Just last month, Jaguar detailed the 2013MY versions of its XF and XJ saloons, both of which benefit from new engines including a 335-horsepower (340PS) supercharged V6 for the XF and XJ and a 237hp (240PS) 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four for the XF, as well as the widespread use of an 8-speed automatic.
But the British brand wasn’t done yet with the model year changes as today, Jaguar announced the introduction of all-wheel drive to the 2013 XF and XJ ranges.
The new AWD system, which was evidently developed with the help of sister company Land Rover, will be offered exclusively with the 335hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Jaguar said that the all-wheel drive variants of the XF and XJ will be offered in the so called “snow-belt” regions in select markets around the world including North America, Russia, China and Continental Europe. At least for the time being, Jaguar has no plans to offer the AWD variants in the UK.
“Our All-Wheel Drive system preserves all the dynamic qualities of our rear-wheel drive Jaguar saloons in terms of handling, steering quality and ride refinement while adding a new depth of ability in low-grip conditions,” said Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director at Jaguar.
“The system delivers all the traction benefits you would expect, but the AWD XF and XJ are still very rewarding cars to drive – which was exactly our intention,” he added.
Under normal driving and weather conditions, Jaguar’s electronically controlled AWD system sends a small amount of “pre-load” torque to the front wheels as the vehicle starts off, and then most torque to the rear wheels once underway.
When necessary, the electronically controlled wet multi-plate clutch can transfer up to 50 percent of available torque to the front wheels, either in response to wheel slip or to pre-empt the possibility of rear-wheel slip, according to the automaker.
The driver can also select a ‘Winter Mode’, in which case, the system directs more “pre-load” torque to the front wheels before switching to a 30:70 torque share between front and rear to maximize traction on slippery surfaces.
Jaguar says that its engineers recalibrated the suspension and steering systems in the AWD XF and XJ to “match their rear-wheel drive counterparts’ driving dynamics”.
In the U.S., the 2013 XF AWD 3.0L Supercharged V6 model starts from $53,000 while its 2013 XJ counterpart with the same driveline and engine from $76,700, excluding an $875 destination and delivery charge.
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