At the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition Jaguar unveiled the XJ Ultimate. With discreet exterior changes and a sumptuous interior specification, the XJ Ultimate represents the pinnacle of the luxurious, innovative, XJ experience with heightened levels of opulence for rear-seat passengers.
Surprise and delight features within the XJ Ultimate include individually-tailored rear seats with power adjustment and massage functions, an electrically-powered business table machined from solid aluminium, integrated iPad® functionality, an exclusive Meridian Surround audio system, and even a champagne chiller.
Also announced were two additions to Jaguar’s engine line-up, both of which have particular relevance to the China market: the four-cylinder 2.0-litre I4 240 Turbocharged Petrol and the 3.0-litre V6 340 Supercharged Petrol. Both engines will drive through eight-speed automatic transmissions and make intelligent use of forced-induction technology for high specific output that’s efficiently delivered, the V6 also being offered with Jaguar’s Stop-Start system.
In addition to offering enhanced customer appeal in China – a market in which Jaguar sales have increased by 156 per cent in the first quarter of 2012 alone – their introduction will further improve the appeal of the XF and XJ range in other key global markets.
The 3.0-litre V6 S/C will also be available in 380PS form exclusively in the forthcoming F-TYPE sports car which was recently announced in New York. Shown in Beijing was the C-X16, the concept which led to the acceleration of the F-TYPE programme. The F-TYPE will join Jaguar’s existing range of cars – the XF saloon and Sportbrake, XJ saloon and XK coupe/convertible. Full F-TYPE technical and range details will be announced later in 2012. It will go on sale in mid 2013.