The second-generation Jaguar XF sedan has been spied testing for the very first time ahead of a likely debut in 2016. Designed to look similar to the upcoming entry-level XE, the new XF will be thoroughly overhauled from the current car.
The following prototype was spied near the company’s base in Gaydon, England and while on first appearances it may look like the XE, it is in fact its bigger brother. This fact is quite clear because this prototype features a longer wheelbase, a longer rear decklid as well as a larger rear window.
Like the Jaguar XE however, the next-generation XF will utilise the British marque’s new all-aluminium architecture debuted on the Jaguar C-X17 Sports Crossover Concept introduced last year. The XE will debut this platform at the Paris Motor Show this year with it also set to underpin the impending Jaguar SUV.
Thanks to this new platform, the second-generation XF will weigh significantly less than the current model. As a matter of fact, weight could drop by 100 kg overall thanks to the extensive use of lightweight body panels as well.
The prototype pictured features the company’s 3.0-litre supercharged V6 from the F-Type. Other engines likely to be available will be the new 2.0-litre petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines. At the top of the range, the future Jaguar XF SVR will utilise Jaguar’s existing 5.0-litre supercharged V8.
Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel are likely to be made available while the nine-speed ZF transmission from the Range Rover Evoque is expected to send the power to the wheels. A plug-in hybrid version is also likely.
[Via Auto Express]
