Jaguar XF 2009

Jaguar showcased its all-new XF sedan at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show in September in Germany. It was a fitting venue, 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.