SUSPENSION
The XF’s class-leading torsional rigidity has significant benefits
for refinement and provides the perfect platform for a suspension system
that is a further development of the XK sports car, and delivers a ride/handling
balance and steering characteristics absolutely in line with the XF’s
sporting looks. Unequal length wishbone front suspension with weight-saving
aluminium components, and multi-link rear suspension are both subframe
mounted for maximum control, including excellent straight-line stability
and strong anti-dive characteristics under heavy braking, with minimum
road noise and vibration.
The only suspension variations on the XF are between the V6 petrol,
V6 diesel and V8 naturally aspirated models, which all use finely tuned
passive suspension, and the SV8, which for all markets uses Jaguar’s
Computer Adaptive Technology Suspension (CATS TM). The latest CATS TM
is a sophisticated system shared with the new Jaguar XK sports grand
tourer. It uses electronically controlled, two-stage, adaptive dampers
whose characteristics are automatically adjusted within milliseconds
in response to road conditions and driving inputs, for the optimum balance
between comfort and control.
BRAKES
The XF uses large 326mm x 20mm vented front discs on all naturally
aspirated models and 355mm x 32mm vented front discs on the SV8 model
for powerful, balanced braking performance. The rear discs on all versions
measure 326mm x 20mm. An extremely stiff pedal box contributes to a
particularly solid pedal feel, and the brake assistance is tuned to
give a very progressive feel, while softening the initial response.
The XF uses Jaguar’s Electric Parking Brake, with a small and neat,
chromed release in the centre console. As the XF’s braking system communicates
electronically with the shift-by-wire technology of the JaguarDrive
Selector TM function, so the Parking Brake is released automatically
as Drive is selected – although the Parking Brake can also be engaged
and disengaged manually if appropriate.
STEERING
Variable ratio power-assisted steering is standard on every version
of XF, for reduced parking effort at low speeds and greater precision
and feedback at higher speeds - and especially for positive weight to
the on-centre feel, which is part of the new dynamic flavour. Steering
effort at manoeuvring speeds is also reduced on diesel models. The new
XF adopts an electronic steering column lock - for compatibility with
passive entry mode and the Jaguar Smart Key System TM. There is no longer
a key barrel on the column, however the electronic lock satisfies Thatcham
security legislation for the UK market. The XF’s steering wheel includes
cruise-control, JaguarVoice TM (where fitted) and audio controls - including
volume, and radio channel pre-sets. The source button toggles through
AM/FM/CD, plus any external device functions. The select buttons allow
features such as CD track change, radio channel pre-set selection or
iPod® or MP3 track change if such a device is in use.
WHEELS AND TYRES Depending on market and model, the XF is available
with 17, 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels; the SV8 being the only car in its
class to have 20-inch wheels as standard. All are cast in aluminium
alloy and every design combines maximum strength with minimum weight.
To satisfy Thatcham security stipulations, there are also 20 variations
of anti-theft locking nut. All cars for the majority of markets carry
the same specification of 18-inch diameter alloy mini-spare. For major
European markets, cars with 17 and 18-inch wheels are fitted with the
Jaguar Tyre Repair System as a space and weight-saving alternative to
the ‘mini-spare’. This replaces the spare wheel, jack and tool kit,
and can effect a temporary repair of any puncture of up to 6mm diameter
in the tread area - sealing the hole and re-inflating the tyre to enable
the car to be driven to where a permanent repair or replacement can
be carried out. When fitted in lieu of a spare wheel, the Jaguar Tyre
Repair System liberates an additional 40 litres of stowage space under
the boot floor.