And although launched only a year ago, the XF has already collected a sizeable number of global accolades, such as the What Car? Car of the Year and Auto Express Car of the Year in the UK, Popular Mechanics Best Luxury Vehicle and a privileged place on Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars for 2009 in the US. These honours are recognition of a car that combines innovation with leading edge design. Contemporary, individual and beautifully crafted, with excellent performance, refined powertrains and outstanding driving dynamics, the XF pushes the boundaries of Jaguar’s new design language. It is also an unequivocally modern car that makes intelligent use of advanced technology and as a result has accelerated Jaguar’s acceptance to a much broader audience.
Now Jaguar has moved the game on again. The highlights of the new 2010 model year XF, (available to customers from March 2009, dependent on model and market) are a new flagship – the stunning, supercharged XFR – two all-new V8 petrol engines, new V6 diesel engines and significant trim and specification changes. The new engines are the most advanced and most efficient that Jaguar has ever produced.
The new XFR is the first XF to carry the ‘R’ badge, which defines Jaguar’s most performance-focused models:
- Powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre engine – the AJ-V8 Gen III R – developing 510PS and 625Nm of torque.
- Compared to its supercharged 4.2-litre V8 predecessor, power has increased by 23 percent and torque has increased by 12 percent.
- The new direct-injection engine gives the XFR a 0-60mph time of only 4.7 seconds (0-100kph in 4.9 seconds). More relevant in everyday driving, an excellent indicator of the XFR’s great flexibility is the time it takes to accelerate from 50-70mph – just 1.9 seconds.
- This level of performance is achieved with comparable fuel economy and better emissions than the previous 4.2-litre engine.
- The new engine also meets EU Stage 5 and US ULEV II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions regulations.
The new XFR and high-performance XF diesels demonstrate Jaguar’s commitment to delivering exhilarating performance and outstanding dynamics for the driving enthusiast – the ‘Fast’ part of the Jaguar ethos of designing, engineering and manufacturing ‘Beautiful, Fast Cars’.
Unique new XFR styling for sporting expression
The enhanced exterior styling of the XFR moves those sporting credentials on even further, to deliver the ultimate expression of Jaguar’s new saloon car design language - carrying a number of visual design cues that are intrinsic to Jaguar’s ‘R’ car philosophy. Its unique front-end design has a larger lower grille with new black-finished mesh, plus chrome outboard air intakes. The upper mesh grille retains XF’s bright finish, while the bonnet carries distinctive louvres, like those on the XKR sports car.
The XFR also features bold new sill extensions, while the rear bumper adds a unique body-coloured lower valance panel incorporating the ‘R’ signature of four large, bright-finished tail pipes. The new bootlid spoiler has a significant aerodynamic effect. Developed in conjunction with the new front bumper design, it further improves the XFR’s front/rear lift balance, and therefore its high-speed stability. A new exterior mirror design also offers aerodynamic improvements, plus improved functionality with its LED side repeaters.
The XFR’s sporting character is clearly apparent in the 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels. It is the only car in its class to offer this size of wheel as standard specification. Those twin-seven-spoke wheels bear the wording ‘Jaguar Supercharged’ embossed around their centres, and are wrapped tightly around silver-grey brake callipers, which carry the evocative ‘R’ logo. The R badge also appears on the right-hand side of the boot lid drop panel, to complete the XFR’s external visual identity.
The new XFR is offered with a select palette of just eight exterior colours: Ultimate Black, Indigo, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Porcelain, Botanical Green, Kyanite Blue and Salsa. All except Salsa and Porcelain are metallic colours and, within the XF range, Salsa and Kyanite Blue are unique to XFR. For each colour – as across the entire XF range – Jaguar suggests a ‘Designer’s Choice’ of the leather trim colours that best complement each body colour and the Warm Charcoal upper facia that is standard on every XFR.
