Introduced as a modern-looking replacement for the more-traditional S-Type->ke1218 at the end of 2007, the Jaguar XF->ke1236 is nearing the end of its cycle. The next-generation XF will be unveiled on March 24 in London. That's not overly exciting, you might say, but the really interesting bit is how the model will be unveiled. Jaguar->ke39 has contracted an expert stuntman, known for action stunts in movies from the James Bound, Jason Bourne and Indiana Jones franchises, to perform a dramatic high-wire water crossing with the new XF.

Details are limited at the moment, but the 2016 XF will apparently drive across two steel wires, suspended above water, with Jaguar saying that the feat should emphasize the "lightweight and agile credentials" of the new model. "I believe the all-new XF will be the best looking car in its class. Elegant, handsome and with proportions that imbue a great sense of integrity – the all-new XF will be true to the strong tradition of sporting Jaguar saloons while being completely of its time." said a none-too-modest Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar.

The next-generation XF will be the second Jaguar to be developed on the company's new aluminum-intensive platform, which is shared with the new XE and the upcoming F-Pace crossover.->ke5038 With lower weight, the 2016 XF will likely have improved fuel economy and will extract more performance from its engine lineup, which will consist of four-, six- and eight-cylinder powerplants.

Continue reading to learn more about the next Jaguar XF.

Why it matters

The next-generation XF is an important model for Jaguar; the current model is its best-selling and most-awarded product. Those titles are likely to go to the new XE entry-level model in the next couple of years, but the 2016 XF still needs to be at least as good as its predecessor. Thanks to its lightweight construction, I have no doubt that it will be a significant improvement, but I am a little worried about the model's design, which is expected to be just a mild upgrade of the current XF.

I'm also a bit concerned that the lower weight may not be enough to outclass its archenemies from Germany, which are also to be renewed in the next couple of years. Either way, I'll withhold judgement until the details become official. An XF-R top-of-the-range version is expected to be unveiled in 2016, powered by the supercharged, 5.0-liter, V-8 from the current model with revised specifications.

Jaguar XF