Monterey 2009: 2010 Jaguar XJ has North American debut at Pebble

The XJ was, for the longest time, the model most commonly associated with the Jaguar brand. Like Porsche's iconic 911, the XJ's basic shape had soldiered on for decades with significant platform changes hidden behind an all-too-familiar face. When Jaguar switched things up by introducing the forward-looking midsize XF a couple of years ago, people started to take notice that it wasn't going to be business-as-usual anymore in Coventry – or Mumbai for that matter. Heritage and tradition were one thing, but Jaguar needed something radical to reclaim its place at the top of the luxury sedan class. Enter the 2010 XJ, an all-new vehicle with an all-new look that should help Jaguar capture some all-new customers.

Borrowing heavily from the XF playbook, the new ultra sedan offers tastefully modern styling with a dash of traditional elegance and a healthy dose of British class. Sure, the tail lamps might look like they were borrowed from a Citroen, but in person this car has genuine presence. It is a large vehicle compared to the previous XJ, but not as big as, say, an S-Class Benz. The proportions remind us of the BMW 7 Series and the new Porsche Panamera.

As we've told you from our first encounter with the car a month ago, the new 2010 Jaguar XJ will be available in regular or extended wheelbase form, with one of three variations of the company's direct-injected 5.0 liter V8 underhood. The base models get a 385-horsepower normally-aspirated version; the XJ Supercharged gets boosted to 470 hp; and the top-of-the-line Supersport gets the XFR's 510-hp mill. Prices will range from a base of $72,500 to $115,000, making this one dear kitty. No matter the price, it's one striking sedan, and we can't wait to get some seat time soon.

XJ Update: Jag's big sedan looks to XF for inspiration

If it seems as if we've been talking about the Jaguar XJ a lot recently, it's because we have. The redesigned flagship model is very important car for the British-born, Indian-owned automaker. Reports say that its new design will borrow heavily from the automaker's modern, but still traditionally classy XF. Jaguar revealed the first official 2010 XJ teaser image at the Shanghai Auto Show today, and based on the overhead shot that shows the car's panoramic roof, we'd say the reports we've been hearing are spot on. Notice the hood in particular and what appears to be either a very thin or completely blacked out C-pillar. You can also follow the jump to watch the short teaser video Jaguar revealed at the Shanghai show earlier today.

Jaguar says that July 9 will be the date of the XJ's coming out party in London. There will be both short and long wheelbase versions, with power coming from the company's new range of gas and diesel engines. That includes the 503-hp, supercharged, direct-injection, 5.0-liter V8, although that model might not wear the "R" moniker like the similarly equipped XKR and XFR models. The "R" badge is said to be reserved for an even higher performance model to be announced later on.

When the new car hits showrooms in December, it should directly challenge the benchmark Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series with plenty of high-tech features in a very stylish package, both inside and out. The XJ will feature the same JaguarDrive gear selector first introduced in the XF, but also paddle shifters to work the 6-speed auto. It will definitely be a leap into the 21st century for Jag's big sedan. There's reportedly even an extended range electric in the mix that will take on the Fisker Karma among others.
Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ teasers

[Sources: Jaguar, Auto Express, Autocar]