We've had our first look at the all-new Jaguar XF, after it crossed the Royal Dock in London's Canary Wharf, suspended on two 34mm high-wires.
Why?
Because when the new Jaguar XE was launched last year, Jaguar helicoptered it into the capital, so it seems stunts are the order of the day for new models.
So what are the key details of the new car?
The new XF is up to 80kg lighter than 'its closest competitor' and up to 190kg slimmer than its predecessor, resulting in, according to Jaguar, best-in-class economy (over 70mpg) and emissions (104g/km CO2) figures. This is because it uses an aluminium-intensive structure, in which 75 per cent of the XF's architecture is made of the lightweight metal.
It looks quite compact and sporty - is it smaller inside?
No, despite its coupé-like design and the fact it is 7mm shorter and 3mm lower than the old XF, the new model has a 51mm longer wheelbase at 2,960mm, meaning more rear seat space (in all the key directions of legroom, kneeroom and headroom). The body is 28 per cent stiffer than before for torsional rigidity too, which is nice, and is also said to have 'exceptionally low' aerodynamic drag.
What else is there to note inside?
The new InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system replaces the slightly old-hat Jaguar Land Rover set-up found in the previous XF and features a 10.2-inch central dash display, while there's a luscious 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster for the driver.
How about motive power?
Ingenium diesels are the order of the day, with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder example coming in two output ratings - 163hp/380Nm and 180hp/430Nm. The former is the one that delivers 104g/km CO2. These can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic. Beefier options can only be had with eight-speed autos, but they're pretty impressive motors. There's a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 300hp and a ginormous 700Nm of torque, while the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 handles the petrol side of the range - it makes 380hp and 450Nm.
Are the dynamics any good?
Well, it's lighter and stiffer than before, so we're hoping for big things from the new XF. Jag claims near 50:50 weight distribution and even the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) is tuned specifically for the XF. Passive dampers are fitted as standard but Adaptive Dynamics offers on-the-fly damper adjustments. The XF also benefits from Jaguar Configurable Dynamics, first seen on the F-Type, and All-Surface Progress Control, found on the smaller XE.
It does sound very promising. Anything else to add?
Three things: the XF is the first Jaguar to feature full-LED headlights; it will make its global motor show debut in New York on April 1; and you can follow updates about it on Twitter by searching for #NewXF.
