AUTOPANEL

Base Price: $68,000

As-Tested Price: $68,000

Drivetrain: 5.0-liter supercharged V8; RWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 470 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 424 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,306 lb

Fuel Economy: (EPA/AW) 17/19.8 mpg

Options: None

Even after being around for a couple of years, the XF hasn't lost any of its street appeal. Back when we had our long-termer, I would constantly get stopped and asked about the sexy cat at grocery store parking, gas stations and everywhere else. And why wouldn't people ask about it? I mean, look at it! The car is gorgeous.

Sure enough, when I got gas last night I was once again asked about the slick looking feline. This time it was a slightly tipsy gentleman who stumbled out of the pub next door to purchase some cigarettes from the gas station. Maybe it was the beer goggles that made the car look 300 pounds lighter, but he stood in front of the car stunned and continually told me how beautiful it was. He asked about the price, how it drove and how much horsepower it had.

Speaking of horsepower, this test car is packing a more potent punch compared to our long-termer. For the 2010 model year, Jag slid in a new engine under the hood of the XF. Replacing the previous 4.2-liter supercharged V8 is a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 for an increase of 50 hp to 470 and small bump in torque of 11-lb-ft to 424. The lightning quick ZF automatic gearbox remains, which is a good thing.

The extra power is noticeable from the first throttle mash and pushes the car well past posted speed limits in short order. The car remains light on its feet with quick response to steering inputs and the suspension keeping the car well planted in all situations. Brakes return instant grab.

I'm still mildly entertained by the handshake at start-up with the opening vents and raising shift knob from the center console. What I still don't like much is the center touch screen that controls functions navigation, sound, heated/cooled seats and steering and etc. Going between menu screens still includes a screen wipe that saps precious seconds from your life that you will never get back, and it requires you to sometimes have pinpoint accuracy when using it. It's not something that would make me not recommend the car, but it's an annoyance.