Jaguar XJ
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jaguar XJ XJ6, XJ8, XJ12, Vanden Plas, XJR, Super V8 |
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| Manufacturer: | British Leyland (1968-1981) Jaguar (1981–1989) Ford Motor Company (1989–present) |
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| Production: | 1968–present |
| Class: | Luxury car |
| Body style: | FR 4-door saloon |
| Similar: | Audi A8 BMW 7-Series Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
The Jaguar XJ is a luxury saloon produced by the British Jaguar luxury marque. The XJ was launched in 1968 and has served as the Jaguar flagship model for most its production span which continues through today. It was the last Jaguar saloon to have had the input of Sir William Lyons, the company's founder.
Contents |
[edit] Mark 1 (Series 1, 2 and 3 (1968–1992))
[edit] Series 1 1968–1972
| Series I | |
| Also called: | XJ6, XJ12, Daimler Sovereign, Double-Six |
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| Production: | 1968–1973 82126 produced |
| Predecessor: | Jaguar S-Type |
| Engine: | 2.8 L XK I6 4.2 L XK I6 5.3 L Jaguar V12 engine V12 |
The XJ6, using 2.8 L (2790 cc/170 in³) and 4.2 L (4235 cc/258 in³) straight six cylinder versions of Jaguar's renowned XK engine, replaced most of Jaguar's saloons – which, in the 1960s, had expanded to four separate ranges. An upmarket version was marketed under the Daimler brand and called the Daimler Sovereign. The "XJ" designation was from the car's code name during development, standing for Experimental Jaguar.
The car was introduced in September 1968, in a series of television advertisements featuring Sir William. In these spots, he memorably referred to the car as "the finest Jaguar ever". The XJ12 version, with a 5.3 L V12 engine, was launched in 1972, with 3,235 being built.
[edit] Series 2 1973–1979
| Series II | |
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| Also called: | XJ6, XJ12, Daimler Sovereign, Double-Six |
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| Production: | 1973–1979 (1981) 91,227 produced |
| Engine: | 2.8 L XK I6 3.4 L XK I6 4.2 L XK I6 5.3 L Jaguar V12 engine V12 |
Normally known simply as the "Series II" the XJ line was facelifted for 1973. A 3.4 L (3442 cc/210 in³) version of the XK engine was available from 1975.
The XJ12 version, with a 5.3 L V12 engine, was again part of the lineup along with long-wheelbase models and a coupé, now considered a collector's item due to its rarity. The top 12-cylinder Daimler was called the Double Six. The Series II launched in the 1974 model year in the United States.
These Series II models were known for their poor build quality, which was attributed to Jaguar being part of the British Leyland group, as well as to problems inherent in the design of certain Lucas-sourced components.[citation needed]
On television, the Jaguar XJ Series II was immortalized in the TV show Minder, with a silver XJ6 being driven by character Arthur Daley.
Visually, apart from the longer wheelbase and available "XJ12" badge, the Series II cars are differentiated by a smaller grille. 91,227 were produced, 14,226 of them with the V12 engine.
Though worldwide production of the Series II ended in 1979, a number were produced in Cape Town, South Africa until 1981.
[edit] XJ Coupé
| XJ-Coupé | |
| Also called: | XJ-C, XJ6-C, XJ12-C |
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| Production: | 1975–1978 10487 produced |
| Predecessor: | none |
| Successor: | Jaguar XJS |
| Engine: | 4.2 L XK I6 5.3 L Jaguar V12 engine V12 |
A 8,378-car run of 2-door XJ coupés with a pillarless hardtop body called the XJC was built between 1975 and 1978. The coupé was based on the short wheelbase version of the XJ. The coupé's elongated doors were made out of a lengthened standard XJ front door (the weld seams are clearly visible under the interior panels where two front door shells were grafted together with a single outer skin). A few XJCs were modified by Avon into convertibles with a retractable canvas top, but this was not a factory product. Both six and twelve-cylinder models were offered, 6,505 of the former and 1,873 of the latter. Jaguar had intended to introduce the car as early as 1973, but problems with window sealing delayed production. Even with the delay, these cars suffered from water leaks and wind noise. The delayed introduction, the labour-intensive work required by the modified saloon body, the higher price than the four door car, and the early demise promulgated by the new XJ-S, all ensured a small production run.
All coupes came with a vinyl roof as standard. It has been speculated that this is due to the rough welds around the windows of the roof, however many owners have removed these roofs and found no such rough welds.[citation needed] Other explanations point out that all V12 Jaguars received vinyl roofs at this time to signify the introduction of fuel injection, but this doesn't explain the vinyl roof on the 6 cylinder cars. Today many XJCs no longer have their vinyl roof.