The interior design theme is modern and individual. The cabin environment is uniquely Jaguar and in the XFR more details hint at the car’s performance. A full soft grain leather interior is standard, with four colour choices – Warm Charcoal, Warm Charcoal/Red Zone, Warm Charcoal/London Tan, and Ivory. A new Dark Oak veneer is the standard finish for the XFR’s wood-trimmed areas. New 18x14-way adjustable sports seats have electrically adjustable squab bolsters for significantly improved support at higher cornering speeds. Each XFR seat has the ‘R’ logo embossed on its squab and the front seats have leather seat-back map pockets.
The fascia introduces a unique, dark mesh aluminium finish, and another discreet ‘R’ badge on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The speedometer and tachometer have the unique sporting signature of red dial pointers, and carry the ‘Supercharged’ motif. And at start-up, the ‘R’ logo appears on the Touch-screen as part of the XFR ‘driver handshake’ sequence.
User-friendly driver aids
The XF is a car packed with user-friendly technologies. Features that distinguish it include full shift-by-wire transmission controlled by the JaguarDrive Selector™; cruise control with Automatic Speed Limiter; an optional radar-based Blind Spot Monitor that warns the driver when there is another vehicle nearby in a different lane; and XF’s optional Rear Camera Parking Aid, which provides a clear view of the area behind the car on the colour Touch-screen while reversing. This is now upgraded with on-screen guidance lines that move according to steering wheel angle to indicate the area into which the car will reverse.
A significant number of other enhancements have been made above and beyond the impressive features in the 2008 XF:
- A new navigation system which includes turn-by-turn instructions in the message centre, clearly indicating the route with a combination of junction icon, distance countdown details, and the street or road name.
- For diesel models, Jaguar’s new diesel mis-fuelling prevention device is fitted as standard.
- An Acoustic Laminated Windscreen is fitted as standard on every XF.
- Multi-way adjustable power seats are standard on all models, with the option of ventilated heated and cooled seats and heated steering wheel.
The XF’s impressive audio range is topped by an exclusive optional sound system, the Bowers & Wilkins 440W system with Dolby® ProLogic® II surround sound and no fewer than 14 speakers. And the XF’s Portable Audio Interface allows simple, direct connection of iPod® and MP3 players with full control via the Touch-screen or steering wheel controls.
JaguarSense™ allows touch-sensitive operation for the glovebox release and interior lights – and those lights feature soft, Phosphor Blue interior mood lighting with Halo illumination around key switch packs to ensure easy and positive night-time operation. The new XF also adds Digital Radio and Digital/Analogue Hybrid TV reception as options – the Digital Radio options now include DAB radio across Europe and Sirius Satellite or HD radio options for North America.
The most advanced Jaguar V8 engines ever
The supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that powers the new XFR is Jaguar’s new flagship engine, but it is only half of the petrol engine story – a naturally-aspirated version of the all-new engine brings additional advanced technologies and performance to other models in the XF range.
Generations of powerful yet refined engines have played a crucial role over the years in establishing the unique character of Jaguar cars. Now, two all-new direct-injection 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines continue that tradition for the XF, delivering increased power and torque with improved emissions and comparable fuel consumption: the 510PS AJ-V8 Gen III R supercharged and the 385PS naturally aspirated AJ-V8 Gen III.
Light, robust and very strong
The all-new 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines are built around a stiff, all-new, aluminium block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. For the first time at Jaguar the blocks are high-pressure die-cast, providing a superior finish and greater dimensional accuracy. The engines use aluminium heads, with four valves per cylinder and strong, spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and forged steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads for the first time are specified with a secondary (recycled) aluminium alloy, reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.
The new 5.0-litre V8 engines are more compact than their predecessors. Overall engine length has been reduced by 24mm by relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture. This length reduction improves engine bay packaging in support of enhanced safety cell performance while ensuring overall engine weight is virtually unchanged.
Jaguar’s all-new direct-injection petrol V8s have been designed using the expertise of powertrain engineers at Jaguar’s product development centre at Whitley, Coventry, UK.
The results are clear to see. Performance has been increased by 29 percent and 23 percent (87PS and 94PS) on both naturally aspirated and supercharged engines yet both meet EU5 and US ULEV2 emissions regulations. Despite the significant increases in power, CO2 emissions of the naturally aspirated engine are the same as the outgoing 4.2-litre V8, and the supercharged engine produces lower CO2 emissions than its predecessor.
