Jaguar XF

Goodbye S-Type, and hello XF

Jaguar has revealed that the much anticipated replacement for the S-Type will be called the XF

Auto Express Car Reviews

New XF name fits in well with rest of Jaguar line-up

By Sam Hardy

04th December 2006

Following the brand's current strategy, the new XF badge sees the mid-sized executive car fit directly into the manufacturer's line-up alongside the XJ flagship luxury saloon and recently launched XK sporting coupé.

It is seen by many as an attempt to herald a fresh start for the BMW 5-Series rival, as it drops all historical associations with 'Type'-badged Big Cats. And it's a deliberate attempt to look to the future, as the name sits more easily with the new car's styling, which drops the S-Type's retro design for a much sharper, more futuristic shape.

"The Jaguar XF is a new sports saloon that will challenge people to think again about Jaguar as daring and different," said Bibiana Boerio, managing director of Jaguar Cars. "We are moving on to the next stage of our exciting new design era - and if you like the fresh XK sports coupé, just wait until you see the XF."

Debuting a bold new look (revealed in Issue 922) and an interior which has been derived from the XK, the XF will use a development of the current car's front-engined, rear-wheel-drive platform. Although overall dimensions will remain the same, a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks will mean more interior space.

The car will be designed at Jaguar's Product Development Centre at Whitley, Coventry, and will be built at the firm's Advanced Manufacturing Centre at Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. Scheduled for a world debut at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the XF will reach showrooms in spring 2008, with entry-level 3.0-litre petrol, 2.7 twin-turbodiesel and 300bhp 4.2 V8 engines.

Jaguar's latest six-speed automatic transmission will also feature, as will the company's Active Exhaust system. Prices will start at just under £30,000.