Jaguar XF debuts by running the high wire across Canary Wharf in London

The beautiful new Jaguar XF was unveiled in London yesterday in spectacular fashion. By driving across a high wire above the waters of Canary Wharf in London. Piloted by veteran stunt driver Jim Dowdall, who's appeared in films such as the Bond series, the Bourne series, and even in Indiana Jones. Riding on two carbon fiber wires no thicker than your thumb and with only a hanging Jaguar symbol below for ballast and a simple safety harness in case things went wrong, the XF drove the 787 feet across the Wharf beautifully.

The second-generation of the Jaguar XF has been redesigned to include better proportions, more interior space, and a couple-like profile for the sedan. Lightweighting and strenghtening come largely thanks to the car's extensive use of aluminum (aka "aluminium" in Britain). This is the latest Jaguar to go aluminum, and the last. New engines also power the new XF, a 340 horsepower and a 380 horsepower V6. Torque-on-demand All-wheel Drive is also an option on the new XF with new drive dynamics.

The XF will also be shown at the upcoming New York International Auto Show on March 31 with technical details releasing on April 1 and the car itself entering showrooms internationally this fall.

"Over my 35 years in the industry I've driven Jaguar vehicles on many Hollywood movie sets. However, the biggest test for me on this stunt was the unpredictability of the elements. Potential oscillation in the high-wires from wind speeds meant it added a real challenge. The wires are only 34mm in diameter so the journey required absolute precision, balance and control" said, Jim Dowdell, expert stuntman.