Direct injection – power with economy
One of the key features of the new petrol engines is an industry-first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar directly to the cylinder. This substantially contributes to improved low-speed, dynamic response. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the centre of the combustion chamber, maximising air-fuel mixing, and improving combustion control. Fuel is delivered via twin, high-pressure fuel pumps that are driven via an auxiliary shaft in the all-new engine block.
The charge-cooling effects of the direct-injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio of the naturally aspirated engine to be raised to 11.5:1, further improving the engine economy. The supercharged engine also benefits from an increase from 9.1:1 on the previous 4.2-litre version to 9.5:1.
During the engine warm-up phase, the combustion system employs multiple injection mode strategies to deliver 50 percent more heat for fast catalyst warm-up and substantially reduced emissions.
Torque-actuated Variable Camshaft Timing improves efficiency
A new type of variable camshaft timing system (VCT) introduces another new technology. The four VCT units are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead of by oil pressure. This has allowed the engine oil pump to be reduced in size, saving energy and reducing fuel consumption.
VCT units work independently on all four camshafts with 62 degrees of authority on the inlet cams and 50 degrees of authority on the exhaust cams. Timing is optimised by the engine control unit for torque, power and economy at every point in the engine’s speed range.
The response rate of the new VCT units is up to three times faster than before, with actuation rates in excess of 150 degrees per second. This delivers a more immediate engine response to the driver’s demand.
The naturally aspirated engine is also equipped with camshaft profile switching (CPS) on the inlet camshaft. Depending on the engine’s running conditions and the demands of the driver, the CPS will switch between a profile that is ideal for low-speed driving, and another which gives increased valve lift for high performance.
Variable Inlet Manifold optimises torque through the rev range
A new variable inlet manifold (VIM) can vary the length of its eight inlet tracts to optimise power and torque throughout the rev range on the naturally aspirated engine. Vacuum-operated actuators open valves to select a longer, 680mm inlet tract at low revs, increasing the rate of both the airflow and the engine torque. As the revs climb beyond 4700rpm, the actuators select a shorter, 350mm path allowing a greater volume of air into the engine to optimise engine power. The actuator position is optimised by the engine control unit for improved torque throughout the engine speed range.
Improved efficiency through new technology
Minimising internal friction is key to improving fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and as such was a key aim when it came to the design of the engines. As a result, the new Jaguar AJ-V8 Gen III engines achieve another best in class, setting a new industry benchmark for cranktrain efficiency.
All engine bearings were the subject of an extensive optimisation programme, reducing friction without compromising reliability. Diamond-Like Carbon Coating (DLC) has been used to reduce friction on the fuel pump tappets and a solid film lubricant has been used to coat the piston skirts.
Jaguar has developed a unique, intelligent oil-pump pressure relief valve (PRV) which senses oil pressure deep in the engine’s oil galleries to control the oil pump delivery. As a result, oil pump frictional losses are reduced during the warm-up period. New engine oil has a lower viscosity, contributing to an extension in service intervals from 10,000 miles to 15,000 miles or 12 months. Both V8 engines are now fitted with an electronic oil level sensor feature for added peace of mind.
Unique, Jaguar sound quality
Sound quality is a key characteristic of all Jaguars and is one particular aspect that customers relish. With that in mind, Jaguar engineers have deliberately accentuated the acoustic feedback into the cabin in order to further increase driving pleasure.
The XFR has received special attention to deliver the required V8 intake sound character commonly absent on supercharged engines. Intake manifold pressure pulsations are fed into an acoustic filter at the rear of the engine that is tuned to “tenor C”, with the output from the filter ducted into the cabin. The filter is controlled by the engine management system which allows the acoustics to enter the cabin only under certain conditions, such as when the engine is accelerating hard, thus maintaining the desired sound quality at all times.
New supercharger optimises power
A sixth-generation, twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger is fitted to the XFR’s 510PS engine. It is a compact Roots-type unit, feeding air through twin intercoolers, which in turn are water-cooled by their own discreet cooling circuit. The high helix rotor design improves the supercharger thermodynamic efficiency by 16 percent. It also improves noise quality to the point where the unit is now virtually inaudible (making supercharger whine a thing of the past). The intercoolers reduce the temperature of the pressurised intake-air and so optimise power and efficiency.
