What is it? Making its debut at the Detroit auto show, the Jaguar C-XF concept moves evolves the traditional, three-box Jaguar sedan styling into a new, more-contemporary appearance. The C-XF, for Concept XF, is a pure styling concept that Jaguar says will strongly resemble the replacement for the company's midsized S-type sedan. To be called XF, that sporty, rear-wheel-drive sedan will also have a coupe-like roofline. The C-XF uses a 420-hp, 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine shared with the XKR coupe and convertible mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior of the C-XF features a recessed black chrome grille, slim, angular headlamps, and a tapered tail. Underhood is a 420-hp, 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine shared with the XKR coupe and convertible mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, featuring a manual shift mode.
The well-dressed interior features a number of technical curiosities, such as a jewel-like power button that pulses like a heartbeat on the center console. Once the engine starts, a blue light runs from the instrument panel through the cabin and around the rear seats. JaguarSense activates the doors and entertainment screen by sensing the driver's hand movement. The "Dual View" entertainment system is capable of projecting separate images to the driver and passenger on the same screen.
What is new or notable: The C-XF represents a new, more contemporary design trend for Jaguar sedans, replacing decades of nostalgic sheet metal designed to evoke Jaguar sedans of the 1950s and 1960s.
CR's take: The problem is that the styling theme of the Fifties and Sixties made a much more recognizable Jaguar than the big-mouth grille and the silhouette that evokes a 1998 Dodge Intrepid.
