Jaguar is set to showcase its all-new XF sedan at the Frankfurt auto show in Germany next month. A fitting location, since the British automaker is hoping to head-to-head with Mercedes and BMW's best offerings.

Designed as rival to the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class, the XF takes a sportier approach — with a lower roofline and more aggressive stance. It comes standard with fender vents and a bulging hood that add to this perception.

Replacing the aging S-Type early next year, the XF is based on the C-XF Concept car, with considerably less dramatic headlights and a tamer exterior. Engineering limitations are said to have made the C-XF's headlights impossible to bring to production in a cost effective manner, but look for cat-like eyes on the next-generation XJ, which Jaguar designers say will be more daring than the XF.

Two engine choices… for now

The XF will be offered wither either 300 horsepower or 420 horsepower — the former from a 4.2 liter V8 and the latter from a supercharged version of that mill. An XF-R is rumored to be arriving a year later with 500 horsepower.

Roughly five inches longer than the old S-Type, the 195-inch XF provides ample room for five adults, despite its coupe-like roof. The XF’s waistline rises to meet the roof rather than the roof coming down to meet the waist — a design trick that improves interior space.

Jaguar says the XF is something of a spiritual successor to the XJ Series 1 — a car that was smaller than today’s XJ. The company hopes the XF will mark a return to what its speciality of the past — sports sedans.

"Cars like the original XJ6 left a lasting legacy and my ambition has been to create something as seminal. The XF is that car," said Design Director Ian Callum.

Trim levels

Three trim levels will be offered in the U.S. market: Luxury, Premium Luxury and Supercharged levels. The first cars will be delivered to customers in March 2008. The XF will be marketed as a 2009 model.

Jaguar says the regular V8 version will sprint to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while the supercharged model — with the same engine as the current XKR — takes just 5.1 seconds.

For the U.S., the XF is available with 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels; the Supercharged being the only car in its class to have 20-inch wheels as standard.

JaguarDrive Selector and Jaguar Sequential Shift

One unique feature that made its way from the concept to the production XF is the JaguarDrive Selector. It features a rotary shift interface unlike anything else currently on showroom floors. The device rises into the palm of the hand when the car is turned on, and can be rotated to select park, reverse, neutral, drive, and sequential mode.

Jaguar Sequential Shift works on a shift-by-wire system that replaces manual shift linkages with electronic commands. It gives the XF smooth and rapid gear changes — faster than the XK's transmission.

There is also the choice of multiple transmission modes via JaguarDrive Control, which matches throttle progression, DSC thresholds and shift strategy to mood and conditions, including Sport and Winter modes.

Suspension, steering, and brakes

The XF uses large 12.83 in. x 0.79 in. (326mm x 20mm) vented front discs on all naturally aspirated models and 13.97 in. x 1.26 in. (355m x 32mm) vented front discs on the Supercharged model.

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 chromed release in the center console.

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

The supercharged version uses Jaguar’s Computer Adaptive Technology Suspension (CATSTM). Shared with the XK, it uses electronically controlled, two-stage, adaptive dampers whose characteristics are automatically adjusted within milliseconds in response to road conditions and driving inputs.

Standard and optional technology

All XFs come standard with "surprise and delight" air-conditioning vents, which present a flush dashboard surface until the ignition is switched on, at which point they rotate to the open position. Another new technology — JaguarSense — introduces touch-actvated interior lights and glovebox release.

Every level of the audio system features at least eight speakers plus subwoofer, with a premium system designed in association with highly respected audio specialists Bowers & Wilkins available on range topping models. Radio options now include Sirius Satellite Radio, while the XF technology count includes Bluetooth communications technology, plus standard iPod and MP3 player connectivity with full-function control through the touch-screen, and an auxiliary port for other portable audio devices.

Standard features include Automatic Speed Limiter, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Parking Brake and more.

Other available features include JaguarVoice control to operate audio and telephone functions, Blind Spot Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Aids and Rear Camera Parking Aid, and Adaptive Cruise Control.