A small number of Daimler versions of the XJC were made.
[edit] Series 3 1979–1992
| Series III | |
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| Also called: | XJ6, XJ12, Sovereign, Vanden Plas, Daimler, Double Six |
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| Production: | 1979–1989 132,952 produced |
| Engine: | 3.4 L XK I6 4.2 L XK I6 5.3 L Jaguar V12 engine V12 |
In late 1979 the XJ was facelifted again, and was generally known as the "Series III". The long-wheelbase version of the car incorporated a subtle redesign by Pininfarina, and there were three engine variants including the 5.3L V12, the 4.2L straight 6 and 3.4L straight 6. The larger 6-cylinder, and V12 models incorporated Bosch fuel injection (made under license by Lucas) while the smaller 6-cylinder made do with carburetors. The smaller 3.4L 6-cylinder engine was not offered in the U.S. The short wheelbase saloon and coupé had been dropped during the final years of the Series II XJ.[citation needed] The introduction of the Series III model also saw the option of a sunroof and cruise control for the first time on an XJ model.
With this model, the XJ again featured in the television series Minder, with character Arthur Daley owning a primrose yellow Daimler Sovereign.
In 1982 the interior of the XJ underwent a minor update. Also introduced in 1982, for the US-market, was the Vanden Plas, a model designation still used today for the top-level XJ saloon in the US. The designation was used on top-of-the-range Rover cars in the home UK market, and so the Jaguar Sovereign was launched for the 1983 model year as the top Jaguar model, while Daimler became the most luxuriest XJ, being fully optioned and featuring Vanden Plas style seats. With the new Jaguar Sovereign model came the introduction of the sought-after ("pepperpot") alloy wheel featuring numerous distinctive circular holes. A trip computer also appreared for the first time and was fitted as standard on Sovereign and Daimler models.
The last Series III XJ with a six-cylinder engine was produced in 1987. Production of the Series III XJ continued until 1992 with the V12 engine. 132,952 Series III cars were built, 10,500 with the V12 engine.
[edit] Mark 2 (XJ40, XJ81, X300, X305 and X308 (1986–2002))
| 1986 (XJ40) | |
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| Also called: | XJ6, XJ12, Sovereign, Daimler |
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| Engine: | 2.9 L AJ6 I6 3.2 L AJ6 I6 3.6 L AJ6 I6 4.0 L AJ6 I6 6.0 L Jaguar V12 engine V12 |
[edit] XJ40 1986–1989
Throughout the 1970s Jaguar had been developing "Project XJ40" which was an all-new model intended to replace the original (by now Series III) XJ6. Due to problems at British Leyland and the fuel crisis, the car was continually delayed. Proposals from Jaguar's in-house designers and Pininfarina were received. Eventually, it was decided an internal design would be carried through to production.
This car was finally released in October 1986 with (in European markets) controversial square headlamps on all but the lowest specification; these were a lingering feature from the 1970s development. The car was considered more evolutionary than revolutionary,[citation needed] and had to fight off a new competitor: the recently enlarged BMW 7 Series (E32). While the British press favoured the Jaguar, the XJ40 tended to lose comparison tests run by German publications. Only six-cylinder models were initially offered: a 2.9 L (in Europe) and a 3.6 L. The V12 (XJ12) and a long wheelbase model, including a high-roofed Daimler Majestic model destined for official use (one was used by the British prime minister), were again delayed, launching at the very end of the XJ40's life.
The delay in fitting the V12 engine was due to the design of the engine bay which was too narrow to allow a V formation engine, said to have been designed deliberately in that fashion as the Jaguar V12 was by then an aging unit and the designers feared that their parent company would insist use of an engine based on their widely-used Rover V8 engine (a DOHC version of this engine was designed but never produced). Immediately after Jaguar's takeover by Ford in December 1989, work began on redesigning the engine bay to accommodate the V12. Ironically, thanks to Ford, Jaguar was later to find itself back in common ownership with another part of the old Rover family: Land Rover, where they had previously been thanks to British Leyland. However, having since developed their own more modern V8, they saw the reverse happen with a version of their engine fitted to Land Rover models, from which the old Rover V8 was finally dropped.
The single cam 2.9 L straight-6 engine found in Europe was a derivative of Jaguar's legendary 6.0 L V12 HE, but it proved to be underpowered and thirsty compared to the 3.6. L Frequent timing chain failures were also a problem. The engine was later replaced with the 3.2 L, based on the durable 3.6 L, which then became the 4.0 L.
