Jaguar Unveils Three New Models at British Motor Show

XJ Series Photos

This car, the gorgeous new XK, has brought Jaguar back to the fore.  (Photo: Jaguar Cars North America)

The new XJs all aluminum structure means it is very light, lending the car more performance and agility than youd expect from similiarly powered competitors. (Photo: Jaguar Cars North America)

By far, the most noticeable Portfolio cues are its XKR-like fender vents. (Photo: Jaguar Cars North America)

The long wheelbase model has been a mainstay of Jaguar saloons for decades, and the current crop doesnt dissappoint. (Photo: Jaguar Cars North America)

Even More Grace, Space and Pace

Jaguar, it seems, has finally “gotten” it. After more than a few years of spotty quality and uninteresting engineering, the crew from Coventry has finally produced some remarkable models. The new XK comes to mind, having grabbed headlines for its dynamic styling and improved design. Of course, like any good manufacturer with a marketing department, Jaguar knows that fame can be fleeting, and that holding onto it as long as possible is key to a models success.

So, they took the lauded XK and announced that theyd be building a super XK, calling it an XKR… just like they did with the last one. Enough has already been said about this downright beautiful automobile, so well forgo the details except to say that besides appearing on the cover of every magazine this side of Soap Opera Digest, the sexy coupe and convertible have also created the nice side effect of heating up excitement around the XJ sedan lineup; a model line that, tragically, never received the same attention when it was redesigned in 2004. So now, with their new flagship sports car grabbing the headlines, its only logical that Jaguar should capitalize on their brands newfound glory and use the moment to introduce the world to two interesting new XJ models alongside the stupendous XKR at the British International Motor Show: the XJR Portfolio and XJR Long Wheelbase Diesel.

The former, the Portfolio, is actually based on the Concept Eight shown at the New York International Auto Show in 2004, and represents Jaguars range-topping XJ. As a fellow “R” model in Jaguars stable, the XJR Portfolio and the XKR share many a design cue, with both sporting the same sculpted and polished aluminum vents on the fenders, and the same signature “R” bright mesh grille. On top of that, the Portfolio has a chrome-finished exhaust system, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and shares a few modern-day interior enhancements with the XKR, like aluminum weave veneer trim. Oh, and its only available in the classiest colour of them all; black. With a price tag thats reported to be in line with the competitions entry-level V8 luxury sedans, the Portfolio promises to follow in the Jaguar tradition of offering more for less.

Speaking of more for less, its hard to get that from a gas station unless you drive a diesel. While not the most popular form of alternative fuel here in North America, Europeans have wholeheartedly embraced oil-burners for years, and even luxury brands like Jaguar havent been able to ignore the diesel tide. Having introduced a diesel variant of the XJ last September, Jaguar debuted a long wheelbase version of that same car this year. Powered by a 2.7 twin turbo diesel, the extended version promises exceptional gas mileage and performance that should also be impressive, thanks to the new XJs all-aluminum construction giving it a curb weight of only 3,670 pounds, which is 771 pounds less than one of its main competitors, the BMW 730 LD, which also, coincidentally, made its debut at the show.