top end) and a suitable Town Car [sic] for ladies who lunch. The well judged variable ratio rack and pinion system handles either chore with equal aplomb.

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Jagexpert2 - 12/27/2007 6:53:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Yahoo cars

Jaguar chassis engineers have a reputation as some of the industrys best and their expertise is immediately apparent in the S-TYPE. Ride quality is class-leading, bumps and ruts barely affecting the cars creamy composure.

Ok I hope thats enough to prove the point I could go on

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Jagexpert2 - 12/28/2007 10:37:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Naughtier Kitty: 2009 Jaguar XFR goes hunting M5s and E63s

By Matt Stone

Jaguar has gone outside the box with nearly every aspect of the XF. Its look is fresh and bold. The interior design and technology are anything but retro. Unlike its competitors from Germany, there's no six-cylinder "base" model sold in the U.S. Perhaps trying to focus more beginner buyers toward the updated-for-2008 X-Type, you'll find no fewer than eight cylinders beneath an XF bonnet.

Buy-in begins with the aforementioned 4.2-liter, 300-horsepower V-8. The XF Supercharged ups the ante to the same blown, 4.2-liter, 420-horsepower V-8 currently huffing away in the performance-minded XKR coupe/convertible and XJR sedan. But BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz offer their midsize sport/lux four-doors with 450 to 500 horses. So that's where Jag is headed with the XFR.

Jagexpert2 - 12/28/2007 10:38:51 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_0803_2009_jaguar_xfr/

Fastonekiller read the whole article here. I do try to back up my claims with real source. You gotta give me that.

Jagexpert2 - 12/29/2007 4:49:04 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Dude put your money away. I am just saying that the car should be at least competitive.
As well, like I said earlier the 5.0 liter engine was just tested at 470BHP out of the crate so if they don't de-tune it 600BHP is a real possibility with the blower. 500BHP without it

Jag_xfr - 12/28/2007 1:00:17 PM

+1 Boost

This new Jag XF will blow the competition away, it really is that good!!!

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AMGZING_fanboy - 12/28/2007 3:59:00 PM

0 Boost

I think it looks like a ford mondeo, IMO. but i do like the interior

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FerrarisR4me - 12/28/2007 10:33:11 PM

+1 Boost

I was never too impressed w/ the front, but as I keep looking at it, it grows on me. No doubt the rest of the car is gorgeous. I've always wondered why Jags were such niche vehicles. I think they have a much better balance then MBs or BMWs. It is a great combo of lux and sport. Only problem is no stick. I'll take mine in black w/ some black rims and the supercharger.

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FerrarisR4me - 12/28/2007 10:49:26 PM

+2 Boost

Also, and I know I'm in the real small minority here, but I actually liked the styling of the S-Type. As a car it was actually pretty nice underneath the skin. It started out kind of crappy, but through the years as Jag kept updating it, it turned out to be a good one.

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cdoke - 12/28/2007 11:37:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Ferraris,

You aren't alone in that thought- I agree. I think the latest model with the Ian Callum modified front grille added a much needed depth to the vehicle. I find the latest iteration S-type it quite unique. There is something about the XF that does not seem quite as unique- which is a shame. Of course, I have not yet seen it in person, so we shall see on that count.

TheGenius - 12/29/2007 12:07:13 AM

+1 Boost

In the early 80s my neighbors had two XJs and while both were sometimes in the shop at the same time (scary), I still dreamt of owning Jags at some point in the future, but now that's a distant memory. I still believe XJs' suspensions for sheer ride quality (bad roads, smooth roads, handling etc..) was better than all new stuff (adjustable air, active etc..) we have these days..I would love a real life comparison to prove it to myself though... I loved the beautiful, simple but classic/traditional design of the 80s XJ (6 or 12), but looking at the XF, I'm not inspired. The styling of the XF is clean, but it lacks the presence you expect in a Jag. The front is non-descript and reminds you of a Mondeo. The rear is a bit better but seems like an Aston Martin copy. Side profile - Almost any japanese mid-size sedan (I know Ian Callum worked at Aston and Ford so that may explain some similarities..but you don't expect to yawn when you look at a Jag). More important, will this car ignite a buying frenzy and electrify Jaguar's slumping sales? I don't think so. Its too generic.. (jags were known for poise, class and sheer beauty /design). As a result, they offered an alternative to say Benz or BMW that was typically not performance based...more emotion and soul than anything tire smoking or 1.1G cornering. Another question, When was the last time a jag was even considered in a test against Audi BMW or Benz and how well did it fare? What does this new one offer over an Audi, Benz, BMW or Lexus? Nothing really!!!!..this has way less presence than the current accord..and that's not good for a Jag.. I hope Tata will push through something radical..
Competition in the Luxury market is intense so this garden variety design is not what you would expect from a company about to go on life support. Jag needs a cutting edge head turner like an Merc CLS, Audi R8 or Alfa Romeo 8C competizione to get back into the game...

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I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/30/2007 7:01:39 PM

0 Boost

TheGenius

I agree with you 100 %

Like i said in my earlier post, there is no way for me to justify an XF Purchase over a purchase of the Facelifted 5-Series or CLS.

I understand that in the USA the 5-Series does not come with the M-Sport Trim but here even the 520d variants are ordered with the M-Sport Kit and it looks much better IMO than the XF, not to mention the CLS which again with the Sport Package you get the Complete AMG Kit, including Wheels, Suspension & Interior.

Now go look up both of these cars in the UK websites with the M-Sport or AMG Kit and tell me why the XF is a better purchase?

Jagexpert: that question was for you.

Jagexpert2 - 12/29/2007 11:49:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Remember the XF was signed off on way before the C-XF was ever built. I think that you will see more of the C-XF themes in the new XJ but that's just speculation

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Jagexpert2 - 12/31/2007 2:20:22 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

as for your question. You have yet to see the XF-R package. So lets just wait. OK

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