The new air intake has been radically redesigned compared to the previous V8. The intake air path is a direct feed to the supercharger inlet from the centrally mounted front throttle body. Air is delivered through twin air boxes, which reduce flow loss and further increase efficiency.
Mechanically, the new supercharger and its intercoolers are efficiently packaged in the ‘V‘ of the engine to deliver a low overall engine height in support of pedestrian safety requirements.
Advanced six-speed transmissions
The all-new 5.0-litre AJ-V8 Gen III and the 3.0-litre diesel AJ-V6 D Gen III engines transmit power through an enhanced version of Jaguar’s acclaimed ZF 6HP28 electronically controlled, six-speed transmission. Additional clutch plates and an uprated torque converter have been added for the supercharged V8 to facilitate the extra power.
The transmission has a fully-adaptive shift system which delivers extremely smooth gear changes and optimises performance and economy at all times. The Jaguar Sequential Shift™ suffers no torque interrupt resulting in a smoother more powerful shift feel and an almost instantaneous shift from the time the driver touches the shift paddle to the completion of the shift event. It also continually adapts to suit driving style, which can vary from sporting to more economical. The ‘mechatronic’ control module incorporated inside the transmission includes the software for the semi-automatic Jaguar Sequential Shift™ function, selected when the driver operates either of the two steering-wheel paddles.
The high levels of torque produced by the new engines make it possible for the torque converter lock-up feature of the transmission to be used even at low speeds, without slip. This approach provides competitive fuel consumption, contributing to the official combined fuel economy of 22.5mpg (12.5l/100km) in the XFR and 25.4mpg (11.1l/100km) in the naturally aspirated V8-powered XF. The advanced design of the transmission includes a torsional damper to absorb firing impulses from the engine, further smoothing the driveline. The transmission is designed to be maintenance-free and the fluid is ‘filled-for-life.’
Driving Dynamics
The headline advances made by Jaguar’s new engines are hugely significant and impressive. They take Jaguar’s philosophy of ‘intelligent power’ to another new level and that means instant responses, seamless power and smooth, refined performance with comparable fuel economy and better emissions – all thanks to intelligent use of the most advanced technologies. And, of course, in XFR guise, it makes for the quickest XF yet.
Allied to a class-leading automatic transmission featuring Jaguar’s lightning-quick Sequential Shift system and advanced technologies such as the new Active Differential Control and Adaptive Dynamics, the XFR offers an exhilarating driving experience, yet one that is still accessible to everyone.”
In line with the additional performance, XFR adopts the largest brakes fitted to the XF range, with 380mm diameter internally ventilated front discs. XFR’s unique 20-inch wheels and tyres were specifically chosen to enhance the dynamic character of the car, and in particular to optimise wet weather grip.
Jaguar’s Emergency Brake Assist is standard on XF and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is now available as an option all models. Advanced Emergency Brake Assist is a new attribute of the ACC system on the new 3.0 V6 diesel and 5.0 V8 petrol models; it uses the ACC radar to calculate distance from and speed of approach to the vehicle ahead and pre-charges the brake-line pressure to minimise impact speed if a collision is predicted – as well as giving an audible warning to the driver.
To improve handling and steering responses, the XFR is fitted with a ‘fast ratio’ steering rack, and additionally benefits from the further improved front-to-rear aerodynamic balance offered by a new boot lid spoiler and deeper front bumper. This is a significant gain as XF’s lift balance was already best in class, and its low overall aerodynamic drag coefficient of only 0.29Cd contributes to both low wind noise and inherent high-speed stability.
The XF’s body shell is already extremely stiff - in fact the stiffest in its class. This is key to the XF delivering superb ride and handling based on taut body control and precise, responsive steering. The bodyshell for the new XF 2010 Model Year is even stiffer, thanks to a new rear subframe and the adoption of a boot cross-brace that was previously only fitted to the XF SV8 supercharged model.
