Embargo breaking notwithstanding, there is still lots of information to share on the C-XF Concept that Jaguar will officially debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. The design finally breaks Jaguar away from the ball and chain of its own traditions with a decidedly un-retro shape that still manages to exude a feline quality. This cat is more like a lion, however, thanks to a 4.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 420 hp and 368 ft-lbs. of torque driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The C-XF also showcases some new technology, including something called JaguarSense that allows certain functions in the cockpit to be activated with a gesture of the hand instead of the push of a button. The interior also employs advanced lighting that bathes the cabin in an electric blue when the vehicle is started. Now, Jaguar’s design director Ian Callum and his team want us to know that we are not staring at the next S-Type sedan, though the C-XF does display the brand’s new design direction going forward.
