Switzerland will be the place to be next week, when the 2007 Geneva Motor Show officially kicks off, but we’re still getting plenty of new car news leading up to the big event. Today, Jaguar unveiled the 2008 XJ. The company’s flagship sedan receives some new body work, most noticeably a more aggressive grille and a side vent borrowed from the XK coupe.

The seats are new and provide more rear legroom. Otherwise, things look very much the same. The car should drive the same, as the engine choices have not changed; there are two V-8s, a 300-hp version and a 400-hp supercharged one.

If you’re into Bluetooth phones, the new XJ can handle up to five with its in-car phone system. There’s also an optional GPS antitheft device to track down your wayward Jag. Expect to see the new XJ at dealers this August.

Gallery @ Kicking Tires

That lower grill is weird; I'll take an '07.

I really do love this car, but no enough to pick it over S-class, A8, or comparably roomy CLS.

It's funny looking. Are those stock wheels? They're humongous.

I like the wheels.

That's it.

That lower grill is weird; I'll take an '07.

ditto, the lower looks kinda like a grin on "a lot" of sub 14K cars, or just looks like something from korea or china, that area....

That lower fascia looks odd. The rest of the car is pure sex, though. I love the XJ.

Lot of people don't care for blatant retro.

If Pontiac's split grille is "tired", this one is positively rotting death.

Jag sales are down 29% last quarter.

Just some random thoughts....

That front bumper looks like part of an aftermarket body kit. I'm with those that prefer the '07.

I'll take an '07.

The XJ is still the best looking of all the super sedans though.

It just seems disproportionate.

That lower fascia looks odd. The rest of the car is pure sex, though. I love the XJ.

I can do without the new fascia but the XJ really is a great car.

Well, that sure is uglier.

woo... not

It still looks ok in a fad age of overly long side air extracters and no bodyside moldings.