Latest computer-controlled suspension and differential
The biggest changes in chassis dynamics for the XFR, however, come from two new advanced technologies, Adaptive Dynamics and Active Differential Control, which are both incorporated as standard.
Active Differential Control (ADC) with traction-only functionality and handling functionality is an electronically controlled alternative to the traditional, wholly mechanical differential, offering more subtle control strategies.
ADC can vary its locking torque (and therefore the proportion of torque to each driven rear wheel) depending on surface conditions and power applied. Its control strategies optimise traction at each wheel, improving acceleration on low-grip surfaces while also enhancing cornering ability.
ADC has no adverse effect on either refinement or stability – where the traditional, mechanical differential can compromise stability under hard applications of power, demanding more corrective input from the driver. Whereas a mechanical differential is a permanently active part of the drivetrain, the XFR’s new ADC system is switched off when not required, so does not create undesirable understeer and creates no issues with NVH at lower speeds.
The differential is operated by an internal electric motor and ‘ball-and-ramp’ mechanism, and contains a multiplate clutch, which transmits or ‘vectors’ torque to the wheel with most grip. The multi-plate clutch assembly is designed to prevent excessive differential slip, but differs fundamentally from a conventional traction control which uses the brakes to counteract slip after it has occurred.
Continuously variable damping
Adaptive Dynamics, which replaces Jaguar’s proven Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) on the XFR, is a highly sophisticated active damping system which automatically adjusts suspension damper settings to suit both road conditions and the way in which the car is being driven. By removing the need for compromise between a fixed, softer setting for ride comfort and a fixed, firmer setting for tauter body control and handling, Adaptive Dynamics allows the balance between ride and handling to be optimised whatever the circumstances. Unlike earlier systems with only a small number of steps in the damper settings, it offers a progressively variable damping strategy between wide extremes, to deliver a comfortable but sporty ride with impressively sharp handling.
The three primary functions of Adaptive Dynamics are to control vertical movement, roll rate and pitch rate of the body. It does this by analysing induced body motions one hundred times a second, and setting each damper to an appropriate level in order to maintain a constant and level body attitude, thereby optimising control without compromising ride. Also one hundred times a second, it predicts the roll-rate due to steering inputs, and selectively increases damping forces to reduce that roll-rate – improving feel and driver confidence – as well as analysing fore and aft pitch rate due to throttle and braking inputs, and again varies damping forces to reduce pitch, further improving comfort and control.
Additionally, Adaptive Dynamics improves ride by monitoring wheel position 500 times a second and automatically increasing damping rate as the suspension approaches the limits of its travel. Similarly, it controls wheel ‘hop’ by varying damping to move any wheel out of a natural bouncing frequency, again benefiting ride comfort, handling, and even grip.
XFR also features Handling Functionality, which is unique in this class. In conjunction with the DSC Off option and JaguarDrive Control™ with Dynamic Mode, this supplements all the advantages of Traction Only Functionality with a number of more driver-focused dynamic characteristics. When selected, Dynamic Mode (which is also standard on the new naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 petrol and new 3.0-litre V6 diesel models) modifies the throttle, stability and transmission parameters, and on XFR only it also modifies the Adaptive Dynamics responses. The combination of ADC and Dynamic mode with DSC Off allows controllable power-on oversteer, and improves off-throttle stability, allowing quicker, more spirited cornering. It can also improve stability in situations such as an emergency lane-change manoeuvre at high speed and, in combination with DSC, reduce the brake interventions which the more enthusiastic driver might see as intrusive.
So, working with DSC, the TCS traction control system and ABS braking function, ADC can significantly improve overall vehicle performance, and provide even more precise driving feel. Together with its very high performance potential, that is what defines the new XFR as a perfect home for Jaguar’s ‘R’ philosophy, and the sportiest of all XF models.
New high-performance, high-efficiency V6 diesels
Two new 3.0-litre parallel sequential twin-turbo commonrail diesels, producing either 240PS or for the Diesel S version 275PS, are added to the XF engine range. The new AJ-V6D Gen III engines will cut Jaguar’s CO2 footprint while setting new benchmarks in their respective classes. Both engines exemplify Jaguar’s reputation for innovation and engineering excellence; exhaustive attention to detail and the introduction of new cutting- edge technologies having produced powerplants of unparalleled performance and efficiency.
