The introduction of the new, seventh generation XJ range opens a fresh chapter in the story of the Jaguar marque. Against a background of significant growth – in 2001 Jaguar's annual global sales passed 100,000 for the first time, and this year will show another strong increase – the new XJ model remains quintessentially true to the core strengths and values that made the six previous generations of the car so popular. For more than three decades the XJ has been the definitive Jaguar sedan.
Working with the most advanced technologies ever used by Jaguar, the XJ program team has crafted a car that blends the ultra-modern with traditional Jaguar values. Lightweight aluminum construction provides new levels of strength, robustness and dynamic ability.
Engineering the new XJ to perform in all the areas that are expected of a Jaguar flagship sedan has resulted in a car that leads the way in the application of intelligent, relevant technology while providing the style and contemporary luxury that are the trademarks of the Jaguar brand.
" The new XJ is a luxury car with a true sense of gravitas. The proportions, stance and obvious dynamic quality clearly display that all-important Jaguar DNA and give it real presence on the road. "
Ian Callum, Director of Design
The powerful yet restrained design of Jaguar's new flagship sedan marks it out as an elegant, luxurious car in the tradition of previous XJ models. But alongside this is the technology and advanced technical design that has made the body construction possible. The new XJ body is manufactured almost entirely from aluminum, a material that has a strong place in Jaguar's history. Using the same lightweight but ultra-strong techniques that feature in aircraft, the new XJ's body is an advance on all fronts. The bodyshell (known as the body-in-white or BIW) is some 40 per cent lighter than that of the equivalent steel body. This is the starting point from which springs many of the advantages the XJ enjoys over the competition, not least in relative performance and economy.
Equally important, the new body is 60 per cent stiffer than its predecessor. This brings yet more positive points, including the ability to achieve excellent dynamic performance, safety, refinement and durability.
"We chose a lightweight aluminum vehicle architecture for the new XJ not because it was something new, but because it enabled us to deliver real and significant benefits to our customers."
ENGINES AND TRANSMISSION
"A choice of modern, powerful engines and an advanced, lightweight vehicle construction is the perfect recipe for a luxury sedan that rewards its driver with outstanding levels of refinement, performance and fuel economy."
David Scholes, Chief Program Engineer
The new XJ will be available with a choice of two engines. Jaguar's reputation for large capacity, V8 power is legendary – and this proud heritage continues with two 4.2-liter engines providing the silken power. A 4.2-liter supercharged V8 delivering a massive 390bhp (SAE) powers the XJR model, while a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter engine – still developing 294bhp (SAE)– sits just below it. When matched to the lightweight new XJ, these renowned engines deliver exceptional performance.
Details power and torque outputs, performance, economy and emissions figures for all engines and models will be announced at a later date.
Both engines benefit from being coupled to the outstanding six-speed automatic transmission that Jaguar first introduced earlier this year in the revised S-TYPE. Designed by transmissions giant ZF, this advanced automatic gearbox is the perfect match for Jaguar's spirited engines and in the new XJ the combination is hugely.
Text and photos courtesy of Fors Motor Company
