Jaguar XJ news - Take it from the top - 2009

Forget Red Bull's one-two this weekend - the big news coming out of Shanghai is the roof of the all-new Jaguar XJ.

Yup, show-goers were treated to an exclusive little video preview of exactly what the car will look like from directly above, almost completely ruining the surprise for the rest of us when the 'real' unveiling happens in July. Not.

The not-really-very-revealing-at-all pictures confirm an optional panoramic roof and, er, silver paint. We also learned the new XJ will be available in short- and long-wheelbase versions and use the new petrol and diesel engines from the XF.

That means they'll slot the 510bhp supercharged V8 in there somewhere, but Jaguar reckons that won't be the XJR - it'll save that badge for an even hotter version due after the bread-and-butter models are rolled out.

The front, back and side bits of the new XJ will be properly revealed here in London on July 9 and the car should go on sale by the end of the year.

BMW, meanwhile, has revealed a new V12 engine for its flagship long-wheelbase 7-Series, the 760Li.

The turbocharged 6.0-litre unit delivers 536bhp and is capable of serving up 62mph in just 4.6 seconds. It makes a whopping 553lb ft of torque from just 1,500rpm and is hooked up to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other slightly less interesting details include fuel economy, which, should you care, is up nearly five per cent against the old V12 model at 21.9mpg. Oh, and that new long-wheelbase body is 140mm longer for extra rear legroom.

We've got some pics, but sadly just some conventional ones showing you what the car actually looks like. Sorry.