Tata Motors unveils the 2010 Jaguar XJ

London:  Mumbai-based Tata Motors unveiled the all new 2010 Jaguar XJ luxury sedan in London with celebrity Jay Leno in attendance. The new XJ is constructed using Jaguar's aerospace-inspired aluminium body technology, and will go on sale in December 2009.

Tata Motors owns the Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

The new XJ's next-generation aluminium body architecture will be available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions.

The sedan will also offer a line up of Generation III gasoline and diesel engines. For the speed kings, a 510-horsepower supercharged V8 will obviously be at the top of the list.

A panoramic glass roof and resulting more streamlined roof line are notable features of the new XJ.

The trim levels include Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio, as well as two high-performance choices, Supercharged and Supersport.

''The new XJ is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the quintessential Jaguar," says Ian Callum, design director, Jaguar Cars. "Its visual impact stems from the elongated teardrop shape of the car's side windows; that powerful stance and its wide track. It is the most emphatic statement yet of Jaguar's new design direction."

Among the electronic goodies, there's a 12.3-inch high-definition Virtual Instruments panel with an 8-inch touchscreen that can provide DVD or TV entertainment for the passenger while the driver uses satellite navigation at the same time. A top-of-the-line Bowers & Wilkins 1,200-watt sound system is another luxury feature of the new XJ.

Though the first XJs are due to reach customers only in early 2010, Jaguar opened the order books on Thursday immediately after the unveiling, along with a dedicated Web site. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel with standard wheelbase version starts at the equivalent of $85,850.

The new Jaguar XJ

• The all new XJ will be available in the US with a choice of three engines – a 5.0 litre 385hp naturally aspirated V8, 5.0 litre 470hp supercharged V8 and a 5.0 litre 510hp supercharged V8. In naturally-aspirated form, the XJ develops 380 lb. ft. of torque. The supercharged versions develop 424 lb. ft. and 461 lb. ft. of torque, respectively.
• The new XJ features both standard and long wheelbase models. The long wheelbase offers an even more sumptuous and refined environment for rear-seat passengers with an additional five inches of legroom while the XJ's trunk features power opening and closing for convenient access to the 15.2 cu. ft. storage space (with standard alloy space saver spare wheel).
• The new Jaguar XJ is constructed using Jaguar's aerospace-inspired aluminium body technology, which makes the XJ at least 300 lbs. lighter over steel body construction; providing benefits to performance, handling and fuel economy, while delivering increased strength, refinement and safety.
• Key driver aids on the new XJ include Adaptive Dynamics (continuously variable damping), Active Differential Control (available only on Supercharged and Supersport), and Sequential Shift System for manual gear selection, with shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel and quick-ratio power steering.
• The new XJ comes standard with a CD/DVD player, HD radio, and a SIRIUS satellite radio receiver. In addition, the Media Hub provides flexible connectivity through two USB ports, Bluetooth audio streaming and an auxiliary input, which allow the user to connect with iPods, iPhones, laptops and Blackberrys.
• A 12.3-inch high-definition screen, which uses sophisticated – and beautifully detailed – Virtual Instruments, provides all of the functions performed by traditional dials.
• A panoramic glass roof is an integral part of the all new XJ's design, enabling the car to have a lower, more streamlined roofline, while dramatically enhancing the feeling of light and space inside.
• The all new Jaguar XJ can be ordered today for delivery in early 2010 and will go on sale in December 2009, with a starting price of $72,500 MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price).

The new XJ model line will include:

• 5.0-litre naturally aspirated XJ and XJL (385hp) with a $72,500 and 79,500 MSRP, respectively
• 5.0-litre XJ and XJL Supercharged (470hp) with an $87,500 and $90,500 MSRP, respectively
• 5.0-litre XJ and XJL Supersport (510hp) with an $112,000 and $115,000 MSRP, respectively