[edit] XJ40 1989–1994
In 1989, under Ford control, the model range was revised with the deletion of the 2.9 L engine, replaced at the low end by a twin-cam 3.2 L version. The 3.6 L was upgraded to 4.0 L. The most obvious interior improvement was replacement of the often unreliable digital dashboard with conventional analogue instruments. In 1994 the XJ6 received a passenger's side airbag which meant the loss of the in-dash glove box.
[edit] XJ81 1993–1994
With the design alteration of the XJ40 engine compartment finally completed, the XJ81 or XJ12 saloon reached the market in 1993 and continued until the end of the 1994 model year. The 1993 - 1994 XJ12 cars marked the introduction of the 6.0L V12 and four speed automatic transmission in the four door saloon. The new four speed automatic transmission in these cars was based on the GM 4L80E and featured a overdrive fourth gear for extended crusing comfort. The 1993 XJ12 cars that entered the United States were titled as 1994 cars. The primary differentation between these early 1994 cars and the later 1994 cars is the presence of a in-dash glove box in the early cars that was replaced by a passenger's side airbag in the later 1994 cars. The early 1994 cars also had a latice or BBS style wheel in comparison to the somewhat plain wheels used on the later 1994 cars.
[edit] X300 1995–1997
| X300 | |
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| Also called: | XJ6, Vanden Plas, XJR, Daimler |
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| Production: | 1995–1997 |
| Engine: | 4.0 L AJ16 I6 6.0 L Jaguar V12 engine V12 |
With an all-new replacement still years away, in the late 1980s Ford ordered the XJ40 to be facelifted and "retrolutionized", reintroducing some of the style of the popular Series III. The X300, as it was known, was redesigned by head designer Geoff Lawson and was launched as the XJ6 for the 1995 model year.
In addition, a supercharged version of the straight-6 was offered and badged as the XJR. This was the first supercharged Jaguar in the company's history and only the second car Jaguar ever made that used forced induction – apart from the extremely rare and expensive Jaguar XJ220 sportscar.
The center section (namely the doors and glass area) was shared with the original "Mark 2" (XJ40) but the X300 saw the XJ6 revert to a traditional fluted bonnet and 4 individual headlights. The front and rear wings, bumpers and bootlid were also redesigned. The interior remained more or less the same as before. The engines were basically the same 3.2 L and 4.0 L units found in the XJ40, but were mildy revised to further increase power and refinement. It was this generation that saw continued improvement in build quality.
1997 was the final year of production for the XJ6. Jaguar switched exclusively to an all-new V8 engine when the XJ8 was introduced at the end of 1997.
[edit] X305 1995–1996
| X305 | |
| Also called: | XJ12, Daimler Double Six |
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| Production: | 1995–1996 |
| Engine: | 6.0 L Jaguar V12 engine V12 |
For 1995 the XJ12 got the same styling revisions as the X300 XJ6. The 6.0 L Jaguar V12 engine was continued for the 1995 model year unchanged from the 1994 XJ81 car. For 1996 only, the engine was redesigned with a distributorless ignition system. The last Jaguar to be powered by a V12 engine was a black XJ12 which left the production line on April 17, 1997. It now resides in the Jaguar Museum. Only 3,400 XJ12s were produced in the X300 body style, making it rarer than V12 rivals such as the BMW 750iL and Mercedes-Benz S600. The XJ12 was visibly differentiated from the XJ6 not only by a badge on the rear deck lid, but also by a "V12" badge on each side of the central pillar.
[edit] X308 1997–2002
| X308 | |
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| Also called: | XJ8, Vanden Plas, XJR, Daimler |
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| Production: | 1997–2002 |
| Engine: | 4.0 L AJ-V8 V8 |
1997 saw the "Mark 2" XJ revised for a final time, and this time the car (known as X308) had changed more over the X300 than the X300 had done over the XJ40. The exterior styling was mildly revised, the only real notable change being new grille, front bumper, and oval front indicators.
The biggest changes lay under the bonnet and inside. An all-new, and hugely praised, V8 engine was introduced and was available in 3.2 L, 4.0 L and 4.0 L supercharged versions. The new 8-cylinder engines, built in Bridgend, Wales, not only saw the end of 6-cylinder and 12-cylinder power, but the legendary XJ6 moniker was no more; the cars with naturally-aspirated engines were now called XJ8. The new performance figures were 290 BHP and 240 BHP for the naturally-aspirated 4.0 L and 3.2 L versions respectively and 370 BHP (276 kW) for the supercharged version.
