One of the meanest looking sedans around

The previous iterations of the Jaguar XJ, out of production for a year now, were built for comfort over performance.  With the 2010 model, it’s clear the British company is out to make a statement with its luxury sedan.  Using only the floorpan of previous models, the XJ is almost entirely new from the inside and out, and the result is noteworthy.

Jaguar previously constructed the XJ using spot welding.  For the 2010 model, engineers decided to use adhesives and rivets to piece the car together.  In total, 2,800 self-piercing rivets and 300 feet of bonded seams join the stamped aluminum pieces together.  This combination makes the body stiffer than the previous XJ.  The front subframe is also bolted directly to the chassis, allowing for a more precise suspension and sportier ride.  The car also takes its steering from Jaguar’s luxury sports car, the XKR, giving the XJ spirited drivability.

The XJ also receives three new versions of Jaguar’s 5.0-liter V8.  The base engine has an output of 385 horsepower and has a 0-60 mph of 5.4 seconds.  The regular supercharged version ups the ante to 470 hp and a 0.5 second drop in the 0-60 mph time, to 4.9 seconds.  The Supersport XJ gets a supercharged engine that boasts a 510 hp output and a 0-60 mpg time of 4.7 seconds.

While Jaguar lists the XJ’s competition as cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-class and the BMW 7-series, it might be safe to say that all the sporty additions to the car place it in the class of the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamerica.