Jaguar Adds All-Wheel Drive for 2013
Jaguar is targeting BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi with the inclusion of all-wheel drive on 2013 models. The 2013 Jaguar XF mid-size and the 2013 Jaguar XJ flagship sedan will be available with a new all-wheel drive system, but only when ordered with Jaguar's fresh supercharged 3.0-liter V6.
The all-wheel drive system is designed to maintain a rear-wheel drive bias in order to preserve the sporting character of each automobile, and it is capable of shunting as much as 50 percent of engine torque to the front axles if required. Jaguar has additionally included a 'Winter' mode that will keep 30 percent of engine output at the front wheels when engaged.
The all-wheel drive system is part of a complete overhaul of Jaguar's drivetrain program, which makes a new turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 240 horses and 251 lb-ft of torque standard under the hood of the 2013 Jaguar XF. The previously-mentioned supercharged V6 puts out 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, and last year's 5.0-liter V8 sees itself restricted to a single model of the Jaguar XJ. A supercharged version of this eight-cylinder mill is still available in both the XF and the XJ in 470 horsepower and 510 horsepower editions.
An eight-speed automatic transmission joins the reshuffled engine lineup and further reinforces Jaguar's new emphasis on fuel efficiency. The turbocharged base engine allows the XF to hit 100 km/h in roughly 7.5 seconds, while the V6 (which is actually based on 2012's V8) cuts two seconds from that measure. Fuel efficiency is also 22 percent better on the highway compared to the naturally-aspirated eight-cylinder engine that previously served as the vehicle's base mill.
The availability of all-wheel drive should help Jaguar compete harder in the Canadian market, which is saturated with xDrive, quattro, and 4MATIC editions of the British brand's German competitors.
