September 11, 2007. Copyright 2007, Graphic News. All rights reserved New Jaguar XF key to troubled British companyÕs future By Neil Winton LONDON, September 11, Graphic News: The new Jaguar XF is likely to be the star of the Frankfurt Car Show, but its future has life or death implications for the chronically loss-making British luxury car manufacturer. The magnificent new XF may be dazzling from every angle. The front grille looks as though it was borrowed from a jet fighter, with hints of Maserati. The bulge over the engine promises power and acceleration. The sports car sweep of the roof towards the rear is reminiscent of Aston Martin and the XF looks more like a coupe than a saloon. The sculptured bodywork may be more Bentley than mainstream. Despite this, American motor giant Ford, which owns Jaguar and is also in desperate financial straits, has said it wants to sell the British icon. Look at the numbers and you will see why. Since Ford bought Jaguar for $2.5 billion (Û1.8 billion) in 1989, it has lost an eye-watering $7.5 billion (Û5.5 billion). Ford, which itself lost $12.7 billion (Û9.3 billion) in 2006, had grandiose plans to make Jaguar into another BMW, but these have stumbled. By now, Jaguar was supposed to be selling more than 200,000 cars a year, but in 2006 sales slumped to under 80,000. Can the XF, which replaces the S-Type, lead a revival for Jaguar, whether the company is sold or not? The carÕs interior belies expectations of old style wood and leather, with lots of trendy brushed aluminium and gimmicks. As soon as you take your seat behind the wheel, the ignition button pulses red like a heartbeat. The little central wheel which controls the automatic gear-box, rises from its flush position to meet the driverÕs hand when the engine is started. The air conditioning vents open automatically. There are three engine choices at launch next spring in Europe -- a 2.7 litre, 207 bhp, V6 twin-turbo diesel, a 238 bhp 3.0 litre V6 petrol, and a 298 bhp 4.2 litre V8 petrol. There will also be a supercharged version of the V8. Given that even the diesel thrusts the car from rest to 60mph (100km/h) in around eight seconds, and onwards to 143mph (229km/h), you might think that the other motors would be redundant. All cars have six-speed automatic transmissions and powered front seats. Optional extras include blind spot monitor, front and rear parking aids, adaptive radar cruise control and an automatic speed limiter. Prices start at £33,900 (Û50,000). The rear-wheel drive XF will compete with cars like the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E class. There no hints that any environmentally friendly hybrid petrol electric engines are on the cards, but there plans for an estate car version, and a two-door convertible. Ford said recently that its plan to sell Jaguar had been delayed by the financial crisis in the U.S.Ê So Jaguar and the XFÕs future is in the balance. If the XF is a big sales success it might persuade Ford to keep Jaguar, or at least raise the selling price. The Frankfurt Car Show runs from September 13-23. /ENDS