The 275PS, 600Nm engine invigorates the XF’s acceleration and top speed, with the 0-60mph time reduced to just 5.9 seconds, a 50-70mph time of just 3.2 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. The 240PS, 500Nm version also improves on the previous 2.7-litre model with a 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds, a 50-70mph time of just 3.7 seconds (only half a second slower than the 275PS Diesel S model) and a top speed of 149mph.
Drawing on the considerable experience gained in designing the original, acclaimed 2.7-litre engine, the new 3.0-litre V6 diesels demonstrate that it is possible to deliver improved performance, while reducing CO2 emissions. In the XF, the new engine produces 12 percent less CO2 than the 2.7-litre while power has increased by 33 percent in Diesel S guise. As well as tackling CO2, the new 3.0-litre meets the forthcoming EU5 regulations, due to come into force at the start of 2011. And these great performance leaps are achieved with combined average fuel consumption in both models of 42.0mpg – an improvement on the 2.7-litre engine of more than 10 percent.
Twin-turbos - maximum efficiency, instant response
A key feature of the new engine is the unique, parallel sequential turbocharger system, the first of its type to be fitted to a V-engine anywhere in the world. Delivering high torque throughout the entire engine rev range, improved throttle response and low CO2 emissions, the twin-turbochargers work sequentially to deliver unrivalled response and best-in-class torque at low engine speeds, while packing a huge punch at higher engine speeds.
For most day-to-day driving, including motorway cruising, a responsive, variable-geometry primary turbocharger does all the work while the smaller, fixed-geometry, secondary turbo is dormant, saving energy and improving efficiency. When the engine revs climb above 2800rpm, the secondary turbo is brought on line within 300 milliseconds, smoothly and seamlessly boosting the engine output with no discernible turbo-lag or power-step.
Driving a turbocharger requires pressure from the exhaust, creating pumping losses in the engine and increasing fuel consumption. To alleviate this, valves under the control of the engine management system isolate the secondary turbocharger both from the exhaust stream and the engine inlet tract when it is not required.
Some twin-turbo systems rely on a smaller turbo for primary use, only using a larger turbo when higher power is required. Though effective, this has the disadvantage of raised exhaust pressure and increased pumping losses. The system in the new XF uses a larger, variable-geometry turbocharger more of the time, which not only reduces pumping losses, but also improves fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Jaguar engineers have particularly focussed on the issue of turbocharger ‘lag’ at low engine speeds. The new AJ-V6D Gen III 3.0-litre diesel significantly out-performs its rivals in this respect by delivering 500Nm of torque in only 500 milliseconds from idle.
Third-generation commonrail
A new commonrail fuel-injection system delivers up to five diesel injections on each cycle at a pressure of 2000bar. Each injector tip is perforated by seven holes through which finely atomised fuel is sprayed into the cylinders. The high-pressure injection increases power, improves economy and reduces both CO2 and particulate emissions. New, third-generation high-speed piezo injectors allow up to five precise injection events during each combustion cycle, minimising engine combustion noise.
Piezo crystal ‘packs’ operate each injector by expanding when an electric current is passed through them. They react virtually instantaneously but can make a distinctive click when fired, which can add to diesel engine noise at idle. This doesn’t happen with the new AJ-V6D Gen III : the crystals in Jaguar’s new injectors are fitted nearer to the tip meaning they are mounted deeper inside the engine, providing better sound insulation and quieter operation.
Another new feature of the third-generation fuel-injection system is the metering mode. Traditional diesel commonrail fuel pumps oversupply the injectors, with the surplus being returned to the fuel tank. During this process, fuel temperature increases and cooling it again consumes considerable amounts of energy. In metering mode, the pump delivers fuel to the injectors only at the rate required. Consequentially, there is no rise in fuel temperature and no wasted energy.
Compact, light and clean
The two cylinder heads, with four valves per cylinder, are made from aluminium and the cylinder block is made from compact graphite iron (CGI). The higher tensile strength of CGI makes it possible to cast a smaller block; some 80mm shorter than a conventional ‘grey’ cast iron equivalent.
The new, water-cooled, exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) – important for reducing pumping losses and emissions of NOx in a diesel engine – is more efficient than the 2.7-litre unit. The valves that allow exhaust gas into the system are located on the ‘hot side’ of the engine nearest the exhaust manifolds; these valves never cool while the engine is running, so there is no condensation of combustion deposits which occurs on engines fitted with ‘cold side’ valves, hence the EGR system always works at maximum efficiency. Since the EGR cooling is so effective, exhaust gasses can bypass the system and return to the exhaust pipes, allowing faster warm-up from start-up and reducing emissions still further.
EU5 emissions regulations have been achieved ahead of the 2011 legislative timetable using conventional diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters (DPFs). NOx levels are reduced at source through the combustion system design, the addition of the new commonrail injection system and the new EGR system with by-pass. As a result, specialised NOx exhaust after-treatment is unnecessary, avoiding the need to use additional precious metals in the exhaust system.
Remarkably quiet for a diesel
The CGI cylinder block and new piezo injector design reduce combustion noise in the new engine. Multiple, precise injections of fuel on the combustion stroke also reduce combustion noise and all engine covers including camshaft covers, front covers and the sump have been optimised to subdue radiated noise. Engine enclosures have been ribbed to minimise radiated noise and the sump pan is manufactured from sound deadening steel (SDS), comprising a polymer layer sandwiched between two layers of steel.
Internal friction, a major contributor to unnecessary fuel consumption, has been addressed by careful optimisation of the crankshaft, valves and pistons. All these features combine to make the new Jaguar AJ-V6D Gen III engines amongst the quietest premium diesels on the market today.
A major step forward
In summary, with its parallel sequential turbocharger system, third-generation common rail fuel injection system and fully optimised EGR system, the new 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III diesel excels when it comes to power, response and refinement in the premium diesel segment.
The new XF Portfolio
An XF Portfolio is about taking the details that define luxury a little further. Every XF is designed to make its owner feel special. Every XF combines the practical appeal of refinement and space with the emotional appeal of luxurious interiors, intelligently chosen features and exceptional craftsmanship.
The new Portfolio option offers the most luxurious XF specification, and is available with the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, the naturally aspirated version of the new 5.0-litre petrol V8 and both versions (500 and 600Nm), of the new 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines. As well as offering all the specification of the Premium Luxury level, the Portfolio is subtly distinguished by the following additional features:
- New 19-inch Artura alloy wheels.
- 16-way by 12-way actively ventilated heated and cooled front seats, with leather seat back map pockets.
- Luxurious Suedecloth premium headlining.
- Contrast colour twin-needle stitching on the door top-rolls and instrument panel.
- Premium carpet mats with contrast edge binding and embroidered Jaguar logos.
- A wider choice of veneers – four in total – including a new unique Figured Ebony.
- An extended colour palette, all giving greater customer choice and opportunity for personalisation.
- Five interior colour combinations include two that are unique to the Portfolio – all of them featuring distinctive contrast stitching.
Beyond the performance and luxury alternatives of the XFR and Portfolio models, the new 2010 Model Year XF also offers distinctive new identifying details, including new alloy wheel styles. The 20-inch Nevis wheel is unique to XFR, while the new 19-inch Artura wheel is available in two optional finishes, depending on market – chromed, as an option in North America, or painted as an option for all markets.
Extended service intervals (up to 16,000 miles for new 3.0-litre V6 diesel models and 15,000 miles for 5.0 V8 petrol ones) are now monitored by a new Service Interval Indicator. The new petrol and diesel engines provide dipstick-free monitoring with oil level sensing, and XF also now offers a Brake Pad Wear function.
So more than ever, the new XF, XF Portfolio and XFR challenge the rules, delivering that unique Jaguar personality summed up in the two words: ‘Sporting Luxury’. The new XF range offers a superb blend of performance, value and contemporary desirability, all of which means that Jaguar’s acclaimed XF has now moved even further ahead in the sports saloon market.
[Source: Jaguar]
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