The interior was changed greatly, featuring an all-new dashboard. However, the basic car was now 12 years old and some now considered the limited legroom for rear passengers (except, of course, in the long-wheelbase model), which was an issue back in 1986, to now be a real Achilles' heel, especially when compared to competing models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Nonetheless, many overlooked this issue, citing the continued "Jaguarness" and "Britishness" of the new interior as a preferable place to spend time when compared to rivals, with the abundance of wood, chrome and leather that is a British luxury car trademark. However, for those who considered rear legroom to be a very real issue, there were long-wheelbase versions known as the Sovereign (and, at the very top of the range, the supercharged Daimler, again known as the Vanden Plas in the United States).
Although the new car was improved over the X300 and featured revised dynamics (including an excellent ride) along with its excellent new engines, the basic design was now 12 years old and was launched less than a year before a new version of the traditional heavyweight of the class: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220. Although the XJ was considered by critics as still competitive in some areas in many roadtests the X308 was essentially outclassed by the new S-Class, a car which was proclaimed by critics to be the "best car in the world" at launch. However, despite the Mercedes' plaudits it is important to note that the Mark 2 XJ was the best-selling luxury car in the UK.[citation needed]
The XJR-version featured an 5 speed automatic transmission from the Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 and other high power Benz models.
A limited-edition XJR called the XJR 100 was available in 2002 only. The XJR 100 came only in black (paint as well as exterior trim) with black leather interior. Features exclusive to the XJR 100 were unique alloy sport wheels, gray-stained birdseye maple trim, red badges and red stitching throughout the interior. Only 500 were produced.
The model continued until an all-new aluminium-bodied replacement (X350) was unveiled in 2002.
[edit] Mark 3 (X350 (2002 – present))
| X350 | |
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| Also called: | XJ6, XJ8, Vanden Plas, XJR, Super V8, Daimler Super Eight |
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| Production: | 2002 – present |
| Engine: | 4.2 L AJ-V8 V8 |
Although major revisions (through the X300 and, partcicularly, the X308 updates) kept the Mark 2 competitive in some areas against its rivals, the basic design dated back to 1986 which meant the car was very quickly being outclassed and losing ground to its rivals, many of which were now two generations advanced from the original competitors of the Mark 2 XJ. For example, since the model had been unveiled in 1986 (at the same time as the BMW 7 Series E32), BMW had launched Mark 3 (E38) and Mark 4 (E65) versions of its 7 Series in 1994 and 2001 respectively – all while Jaguar was still producing the Mk 2 XJ.
In September 2002, the all-new third generation XJ (known as X350) arrived in showrooms. While the car's exterior and interior styling were traditional in appearance, the car was completely re-engineered. The new car also saw the return of the fabled XJ6 badge, and with it 6-cylinder power, albeit in a V-configuration.
[edit] Design and engineering
Like the Audi A8's, the X350's chassis and body are constructed from aluminium. While some steel is used in some places throughout the chassis, the X350 has an aluminium monocoque/chassis similar in general design to a conventional steel structure, but with two differences; its underbody components are bonded together with aerospace-grade epoxy adhesives while around 3,200 self-piercing rivets are used to create the new XJ's unibody. A conventional steel body would be spot-welded. Interestingly, the construction method of X350 is different to the one Audi employs for the A8, but both methods are considered advanced.
On its own, the current XJ's bodyshell weighs about the same as a contemporary BMW Mini. If the car were made of steel, it is estimated that it would weigh 40% more.
Some of the styling features that distinguish the X350 from the previous XJ include the outer headlights, which are larger than the inner headlights, and wheels which are pushed closer to the corners of the car (due to an increased wheelbase), both like the original Mark 1 XJ. Also, the X350 dispenses with the third side window of its predecessor, reverting back to two side windows like the Mark 1. The curve in the rear door resembles that of the Jaguar saloons of the 1950s and 1960s.
[edit] Engines
The V8 engines remained in the new model, but were now the revised and more powerful versions found in the 2002 S-Type. The 290 Bhp 4.0 litre and 370 Bhp 4.0 litre supercharged engines from the X308 Mk II were replaced by the S-Type's 300 Bhp 4.2 L and 400 Bhp 4.2 L supercharged units respectively, while a new 3.5 V8 was also introduced for the European market. Derived from the 3.2 engine of the previous model, it produced 265 Bhp.
