Jaguar: What's New for 2010?

2010 Jaguar XF: Only a year after being introduced, the Jaguar XF receives some noteworthy changes for 2010. The base model remains the same, but it's now joined by the XF Premium and its new 385-hp 5.0-liter V8, an XF Supercharged with a blown version of the 5.0-liter engine rated at 470 hp, and the ultra-high-performance XFR, which adds 40 more hp to that supercharged V8. Standard equipment, options packages and pricing have been changed to reflect the new trim levels. The XFR also boasts quicker steering, bigger brakes, 20-inch wheels, unique exterior and interior styling and trim and automatically adjustable suspension damper settings for optimized ride and handling. All XFs are also quieter this year, thanks to additional noise-reduction materials.

2010 Jaguar XJ: All-new for 2010, the latest iteration of the Jaguar XJ builds on the design language introduced last year in the midsize Jaguar XF sedan. Up front, a prominent mesh grille, deep fascia and wide front fenders make this XJ look like a real sport sedan, and aggressive appearance isn't just an illusion either, as the front track of the 2010 XJ is nearly 3 inches wider than before, even though the overall width is the same.

Standing slightly lower than its predecessor, the new XJ rides on exactly the same wheelbase as the old XJ in both standard and stretched "L" versions.

The car continues to be made out of aluminum, which keeps its overall weight to a maximum of 4,323 pounds in long-wheelbase form.

Every XJ will be powered by Jaguar's new direct-injection 5.0-liter V8 in various levels of tune. At the minimum, base XJs get a normally aspirated version of the engine that develops 385 hp and 380 pound-feet of torque. The midgrade Jaguar XJ Supercharged adds forced induction to bring output to 470 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque, and finally, there's the top-of-the-line Jaguar XJ Supersport, which shares its 510-hp supercharged V8 with the XFR sport sedan and is capable of powering the car to 60 mph from a standstill in less than 5.0 seconds.

All three models send their power to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, and every XJ gets an adjustable suspension similar to the setup found in the XFR sedan and XKR coupe. The Supersport also adds the electronically controlled rear differential just introduced by the 2010 Jaguar XFR.

When you dial up the car's Sport mode, the electronic gauge cluster moves the tachometer to the center and brings up an enlarged shift indicator in anticipation of more spirited driving. The analog clock is a little trite, but Jaguar's pop-up transmission selector now seems perfectly normal instead of gimmicky.

Production of the 2010 Jaguar XJ starts this fall, with U.S. sales beginning in early 2010.

2010 Jaguar XK: Both previously available 2010 XK power plants have been replaced by naturally aspirated and supercharged versions of a new direct-injected 5.0-liter V8. The regular XK coupe and convertible now use a new 5.0-liter V8 that produces 385 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The uplevel 2010 Jaguar XKR offers a supercharged version of the same engine rated at 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque.

An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential is another new feature this year, as is Jaguar Drive Control. Drive Control lets the driver choose between three different modes to alter the car's throttle response, shift speed and suspension settings.

On the exterior, there are slight changes to the XK's fascias, while the interior features higher-quality materials, specifically more surfaces covered in contrast-stitched leather. Finally, the 2010 XK receives the XF sedan's trick rotary gear selection knob, which rises out of the center console upon ignition.