Undeniably, the XF is one of the most important models in Jaguar’s recent history, as it turned a new design page for the British carmaker at a time the company changed ownership, from Ford to India’s Tata Motors. Now, three years after its market launch in 2008 following a debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Jaguar is preparing a facelift version of the XF that will receive its world premiere at next month’s New York Auto Show.
The facelift model will receive a makeover that includes a new front fascia with new lights, a redesigned front grille and reshaped bumper, which oddly enough, bring it closer to the original C-XF Concept that previewed the car. The XF will also benefit from tweaks to the interior and the overall quality, the introduction of new tech systems and an upgraded suspension for improved ride and handling.
Perhaps the biggest news for buyers across the pond is the introduction of a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. The oil-burner is a development of the Ford unit found in the Land Rover Freelander and the European-market Ford Mondeo, however, given that the XF is rear wheel drive, it sits in a north-south configuration so Jaguar had to make several changes to the engine.
Among other things, the 2.2L unit features a water-cooled turbocharger with low-friction pistons, new injectors and a new crankshaft, while Jaguar also added a new Stop-Start system, which is estimated to further increase overall fuel efficiency between five and seven per cent.
The diesel engine produces 190-horsepower and 332 lbs ft of torque, with Jaguar claiming that it is capable of returning 52.3 mpg UK (equal to 43.5 mpg US and 5.4 lt/100km) on the combined cycle while emitting 149 g/km of CO2.
Matted to a new eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the 190HP diesel can push the facelifted XF to 62 mph (100km/h) in 8.5 seconds before achieving a maximum speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).
Official photos and more details on the rest of the 2012 Jaguar XF range will be revealed in mid-April.