The 240 Bhp 3.2 L V8 from the previous model was replaced by the 240 Bhp 3.0 L V6 from the X-Type and S-Type. The V6 powers the XJ6, while the XJ8 is powered by a naturally-aspirated V8. The XJR is powered by a supercharged 4.2 L V8. The XJ6 and the XJ TDVi are the only X350 models not sold in the Americas.
In 2005 Jaguar introduced the diesel-powered XJ TDVi. The XJ TDVi features the same Ford-Peugeot-developed 2.7 litre twin-turbo V6 found in the S-Type. The model produces 204 Bhp and 321 lb ft of tourqe, earning it praise as the most refined diesel engine to be found in any car, anywhere, with electronically controlled engine mounts in order to minimise vibration.
[edit] Overview
Despite some critics' concerns that the XJ's styling is dated, the general consensus is that the X350 is an efficient car featuring sharp and agile handling, a smooth ride and powerful engines, particularly the V8 and diesel engines.[citation needed]
To begin with, the Super V8 was the fastest and most expensive model, with the XJR a close second. The Super V8, which debuted in the 2004 model year in the new X350 body style, was essentially a long-wheelbase, supercharged XJ8 with the more upscale Vanden Plas, or Daimler interior. Its primary competitor was the Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG. A distinctive wire mesh grille and chrome-finished side mirrors set the Super V8 and the XJR apart from the less expensive XJ saloons. However, from 2005 onwards, the Super V8 model was replaced by the Daimler Super Eight, essentially the same car, but with the addition of a different grille, boxwood inlays into the wood veneer and several other interior luxuries as standard. As it stands now in all countries other than the US, the Super V8 model has since been discontinued and replaced by the Super Eight Daimler. The Daimler's US equivalent is no longer known as the Vanden Plas, but the Super V8. The Vanden Plas name is used on models that would be known as Sovereign elsewhere.
All North American XJs are powered by a 300 hp (224 kW) naturally aspirated engine. A 400 hp (298 kW) supercharged from 4.2 L V8 engine is optional. The valvetrain has a dual overhead cam design with four valves per cylinder. The top speed is limited electronically.
In early 2005, Jaguar announced its most exclusive, powerful and expensive XJ saloon since ceasing V12 production. Called the 2006 Super V8 Portfolio, it is a limited-edition trim level of the flagship Super V8 saloon. It debuted at the New York International Auto Show in March 2005, and is the most expensive Jaguar saloon produced to date, with a base price of US$115,995. The Portfolio features added power as well as exterior and interior enhancements, including a DVD player and 7-inch screens in the rear headrests. The Super V8 Portfolio, aimed at North American markets, became available in August 2005. It is available in only two new, limited colors: Black Cherry and Winter Gold.
The Super V8 Portfolio is powered by Jaguar's supercharged 400 hp, 4.2 L, 32-valve, AJ-V8 engine. Top speed is 155 mph and the Portfolio has a 0-60 mph acceleration time of under five seconds.
[edit] Daimler Corsica concept
A single 2-door XJ covertible was built in 1996 to commemorate Daimler's centenary. The concept car, called the Daimler Corsica, is based on the Daimler Double-Six saloon and can seat four. The prototype, which lacked an engine, had all the luxury features of an XJ saloon, but a shorter wheelbase. It is painted in a now-discontinued color called "Seafrost." The Daimler Corsica was named after the 1931 Daimler Double-Six Corsica. The concept was a one-off, and was never intended for production. The car has made a limited number of appearances at car shows and events since 1996. It has most recently appeared at the Belfast Sports Car Show in January 2004. The Daimler Corsica prototype is owned by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, who have recently commissioned the work required to complete the prototype as a fully functional road-legal car. It is on display at their museum at Browns Lane in Coventry, England.
[edit] Safety
Road accident statistics on a model-by-model basis from the UK Department of Transport show that the XJ series Jaguars are the safest cars on UK roads (measured in terms of chance of death in an accident) – between three times safer than the safest Volvo models and only matched by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Land Rover. This is backed up by the popularity of the car in the world of banger racing, the early Series I/II/III models in particular for their combination of crashworthiness and high performance.
[edit] Current XJ models
•XJ6 •XJ8 •XJ8L •Vanden Plas •XJR •Super V8 •Super V8 Portfolio
[edit] External Links
- Jaguar XJ 2002- Specifications and Road Test
- XJ mk3 Gallery FamilyCar.com
- XJ Lovers Jaguar enthusiasts' XJ page
- Shere Khan An enthusiast's XJ6 Series II website
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