Next-Generation Jaguar XJ Sedan Teased in Shanghai, Set to Debut in July

At 2009 Shanghai motor show, Jaguar released some new details about the automaker's highly-anticipated next-generation XJ sedan along with a teaser image and new video. Jaguar's managing director Mike O'Driscoll announced that XJ sedan will debut this July 9 in London before going on sale by the end of the year.

The new XJ will be the first model feature the next-generation of Jaguar's aerospace-inspired aluminum body architecture, and it will be available with the carmaker’s latest 3.0L V6 turbodiesel and 510hp 5.0L supercharged petrol V8. A plug-in hybrid variant is also rumored to be launched one year after the regular model, though no confirmation has been made on this yet.
As indicated by this new teaser, Jaguar designers have focused on alleviating many of the current XJ’s criticisms – namely the outdated styling and lack of engine options. One insider who had seen concept sketches for the car described it as looking like the C-XF’s features had been draped over an Aston Martin Rapide.

Previous spy shots revealed that the headlights will likely share some XF traits, though the rear could get fully-modern LED units of a unique design, possibly sharing hints of the Bentley Continental GT Flying Spur – one of the cars Jaguar would eventually like to rival with its new XJ.

High-tech features inside are said to include pressure sensing buttons, combined with backlit glass panels and the retracting transmission selector knob used in the XF.