2009 Detroit Auto Show - Jaguar Volvo

For these two European manufacturers the 2009 NAIAS was quieter than in the past but both still made major contributions to the show with a new concept vehicle from one and one new model plus model revisions from the other.

Jaguar

2010 Jaguar XFR

For 2010, Jaguar adds the coveted “R” badge to the new-for-2009 XF. Powering this top version XF will be all-new supercharged 510-horsepower AJ-V8. Producing 510 horsepower and 461 lb.-ft. of torque resulting in 0 - 60 times of 4.7 seconds, the new engine will replace the current supercharged 4.2 liter engine. Even with the increase in horsepower – ninety, to be exact – Jaguar promises the new engine will deliver comparable fuel economy and better fuel emissions that its predecessor.

In addition to a small “R” badge, the new model is distinguished by unique 20-inch wheels, a new front clip with revised chrome air intakes, hood louvers, four tailpipes, an active rear spoiler and lower side sill moldings. According to Mike O’Driscoll, managing director of Jaguar Cars, it is “the ultimate Jaguar sporting sedan.”

2010 Jaguar XK and XKR

In addition to the XFR intro, Jaguar has decided that it’s time to give the XK line a refresh. Styling changes include a new front bumper and rear valance treatment. Rear lights are now LED’s, while side vents are now color-coded. Both the standard version as well as the “R” receive new engines – with the “R” sharing its engine with the aforementioned XFR, while the base XK (now called the Portfolio) gets a normally aspirated version that has an output of 385 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque.

Jaguar XFR development car

In November 2008, Jaguar sent Paul Gentilozzi and Rocketsports racing to the Bonneville Salt Flats in an attempt to break the previous company record of 217 mph set in 1992 by the XJ220. Driving a modified version of a supercharged XFR development car, Gentilozzi set a new Jaguar speed record of 225.675 mph.

Volvo

Volvo S-60 Concept

As a preview of what the production S-60 will look like, Volvo joins a number of European manufacturers that either have, or are planning to produce, 4-door sedans with coupe-like rooflines. These include the Volkswagen CC, the Mercedes-Benz CLS as well as the Audi Sportback Concept which was also unveiled at this years show.

For those of us who grew up in the sixties, it’s hard to imagine that this vehicle could possibly have come from a company that was, back then, as equally famous for its safety as it was for the boxy vehicles it produced. But that was then. The current concept sports an enlarged trapezoidal grille up front with sweeping LED headlamps.

In back, a trapezoidal license plate space mimics the design theme of the grille while twin exhaust ports are built into the rear fascia. Tying both together is a flowing belt line topped off by a nearly all-glass roof. Inside, the flowing center console is made of solid Orrefors crystal.