From reading the option list, Its no telling when the Kyanite Blue will be ready for the 2012 model year. This is just as well because I would have a hard sell with my better half, why I wanted the blue when I begged for the red... LOL... I think, people will adapt to the new look as its still a very nice ride. Mines is almost 2 years old and it still turns heads... Grin..

 

@Need4Spd:
Love the color of your XFR (I am biased since my STR is Midnight Blue) but I have to say that I am a big fan of the redesigned headlamps. Hated the original raised catbrow, even if it didn't look as bad on the XFR. Again, just my opinion and aesthetics.

In my eye it looked out of place and forced. I agree that the new ones do not stand out much and can be confused with other car brands' lights, but they contribute to the 2012 more agressive, tighter, coherent look. On their own not as strong, as a whole brilliantly done.

BTW count me as one that is looking for pricing and delivery schedules for the 2012 XFR. Time to bid adieu to my beloved STR.

Just my 2 Eurocents.

 

When I read your post I went back to the list and saw how the earthquake/tsunami resulted in supplier issues for Kyanite Blue, among other colors. So it's not available for some indeterminate time. Then I read how they are bringing out 2 new colors, Italian Racing Red and British Racing Green (metallic). Those should look pretty good, but it's funny given how this is a British car (albeit now owed by Tata), they are bringing out Italian red first!

As for the front lights design question, it's totally a matter of subjective opinion whether the '12 or pre-'12 design is "better" looking (I'll bet Ian Callum winces if he reads here how some prefer the '11 and earlier design - I know he is really (and justifiably) proud of the '12 re-design), and one's impression of the design could be swayed by color choice, too. So, hopefully later this year someone gets a '12 in Kyanite Blue (when that color becomes available again) and posts some pics so we can see an '11 and '12 KB side by side! (And it would be cool to see the new XFR in BRG, too.)

 

Has anyone has experience with the Jaguar Platinum maintenance program yet? I'm switching over from a BMW and maintenance cost is a big concern for me. However, it appears Jaguar is mimicking what BMW has been offering which could really help me make the decision on the 2012 XF or a 535.

 

I don't have experience in that I've not had to make any warranty claims. But if you look at what's covered under both, you will see they are quite comparable. In fact, I think Jaguar's is longer (5/50k vs. 4/50k). Both cover things that break (warranty) and maintenance, things that wear out (maintenance plan). That and the reports of the relatively high build quality of XFs and JD Power Survey results persuaded me that it was OK to switch from BMW (prior car an M5). The driving dynamics (comparable performance, but the Jag is way more comfortable, luxurious) then sold me (I didn't want to wait for the next gen. M5, due in a year or so, I think).

http://www.jaguarplatinum.com/promo/platinum-coverage/

 

I kind prefer the earlier addition XFR, but maybe I'm biased!

Like some of the guys say, I like the character of the previous headlights. Also the rear lights look less 'audi-ish' than the 2012, though I have to say, I love the rear diffusers!

The hood vents also seem a little more agressive in the earlier model, rather than being placed a little too high up in the 2012 imho. Plus the side vents seem kinda bulky...

But that's just me...

 

Any news on the pricing yet?

 

Nada, nope, nothing

 

The new 2012s have me rethinking my car purchase cycle. I was going to buy a 2010 XFR in 2014, but I may have to wait until 2015/16 and buy a 2012 model.

Styling critiques aside, I am most enthused about the new BRG. Not only is it BRG, which is my favorite Jag color, but they somehow made it metallic (prior years it was a flat color). Can't wait to see it in the flesh.

Then there is the introduction of the updated 1200 watt sound system from the new XJ. 1200! I was lucky enough to play around with the new stereo, and it does not fail to impress.

All this has me thinking of trading in both my cars, plus a sizable down payment, for a brand new one. It'll be tough to resist once I see one in the flesh.

 

This was sent to me by southeastern dealer: "Taking orders for 2012 XFs beginning June 17th. New models expected early fall."

 

I had one look at the new 2012 XFR and now I'm hooked.
Love the changes they've made to the front spoiler and headlights, especially the LED DRLs.
Rear lights are OK, but I like that Jaguar is using triple fins/vanes on the rear diffusor.

I came across a UK article that mentioned release for this car in September.

Does anyone know if this is true for the US market as well and what the MSRP is?

Really looking forward to this car.

 

They maybe taking orders but you still may have a good wait.. I ordered mind in mid 2009 for the 2010 supercharged and I had a good couple of months of waiting... Oh well, it was worth it.. The wait just gave me the extra time to save for those little nic-nac's I wanted..

 

Speaking of knick-knacks, go for the lighted sills. A pretty penny for just an appearance item, but everyone whose ridden in the car loves them.

 

Does Jag have a Euro Delivery program?

 

Funny you should mention the door sills. I didn't really care for them but the miss wanted them because she like them on my 06 M45 infiniti. She got them for me as a gift, Now I wish they had a set for the rear doors. They do add a certain feeling as you enter and exit your Jag. I also hope that with the 2012's, They added the halo blue interior lights to the rear doors. It seems unfair that only the front doors got them.

 

Me neither. Can't go there!

 

The full order guide (not the product intro brief) is now available from your dealer. Also, pricing is up on kbb.com and edmunds.com.

Base: $53,000
Portfolio: $59,000
Supercharged: $68,100
R: $82,000

You can now get the R seats in the Portfolio and Supercharged. In the Portfolio it is part of a $3000 Sport Package that includes side sills, spoiler, the rear valance from the S/C, a more aggressive front fascia, 19" Aquila wheels, piano black wood, and a black grill. Seems like a good value. In the S/C, the R seats are $1500 and also includes bright-finished pedals.

The B&W sound system has been boosted to 1200 watts and 17 speakers and is standard on the R ($2300 on others). The other stereos have also been upgraded a bit (400w/10 speakers on base and Portfolio and 600W/11 speakers on the S/C).

Colors are in flux because of the Japan disasters, with some temporary colors being offered until they can get the others back in stock. Kyanite Blue and Italian Racing Red remain R-only. A new British Racing Green (now a metallic version) comes later in the year, but they haven't released model availability yet. It might be subject to a new $1500 racing paint charge (as is the case with the new red). Botanical Green and Spectrum Blue are discontinued.

Interior colors and veneer availability have changed somewhat and the non-R seats have been redesigned.

You can see the new interiors on the Jaguar UK build site.

 

Any news if the new XKR has the new ZF 8-speed transmission? Also does Jaguar have HUD yet?

I placed an order for a 2012 BMW 550i but MSRP with options is around $82k, so that's same as the XFR which has everything standard.

 

Close to same price but isn't the XFR a better performer with 510 bhp vs. ~400 for the 550i? I'd view the XFR closer to an M5, but at a better price. The 2012 M5 has more bhp, but although pricing for US isn't out yet, list is about 107k Euros over there. Assuming BMW eats the currency conversion cost, $107k in US dollars is a lot more than an XFR.

 

I do kind of like the new front end and agree that's its more aggressive than 1st gen. look forward to seeing one in person once they start showing up at my local dealership.