Jaguar C-XF concept car (2007) first pictures

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

03 January 2007 10:15

Is the Jaguar C-XF really the new S-type?

Pretty much. Think of it as the 2008 S-type plus 30% show sparkle and you're pretty much there. Tone back the concept car details (that fastback coupe roofline, the showy 21-inch alloys, the cunningly hidden door handles) and you're left with Jag's new exec. The C-XF concept, which will be officially shown at the Detroit Motor Show next week, is the first Jag saloon to be designed under the watch of design chief Ian Callum. And the moment you set eyes on it, it's plain to see that retro is out. So, too, is the old S-type badge. The new model, due to be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show this autumn with sales starting in early 2008, will be called the XF. Read on to find out why Jaguar is finally shedding its pipe 'n' slippers with this important new car.

Just look at the concept car's shape. Today's S-type has matured into a great driver's car, but has been hampered by a design firmly looking over its shoulder. By contrast, the C-XF is most certainly staring forward. The front end is a bold statement of intent. Out goes the apologetically small, oval grille, replaced by a wider, rectangular intake with a large growler - Jag's cat badge on the nose - slapped in the middle. There are no old-fashioned, twin roundel lights, either. Shapely, thin new lamps swell around the wings, nearly reaching back to the front wheelarch. The XF's is a face you won't forget in a hurry.

By Tim Pollard