PARIS First look: Jaguar XJ

Jaguar has enjoyed significant growth in recent years after widening its model range with the X-type. Global sales exceeded 100,000 last year, broadening awareness in the brand.

It's into this buoyant market (US notwithstanding) that Jaguar will launch the new XJ saloon next spring, the seventh generation and 34 years since the original XJ6 was introduced.

Hot on the heels of the renewed S-type, the XJ will be Jaguar's most powerful production saloon with a 4.2-litre supercharged V8 producing 400bhp. Also available is a new 2.5-litre V8 and a 3.0-litre V6. The latter will carry the XJ6 badge and is expected to account for volume sales.

Performance is enhanced by the lightweight aluminium body, which cuts 200kg from the car's weight. The new shell is also 60 per cent stiffer than its predecessor, making the car safer, more dynamic and refined.

The XJ features a self-levelling air suspension that increases spring stiffness relative to payload to ensure a constant ride height. The body structure has rivet-bonded joining technology with self-piercing rivets and is longer, taller and wider than its predecessor.

The look is contemporary while encapsulating the XJ's heritage.