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The facelift model will receive a makeover that includes a new front fascia with new lights, a redesigned front grille and reshaped bumper, which oddly enough, bring it closer to the original C-XF Concept that previewed the car. The XF will also benefit from tweaks to the interior and the overall quality, the introduction of new tech systems and an upgraded suspension for improved ride and handling.
Perhaps the biggest news for buyers across the pond is the introduction of a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. The oil-burner is a development of the Ford unit found in the Land Rover Freelander and the European-market Ford Mondeo, however, given that the XF is rear wheel drive, it sits in a north-south configuration so Jaguar had to make several changes to the engine.
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Those that opt for the Black Pack will get 20-inch Draco alloys, painted in dark grey, gloss black grille and window surrounds, and a choice of several exterior colors, selected to maximize the car's visual impact.
The Central Motorway Police Group, which patrols motorways across Staffordshire, Mercia and the West Midlands, has bought seven high performance Police-spec XFs. All are based on the Diesel S model that features a 3.0-liter unit churning out 275-horsepower and 443lb-ft of peak torque, while still returning 42mpg UK and a CO2 rating of 179 g/km.
It all began when GM's Bob Lutz challenged some automotive journalists owners (later on the invitation was extended to private owners) to find a stock production sports sedan that could outperform the CTS-V (yes, that's the one with the 556HP supercharged V8) on the track. In other words, Lutz and consequently GM, put their 'car' where their mouth is.The date and the place for the contest was set for Thursday, October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club race track in New York.
One of the automakers that initially accepted Lutz's challenge was Jaguar which was supposed to supply Jalopnik's Wes Siler with an XFR. However, the Indian-owned British automaker had a last-minute change of heart, or as Ray Wert craftily put it, they totally 'pussed out'...
Here's what Stuart Schorr, Jaguar and Land Rover's U.S, PR man told Jalopnik on Tuesday:
"... I was concerned that five hot laps without added brake cooling system could compromise the stopping power and thus create a safety concern for your driver. The car can handle it. The CTS-V is probably the fastest car of the class on the track, whether it's the best car of its class is a different matter. I wonder if your readers think the fastest on track car is the best car?"
Later in the evening, the folks over at 'The GM Source' website which is not affiliated with the American automaker, asked Luts "what his reaction was to Jag pulling out of the race" and "what this says to solidify the true "awesomeness" of the CTS-V". Here's Lutz's response:
"I think it means that the European high-performance sedans are excellent, even superb cars, but quite possibly not ready for racing laps right out of the show-room. The CTS-V is not only quicker, but will, in totally untweaked, stock form, run hot laps at any race track until it runs out of fuel."
"Transmission oil and diff oil temps are stable, engine oil temp doesn't go up, brakes get a bit more pedal travel, but don't fade. The street tires get a tad greasy, but handling and control remain excellent. "May the best car win"! (It wins automatically if the competitors won't show up!)"
Of course nothing is as simple as it seems - for example, knock on wood, but can you imagine the PR disaster if Jalop's driver has a misfortunate exit with the car?
Then again, besides the fact that this goes both ways, Jaguar's PR department should have taken all these factors in consideration before saying yes.
We'll just hold tight and see if Lutz's 'bet' turns out to be a great publicity boost for Cadillac, or not. But for the time being, GM has Jaguar as well as the other German premium automakers (Audi, BMW and Mercedes) that haven't accepted Lutz's challenge totally pwned in the eyes of readers / consumers.
Sources: Jalopnik , TheGMsource and CTS-V Challenge
In an attempt to close the power and price gap between the $57k XF with the 385HP naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and the M5-challenging $80k XFR that is fitted with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that makes 510HP, Jaguar has introduced a new model to its U.S. market lineup called XF Supercharged. Priced from $68,000, it is powered by a detuned version of the XFR's 5.0L supercharged V8 that delivers 470HP and a peak torque of 424 lb-ft. With this engine, the XF Supercharged sprints from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in just 4.9 seconds, or 0.6 seconds faster than the naturally aspirated XF 5.0L and a mere 0.2sec slower than the 510HP XFR.
Along with the new V8, the XF Supercharged also gains Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics suspension control system and Active Differential Control that electronically controls the rear differential, plus upgraded ventilated disc brakes.
On the outside, the latest model in the XF range is distinguished by the special badges, silver-gray painted brake calipers, chromed exhaust tailpipes and specific 20-inch alloy wheels.
Interior features include contrasting stitching on the instrument panel and door top rolls, unique wood trim, a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, HD radio, and heated steering wheel.
Sales of the XF Supercharged will begin the States this October. Aside from the XF 5.0L, the XF Supercharged and the XFR, Jaguar's XF lineup in the US also includes an entry-level model priced from $52,000 that is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 with 300HP.
Cops in Jags? We've seen worse like the Italian Polizia's Lamborghini Gallardo, but at least that was a one off - not to mention that it was donated to the police. In the UK, Jaguar seems to want a piece of the pie (aka government money) launching its first ever Police specification XF which is currently being evaluated by Police forces across the country. The car tested is based on the XF Diesel S equipped with a 275HP 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 diesel that launches the XF from standstill to 60mph (96km/h) in 5.9 sec while returning a fuel economy figure of 42mpg UK. The Police-spec model features more lights than a Christmas tree including a roof mounted light bar with 3,600 (!) blue flashing lights and integrated side alley lights, blue and white flashing LED lights inside the front grille and side mounted blue flashing LED lights. There's also a Home Office-specification electronics 'Police pack' to power a full suite of emergency lights, radio and other electronic equipment.
"The Police Officers driving pursuit vehicles demand a very high level of performance and handling, as well as safety and comfort," said Geoff Cousins, UK Managing Director for Jaguar Cars. And let's not forget style - I mean, you can't have cops riding in ordinary Vauxhalls...
Since the usage of daytime running lights is statutory in many countries, Jaguar and Land Rover tuning specialist Arden decided to develop a new option for the XF sports sedan. Priced at €995 (+tax), the LED daytime running light set are fitted on the original front of the XF and in particular, they are incorporated on the decorative bars of the brake air vents. The LEDs can be complemented by Arden's new stainless steel radiator and front grille set (€1,190 +tax) and a Jaguar bonnet mascot (€235 +tax). 
