What it is:The XF replaces the poor-selling Jaguar S-type,which went on sale in the U.S in 1999.
Why it's important:Jaguar is up to its neck in hot water,especially in the U.S,where its grand sales plan failed to materialize-at current rates,the company could conceivably sell fewer than 20,000 vehicles in 2007,down from 54,655 in 2003.
Platform:The current S-type sits on the DEW98 arhitecture that was shared with the dearly departed Lincoln LS.The XF will use a further updated version of this platform,whish was heavily reworked for the 2003 model year.
Powertrain:The S-type currently comes with a 235-hp,3,0-liter V-6, a naturally aspired 300-hp V-8,or a supercharged 400-hp,4.2-liter V-8-all mated to six-speed automatics.The XF will be fitted with midly updated versions of the existing V-8,a3,5-liter V-6,and a supercharged 5,0-liter direct-injection V-8 in the range-topping supercharged R model.Expect it to make about 500 horsepower.
Noteworthy technology:The 5.0 liter V-8 is new but based loosely on the AJ-V8 engine tht also used on Land Rovers.
Competition:Audi A6 and A7,BMW 5-series,Infiniti M35/45,Lexus GS,Mercedes E-class and CLS-class.
What might go wrong:THe XF's dramatically edgy styling might alienate traditional jaguar owners.But as sales demonstrate,those buyers are dwindling lot anyway.
Estimated arrival and costs:Production is to begon later this year for sale next spring.Expect prices to start in the high $40,000s ad top out in the mid-$70,000s for the R.
