The all-new Jaguar XF does a high wire water crossing

It was more than a tight rope walk for the all-new Jaguar XF. In fact, it was more of a high wire water crossing.  The all-new Jaguar XF was revealed during a dramatic 'high-wire' water crossing in the heart of London's business district. Car manufacturers have done all kinds of stunts to get that dramatic effect for their vehicle launches, be it driving up a wall or being airlifted by a helicopter.

Expert British stunt man Jim Dowdall, veteran of Hollywood movies including Bond, Bourne and Indiana Jones, drove the all-new Jaguar XF a full 240 metres across a high-wire to demonstrate its lightweight aluminium-intensive construction. The new XF is 80kgs lighter than its closest competitor. The feat took place high over the Royal Dock in London's Canary Wharf.  

The all-new XF will make its global motor show debut in New York on April 1.

With segment-leading figures for interior space, the all-new XF's, coupé-like design is formed around Jaguar's aluminium-intensive architecture and combines the outstanding proportions, elegant surfaces and pure lines which define all Jaguar cars, with exceptionally low aerodynamic drag.

The cabin utilises a seamless blend of contemporary luxury materials and finishes, traditional Jaguar craftsmanship and state-of-the art technology, including features such as the new InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system and 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster.

"In creating the all-new XF, as a design team we have been driven by discipline, the discipline of simplicity. Every exterior line on the XF has a clear purpose - nothing is superfluous. Achieving that simplicity takes time and requires great determination; it's all too easy to add lines to a car, but much harder to add character by leaving lines out.

"Inside too, we have been driven by the desire to ensure the XF's cabin is as comforting as it is comfortable. New technology, including our new 10.2-inch touchscreen, is combined carefully with materials that cosset and reassure. The all-new XF has a clear sense of calm and strength, both outside and inside - and I'm proud of my team for delivering that, " said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

Featuring 75 per cent aluminium, the architecture enables weight savings of up to 190kg over the outgoing model and an increase in torsional stiffness of up to 28 per cent. Though 7mm shorter and 3mm lower than the car it replaces, the all-new XF's 2,960mm wheelbase is 51mm longer, enabling class-leading rear seat space with more legroom, kneeroom and headroom.

The efficiency gains inherent in the lightweight aluminium construction are complemented by the all-new XF's refined, powerful engine range. The 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engines are available in 163PS (161 bhp)/380Nm and 180PS (177.5 bhp)/430Nm ratings and are offered with specially-optimised six-speed manual- and eight-speed automatic transmissions. In 163PS manual form, the all-new XF delivers 104g/km CO2 and is the lightest, most efficient non-hybrid diesel model in the segment - 80kg lighter than its closest competitor.

All other engines are matched exclusively to eight-speed automatic transmissions. The 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine develops 240PS (237bhp)/340Nm, while the renowned 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine will be offered in both 340PS/450Nm and 380PS (376 bhp)/450Nm ratings.

The 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel benefits from a host of advanced technologies which boost efficiency and refinement still further, and raise output to 300PS and 700Nm of torque.

The light, stiff body structure is also fundamental to the all-new XF's superb vehicle dynamics. The sophisticated double wishbone and Integral Link suspension - combined with near-50:50 weight distribution - delivers the ideal balance between agility, comfort and refinement.