Jaguar at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

Company press release.

Jaguar unveils the XJ Ultimate, announces two new forced-induction petrol engines and releases further details of the F-TYPE sports car

• The XJ Ultimate- the new pinnacle of the XJ range - makes its global debut

• Two new forced-induction engines; the 240PS2.0-litre I4 Turbocharged Petrol and the 340PS 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged Petrol are announced and will feature in the XF and XJ saloons

• A 380PS version of the 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged Petrol will additionally be available exclusively in the forthcoming F-TYPE sports car

• Also shown was the C-X16, the concept which led to the acceleration of Jaguar's plans to bring the F-TYPE to production

Today at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition Jaguar unveiled the XJ Ultimate. With discreet exterior changes and a sumptuous interior specification, the XJ Ultimate represents the pinnacle of the luxurious, innovative, XJ experience with heightened levels of opulence for rear-seat passengers.

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar, said: 'The XJ Ultimate embodies the sophisticated glamour that Jaguar is renowned for. Its luxurious interior creates a unique atmosphere that reflects the status of its owners.'

Surprise and delight features within the XJ Ultimate include individually-tailored rear seats with power adjustment and massage functions, an electrically-powered business table machined from solid aluminium, integrated iPad® functionality, an exclusive Meridian Surround audio system, and even a champagne chiller.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, added: 'The XJ Ultimate is a car for individuals who understand the value of discretion. The design changes offer subtly stylish clues as to its bespoke interior environment.'

Also announced were two additions to Jaguar's engine line-up, both of which have particular relevance to theChinamarket: the four-cylinder 2.0-litre I4 240 Turbocharged Petrol and the 3.0-litre V6 340

Supercharged Petrol. Both engines will drive through eight-speed automatic transmissions and make intelligent use of forced-induction technology for high specific output that's efficiently delivered, the V6 also being offered with Jaguar's Stop-Start system.

In addition to offering enhanced customer appeal in China - a market in which Jaguar sales have increased by 156 per cent in the first quarter of 2012 alone - their introduction will further improve the appeal of the XF and XJ ranges in other key global markets.

Said Bob Grace, President Jaguar Land Rover, China: 'Since their respective launches the XF and XJ saloons have won a combined total of 214 global awards and achieved considerable sales success. The China market, in particular, has embraced this current generation of contemporary Jaguar saloons, and the addition of the 2.0-litre I4 Ti 240 and 3.0-litre V6 S/C 340 engines will further enhance their appeal.'

The 3.0-litre V6 S/C will also be available in 380PS form exclusively in the forthcoming F-TYPE sports car which was recently announced in New York. Shown in Beijing was the C-X16, the concept which led to the acceleration of the F-TYPE programme. The F-TYPE will join Jaguar's existing range of cars - the XF saloon and Sportbrake, XJ saloon and XK coupe/convertible. Full F-TYPE technical and range details will be announced later in 2012. It will go on sale in mid 2013.

posted on conceptcarz.com