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Patrick -> RE: The Jaguar XF (7/3/2008 10:56:00 AM)
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XF Performance
Even though this car has four doors, there was to be no mistake that the 2008 XF was a sports car, and the standard transmission in all of the XF models is a design straight from a race track, with steering wheel mounted shift paddles controlling the sequential 6-speed automatic transmission. Mated to that transmission is one of two engine options with a naturally aspirated V8 offering 300 horsepower in the Luxury and Premium Luxury models, and the Supercharged model comes with a similar 4.2L engine, but thanks to an intercooled supercharger setup this V8 makes 420 horsepower. Speed sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering helps the XF handle the curves, and for helping this sports sedan come to a stop is a set of massive 12.83 or 13.98 inch ventilated front disc brakes in the front and 12.83 inch disc brakes in the rear, with the Supercharged models carrying the larger braking assemblies and all models featuring antilock brakes (ABS) and an electronic parking brake release when the car accelerates in a drive gear.
Jaguar XF Interior
The main focus of the design team of the 2008 XF was the exterior, but nothing is more important than the drivers comfort, especially in a luxury sports model, and the XF is incredibly refined, with cutting edge technology throughout the car, giving it an almost spaceship like feel. This technology begins before you even get in the car, as the Jaguar SmartKey allows the driver to enter the car simply by having the key. There is no button to push; no hole to insert a key; just the SmartKey system unlocking the car right as you pull the handle. Once you climb into the XF, the red Start button glowing on the center console and as you push the button, the car comes to life. The engine omits a soft hum as the JaguarDrive Gear Selector rises out of the shift console, and the 7 inch in-dash screen welcomes you, with all aspects of the interior control integrated into that single touch screen and a small panel below. This area allows you to control the lighting, the navigation, the state of the art premium sound system and the climate controls. When the climate controls are activated, the ducts rotate out of the dash face, which like the center console is finished in brushed aluminum and polished wood. The center console is very high, serving also as the arm rest, and it collides with the dash at an angle that allows all of the controls to be easily within the drivers reach. Heated, power, leather seats are standard, and there is enough room to comfortably seat four adults.
The 2008 Jaguar XF has done exactly what the designers planned, having put a new spin on the look of a performance sports car, while surrounding the driver and passengers in the cutting edge of technology inside and offering the driver enough power and handling to combine the family luxury car with Dad’s sports car. The most impressive part is the price, as the 2008 XF starts at just $49,975 for the Luxury model, $55,975 for the Premium Luxury model, and the XF Supercharged model topping the list at $62,975, making the new Jaguar very competitive in every aspect of it class, including the price. It looks like the Jaguar company is headed in an exciting direction with the new XF, as it has gotten the attention of both the consumers and its peers with the high level of performance, styling, and technology.
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