What! A new pussycat?!
July 11th 2009 13:07
Thanks to American car nut Jay Leno and possibly the yummiest mummy of them all, Elle McPherson, the world has finally been privy to the all new Jaguar XJ series!
Just launched in Charles Saatchi’s gallery to an invited audience of beautiful people, what does it do for the rest of us who didn’t get the free bubbly? Let’s forget all the glitz and the undoubted glamour of Ms McPherson for a minute, what exactly is the new Jag, is it a giant step forward or has TATA just pussy footed around?
To start with, I do admire Jags, from afar mostly, because any experiences I have been involved with has normally been associated with very LARGE expenditure!
To me, the older style XJ, like, pick one (any one!) from the last forty years, was unique. There was no other sedan that looked or felt like a Jaguar. Cosy cosseting interiors went hand in hand with that classic low slung shape to provide a car unlike any other. Compare one to an Mercedes Benz E or S Class from a similar time and it is like parking the Bismarck next to a Wally speedboat!
Anyway the all new shiny one is different. On initially viewing, it is a far more modern design than the outgoing model, which if you squinted still bore an amazing resemblance to the 1968 original, not that heritage is a bad thing, but growing old is!
Influenced by the XF, the big Cat is unlike previous XJs in that it lacks visual links to older models. The roof treatment is unusual in that it has a full length glass panel, I hope the air conditioning is up to the task, as rush hour on a summer’s day in say Sydney or Los Angeles will become a test of man and machinery! Bring hats, sunscreen and drinks folks!
Due for release early next year, the XJ will be available in two wheelbase lengths and will be available with the super economical V6 diesel engine and the choice of three V8’s! The top of the range has lost the coveted R designation and will henceforth be known as “Supersport” which is fitting for a limo with 470hp under the bonnet!
British racing green please!
Just launched in Charles Saatchi’s gallery to an invited audience of beautiful people, what does it do for the rest of us who didn’t get the free bubbly? Let’s forget all the glitz and the undoubted glamour of Ms McPherson for a minute, what exactly is the new Jag, is it a giant step forward or has TATA just pussy footed around?
To start with, I do admire Jags, from afar mostly, because any experiences I have been involved with has normally been associated with very LARGE expenditure!
To me, the older style XJ, like, pick one (any one!) from the last forty years, was unique. There was no other sedan that looked or felt like a Jaguar. Cosy cosseting interiors went hand in hand with that classic low slung shape to provide a car unlike any other. Compare one to an Mercedes Benz E or S Class from a similar time and it is like parking the Bismarck next to a Wally speedboat!
Anyway the all new shiny one is different. On initially viewing, it is a far more modern design than the outgoing model, which if you squinted still bore an amazing resemblance to the 1968 original, not that heritage is a bad thing, but growing old is!
Influenced by the XF, the big Cat is unlike previous XJs in that it lacks visual links to older models. The roof treatment is unusual in that it has a full length glass panel, I hope the air conditioning is up to the task, as rush hour on a summer’s day in say Sydney or Los Angeles will become a test of man and machinery! Bring hats, sunscreen and drinks folks!
Due for release early next year, the XJ will be available in two wheelbase lengths and will be available with the super economical V6 diesel engine and the choice of three V8’s! The top of the range has lost the coveted R designation and will henceforth be known as “Supersport” which is fitting for a limo with 470hp under the bonnet!
British racing green please!
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