Spy shots: Next-gen Jaguar XJ

Jaguar is well underway in the development of its next-generation XJ saloon, which despite still being in test-mule form is less than 18 months away from launch. The boss of Jaguar and Land Rover in Australia recently confirmed the car will be launched within the next 12 to 18 months and that it would be positioned more upmarket than the current model. These latest spy shots, while revealing little about the car's final shape thanks to the heavy camouflage, do indicate that design will be significantly different from the current car's.

The shift up-market fits in with Jaguar’s strategy to sell fewer cars but at higher profits, first revealed by its CEO David Smith back in July. Now, the Aussie chief David Blackhall has revealed that Jaguar is looking to compete more with Bentley rather than its usual German competitors such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. In order to do so, the XJ will need a new look to accompany it's new status.

Speaking with GoAuto, Blackhall said “we talk about Jaguar as premium niche. The way I explain this to people is, closer to Bentley than BMW. That’s the territory we’ve got to keep heading towards in my opinion.”

Blackhall also reaffirmed that designers were focusing on alleviating many of the current car’s criticisms – namely the outdated styling and lack of engine options. One insider who had seen concept sketches for the car described it as looking like the C-XF’s features had been draped over an Aston Martin Rapide.

“I think everyone concedes the styling of the current model could have been different. It’s dynamically one of the best cars you ever could drive but the current XJ always for me personally was looking in the rear-view mirror far too much,” Blackhall said. “I think the new car will be true to the Jaguar tradition. This car will be a forward-looking car. No question.”

Part of the reason for the new model’s relatively fast development is that the modern aluminum chassis from the current model will carry over as well as the standard six-speed automatic transmission. For an evaluation of the current car's brilliant handling and powertrain, read our review here.

Previous test-mules, residing under modified sheet metal of the current model, revealed that a wider track, dual tip exhaust system, and aggressive front end will appear on the new model. Other design elements are said to include a sloping windscreen that extends into the roof and a large square grille. The new spy shots reveal that the headlights will likely share some XF traits as well, though the rear could get fully-modern LED units of a unique design, possibly sharing hints of the Bentley Continental GT.

High-tech features inside are said to include pressure sensing buttons, combined with backlit glass panels and the retracting transmission selector knob used in the XF.

Expect to see a 5.0L supercharged V8 engine in the range topping model as well as a mid-level 4.2L V8 and entry-level V6 also appear. A turbodiesel option will remain and there’s even the possibility that Jaguar could use the new XJ to debut its new hybrid technology currently being developed together with the UK government.