Jaguar XJ reveal party in London: More couture than car

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The location of Jaguar’s ‘reveal’ of its new flagship, the XJ, was decidedly British, although the company’s new owner (Tata) resides farther south in India. Jaguar chose London’s Saachi Gallery to stage the star-studded affair. Jay Leno, a Jaguar aficionado, played the role of emcee and Elle Macpherson and David Hasselhoff were on hand at this festive party that played more like a couture runway show than an auto event.

Jaguar has always been synonymous with the United Kingdom. And with the launch of the new XJ, you could say the brand made a bold reinvention of its classic design. Jaguar seemed to throw the older designs out the window while at the same time reinforcing its heritage. As for its Indian ownership, it’s not important who owns Jaguar, it’s as British as the queen. The evidence is in all the car’s materials, inside and out.

In fashion terms, Burberry made the same move 10 years ago. It literally turned itself inside out, and now across the globe Burberry is sought after as much by young trendsetters as it is by their grandparents -- a rare feat that Jaguar might also pull off with this stunning new design by Ian Callum. You will not mistake the XJ for a BMW 7 or a Mercedes S Class, You also won’t mistake it for the old XJ. This will upset some in the queen’s court but it’s as exciting for cars as it is for fashion.

But back to the party: Displayed on the wall at the gallery were an array of interior materials; leathers, veneers and carpets, each in stunning combinations. Can you say Manolo Blahniks or Fendi bags? This serves to remind us that we need some lust back in the auto world. Sitting in the car makes you want to stay in the car. Light from a panoramic roof make the surfaces glisten and the materials are so nice that they almost don’t require clothing to sit on.

The featured technology is impressive gadgetry. A media hub for literally any kind of connectivity the 21st century offers, 1200 watt Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound and a “Virtual” instrument panel that changes function with your command, and is sure to impress your friends.

This car has one first that will not be available in the U.S. because of our less then well defined safety regulations. ‘Dual-View Technology’ allows the driver and passenger to look at completely different images on the same screen. I look at navigation to drive, you watch a movie or TV in the front passenger seat beside me. I believe this calls for a driver revolt: write your congressman. Americans would buy this car for that feature alone. Can you imagine the ad with the wife driving looking at navigation and the husband watching a football game?

-- Josh Hancock