I'm about to take the leap on a new 2012 XF Portfolio Sport Pack, but before I do I have some questions I hope the folks on the forum could help me with.

First, has anyone heard rumors or news about whether the 2013 XF might come with the ZF 8 speed transmission? The car would get about a 25% increase in fuel economy and a boost in acceleration, too.

Normally I'm a big believer in the factory recommended lubricants and oil change interval. The 5w20 viscosity would be ok, but I checked a bottle at the dealer (the Castrol SLX OE that meets the Jag spec) and was really surprised to find it only meets ACEA A1/B1 (relatively low temp/low shear performance - - suitable for, say, a low-reving V8 Chevy Tahoe). Practically every European car with sporting pretensions, that I'm familiar with, requires ACEA A3/B3 (high heat/high shear performance). The 8 qt sump on the XF would help, but does the XF Sport have an oil cooler? Do the forced induction XF's also use the same SLX OE oil? Any comments on the track record of this particular oil in the Jags would be helpful.

How prevalent is the leather stretching problem? I'm a long-time BMW owner. For decades BMW used NAPA leather which also had a tendency to stretch, no matter how much you cared for it. The seat would get a wavy, dimpled appearance and the leather on the bolsters would get pinched and then wrinkled. It was impossible to keep the leather looking fresh and new. I lived with it for decades on the Bimmers so I guess I could do the same on the Jag. FWIW BMW recently switched to something called Dakota leather which wears extremely well. No stretch, no wrinkling at all.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

Castrol SLX 5W-20 meets A1/B1 and A5/B5

 

Thanks for the info. A5/B5 does seem to be a better standard - - one for the thin 5w20 oils in high performance cars - ACEA - Engine Oil Additives - The Lubrizol Corporation

 

The BMW Dakota leather has been around for a long time. I had it on my 03 BMW. It has a dimpled surface and is not as soft as the Nappa. I suspect the softer leathers need more support from the cushioning in the seats. I wouldn't let it stop you from getting the Jag. I like the feel of the leather, regardless. I understand the '12's seats may be better, but I don't know if that's fact or forum myth.