Ian Callum knows a thing or two about making a fantastic looking vehicle. The Director of Design at Jaguar says "great Jaguars turn heads in the street. They make people stop and pay attention. They evoke instant desire. That's what the C-XF does and that's what the next generation of Jaguars will do."
 | | Jaguar C-XF Concept (Photo: Jaguar) |
The X-CF he mentions is a new concept for the British carmaker- one which signals the future design direction and styling language of their products. A four door, the C-XF was drawn by the same hands as the XK sports GT range in 2005.
A striking, blocky grille sets off the front end, while air inlets at either lower corner of the bumper are accented by integrated aerodynamic elements. It's low-slung bodywork and swoopy roofline make it look more like a coupe than a sedan, while the headlamps are slit shaped- appropriate for such an aggressive looking cat. The bodywork is kept as close to the underlying structure as possible, for a look which McCallum calls the "absolute definition of athleticism".
Inside the new car, four occupants are treated to a set of lightweight leather bucket seats. It's arguably the most stunning Jaguar interior to date, with it's coupe like driving experience further enhanced by a tall central transmission tunnel, which helps occupants feel as though they are enclosed in the car, not sitting on it. Aluminum, premium leathers and burnt wood trim accent the rest of the interior, creating an inviting feel rather than surrounding passengers in empty, bland space.
 | | Jaguar C-XF Concept (Photo: Jaguar) |
Everything on the C-XF concept is so alive and animated that drivers can experience excitement from the car before even starting its engine. Once seated, the driver is presented with a throbbing light on the centre console representing a pulse. Once pressed, a blue light effect chases its way around the interior just as the engine comes to life, emphasized by a brilliant flash of blue from the front of the car as the headlights activate. Additionally, the central mounted tachometer telescopes out from within the instrument cluster when the vehicle is placed in Sport mode. It's all about animation and theater in the new C-XF.
Some experimental functions are fitted too. For instance, a new system called JaguarSense can activate certain functions or controls by simply placing ones hand within proximity of a sensor. Door handles are motorized, moving into place when the one's hand approaches their location.
A single display in the centre console can also show two different images, depending where they're seen from. The driver can look at a nav-map while the passenger watches a movie on the same screen.
 | | Jaguar C-XF Concept (Photo: Jaguar) |
What's under the hood is just as entertaining. At the heart of the new model is a supercharged V8 engine capable of over 420 horsepower and 180 miles per hour- assuming no speed limiter is installed, which is unlikely.
With its air of technology, class and epic style, it's apparent that the C-XF is the most radical four-door that Jaguar has ever created. We've got just one message for McCallum and his team: BUILD IT!
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