Jaguar unveiled its latest sporting
saloon the XF Sportbrake in Geneva 2012. The XF Sportbrake takes Jaguar's
globally acclaimed sporting saloon and extends its versatility and practicality
while retaining the model's core values of dramatic, muscular elegance, a
dynamic driving experience and contemporary luxury.
At-a-glance
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The XF Sportbrake is the most versatile
derivative of the Jaguar XF
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It represents a compelling combination of
elegance and capability - both practical and dynamic
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It extends Jaguar's design leadership in a new
direction to create a desirable, premium estate
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Remote-fold levers drop the 60:40 split rear
seats (with integral ski-hatch) to create up to 1675 litres of load-space
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A full five-seater with an additional 48mm of
rear headroom
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New rear air suspension allows for
self-levelling while load carrying with no dynamic penalty
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Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics System - which
continuously monitors the suspension and can adjust damping rates accordingly
up to 500 times a second - is available on all XF Sportbrake derivatives
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Tailgate features 'soft-close' as standard, and
can be specified with fully powered open/close functionality
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Acclaimed premium-quality interior materials
used in the cabin are also a feature of the load-space
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Available with both Aero and Black styling packs
from launch for additional on-the-road presence
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Driven by Jaguar's refined, powerful and
efficient range of four- and six-cylinder turbo-diesel engines
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Matches the XF saloon for both aerodynamics,
torsional stiffness and dynamic handling ability
·
A range of accessories - both internally mounted
by floor rails and externally by roof rails - extends the versatility of the XF
Sportbrake still further
"The XF epitomises the Jaguar sporting dynamic with its
combination of innovative, seductive design and performance. In the XF
Sportbrake this is complemented by a no-compromise approach to practicality and
versatility." Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars
The XF Sportbrake is powered
exclusively by Jaguar's range of powerful, refined and efficient 2.2-litre diesel
engine, fitted with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system, making it the
company's most efficient powertrain to date, while the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6
is available in two states of tune, with 275PS in the range-topping Diesel S.
Design
The Jaguar design philosophy
is based on the smooth, uninterrupted flow of lines that lead the eye along and
around the vehicle and this is readily apparent in the XF Sportbrake which, despite
sharing an identical wheelbase with the saloon, is imbued with even greater
presence.
The first of these elegantly
simple feature lines begins in the propeller-inspired blades fitted to the side
air intakes, leading the eye into the lower wing crease and then along the
sills of the car and around the rear bumper. The second feature line runs up
from the outer edge of the same intakes, defining the edges of the front wings
before wrapping the entire way around the car, creating the XF Sportbrake's muscular
shoulder line.
Sharing the same new
lightblade headlamp technology as the saloon, the XF Sportbrake also adopts the
new, more upright grille and purposeful bonnet, giving it an enhanced
'rear-view mirror' recognition factor. The lights themselves feature
bi-function HID xenon technology and LED daytime-running lights arranged in a
distinctive Jaguar 'J-Blade' pattern.
"Creating the Sportbrake was a great opportunity for us to extend
the XF's design aesthetic. The flow and connection of lines that lead the eye
around the car result in an entirely practical estate car consistent with
Jaguar's reputation for drama and elegance." Wayne Burgess, Studio
Director, Jaguar Design
Interior
A centrally-mounted
touch-screen offers control of the navigation system and a range of other
functions, while the switchgear features new soft-touch matt black paint and a
soft phosphor blue illumination theme throughout. The metallicAurorafinish to
the majority of the brightwork complements new aluminium and veneer accents.
More sculpted, heavily bolstered front seats introduced for the 2012 model year
hint at the dynamic potential of the car and feature a 'racetrack' design
device that creates a sporting bucket seat aesthetic.
The load-space displays
Jaguar's typical attention to detail as it is trimmed in materials identical in
quality to the XF Sportbrake's cabin. The central portion of the load-space
floor can be lifted to reveal an extra, hidden storage compartment and can also
fold and lock into position to quickly and easily divide up the bay.
"Jaguar is rightly praised for its design-led products but in
creating the XF Sportbrake we were careful to ensure that this was balanced
with the engineering integrity required to create an estate car that is as
usable as it is enjoyable."Andrew Whyman, Chief Programme Engineer, Jaguar
XF
Dynamics
The XF Sportbrake firmly
emphasises both the practical and sporting sides of its character through its
powertrain choices. Exclusively fitted with Jaguar's range of four-cylinder
2.2-litre and V6 3.0-litre diesel engines, the XF Sportbrake offers an exemplary
combination of refinement, fuel economy, low emissions, plentiful power and
refinement.
"The XF Sportbrake matches the saloon in both aerodynamics and
torsional stiffness. The use of air suspension has allowed us to create a car
that captures the unique Jaguar combination of refinement and outstanding
dynamic abilities regardless of its load."Mike Cross, Chief Engineer,
Vehicle Integrity
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