"The XF means everything in terms of the future of Jaguar," says Mike O'Driscoll, the maker's managing director. "It's critical that we bring in buyers in their 30s and 40s," he adds. "We want to make cars that make people smile."
I'm in Scottsdale, Arizona, to drive the new the all-new XF, Jaguar's rakish four-door coming to the U.S. in March. I can't reveal any driving impressions yet because (a) I'd get shot for revealing info ahead of the official release date, and (b) well, I haven't yet driven the car. But after a night hanging out with O'Driscoll and other Jaguar shooters –- including Jaguar director of design Ian Callum (who also penned the stunning Aston Martin DB9 and Jag XK, among others), I will say this: So far, the XF looks to be even more impressive than I expected.
Pictures don't do the car justice. Before arriving in Arizona I'd seen the car in photographs, and to be frank I was skeptical. The front end looked bulbous, almost Taurus-like. The car seemed heavy. But I was wrong. After seeing a production car in the metal last night, I can say this with conviction: It's stunning. Imagine a Jag XK with four doors and some thrilling designer touches even the coupe doesn't have (like a hood that appears to be blowing in a 150-mph wind). That's the XF.
"It's the car's three-dimensionality," said Ian Callum when I shared my hesitations regarding the car's poor performance in pictures. "It just doesn't translate to a simple photograph." Callum went on to show how the grille is inspired by the original 1968 Jag XJ ("But this is definitely not a retro design," Callum says); how the rear glass mimics a coupe's (think Jag E-type hardtop); how the shape's clean lines have more in common with a photo of the stark Bonneville Salt Flats than they do with a photo of a leafy rolling landscape. Okay, okay, it was getting late into the evening and things were getting a bit esoteric. Bottom line: The XF is hot.
It rocks inside, too. Simple lines, a carefully lowered dash (to provide a more impressive view of the hood), a raised center console ("You feel like you're sitting deep in the car," Callum says), and more wood than you've seen in any Jag in ages. I also love the ice-blue ambient and instrument lighting (picture a Motorola Razr cell-phone, which inspired the look). "I know the U.S. Navy likes red for its aircraft lighting," I told Callum, "but I've always loved blue instruments." Our dinner table was three to one in favor of the blue.
There's much more to come, but -- as noted -- I can't share details yet. Watch this space, though: I'll have driving impressions for you late this week.
I'm taking the wheel for the first time Monday morning. If the XF drives anything near how it looks, this is gonna be sweet.
