| Manufacturer | Jaguar Cars |
|---|---|
| Also called | XJ6, XJ8, Vanden Plas, XJR, Super V8, Daimler Super Eight |
| Production | 2003-2007 |
| Model years | 2004-2007 |
| Assembly | Birmingham, England |
| Predecessor | Jaguar XJ MkII (X308) |
| Successor | Jaguar XJ (X358) |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine | 3.0 L V6 3.5 L AJ-V8 V8 4.2 L AJ-V8 V8 4.2 L supercharged AJ-V8 V8 2.7 L V6 Diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 119.4 in (3,033 mm) LWB: 124.4 in (3,160 mm) |
| Length | SWB: 200.4 in (5,090 mm) LWB: 205.3 in (5,215 mm) |
| Width | 2004-05: 73.2 in (1,859 mm) 2006-07: 83.0 in (2,108 mm) |
| Height | SWB: 57 in (1,448 mm) LWB: 57.3 in (1,455 mm) |
| Kerb weight | 3,946 lb (1,790 kg) |
The Jaguar XJ (X350) (2004–2007) is a luxury car from Jaguar Cars introduced as the successor of the XJ Mark 2 (X308), and facelifted as the XJ (X358) in 2008.
In early 2003, the all-new third generation XJ (Jaguar project code X350) arrived in showrooms as a Model Year 2004. 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 six-cylinder power, albeit in a V-configuration. It was only equipped with automatic transmission, like most Jaguars.
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Like the Audi A8, the X350's chassis and body are constructed from aluminium. While some steel is used in places throughout the chassis, the X350 has a stressed 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.
This differs from the A8's construction which uses an aluminium spaceframe to which aluminium panels are then attached. However, the aluminium Audi A8 weighs a comparatively high 1,830 kg (4,000 lb) (3.0 V6 TDi) compared to 1,539 kg (3,390 lb) of the (3.0 V6) XJ. On its own, the current XJ's bodyshell weighs about the same as a contemporary Mini Hatch. If the car were made of steel, it is estimated that it would weigh 40% more.
The new structure, and the need to continually improve the car's ride and handling, dictated a number of other mechanical changes. The third generation of Jaguar's rear suspension moved away from the previous double wishbone layout in favour of a more sophisticated multi-link arrangement.
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 out further towards the corners of the car (due to an increased wheelbase), both like the original Mark 1 XJ. Also, the X350 dispenses with the separate "sixthlight" rear side window of its predecessor, reverting back to two side windows with quarterlight glasses mounted in the rear doors, like the Mark 1. Moreover, beginning in 2004, changes have been made to the distinctive chrome side window frames of the XJ, where the use of chrome in the areas in between the front and back doors has been discontinued, in effect hiding the B-pillars. The curve in the rear door and rear screen resembles that of the Jaguar saloons of the 1950s and 1960s.
The vehicle was the first in Jaguar to be built using self-piercing rivets.[1]
| Model | Type | Power, torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7 Litre V6 Diesel | 2.7 L V6 twin turbo | 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp), 435 N·m (321 lb·ft) |
| 3.0 Litre V6 Petrol | 3.0 L V6 | 238 PS (175 kW; 235 hp) |
| 3.5 Litre V8 Petrol | 3.5 L V8 | 258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp) |
| 4.2 Litre V8 Petrol | 4.2 L V8 | 299 PS (220 kW; 295 hp) |
| 4.2 Litre V8 Petrol Supercharged | 4.2 L V8 supercharged | 395 PS (291 kW; 390 hp) |
The V8 engines remained in the new model, but were now the revised and more powerful versions found in the 2003 S-Type. The 290 bhp 4.0 L and 370 bhp 4.0 L supercharged engines from the X308 Mk II were replaced by the S-Type's 294 bhp (219 kW; 298 PS) 4.2 L and 400 bhp (298 kW; 406 PS) 4.2 L supercharged units respectively, while a new 3.5 L V8 was also introduced for the European market. Derived from the 3.2 L engine of the previous model, it produced 265 bhp (198 kW; 269 PS) .
The 240 bhp (179 kW; 243 PS) 3.2 L V8 from the previous model was replaced by the 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 (152 kW; 207 PS) and 321 lb·ft (435 N·m) of torque, earning it praise as the most refined diesel engine to be found in any car, anywhere, with electronically controlled active engine mounts in order to minimize vibration at idle.
The Super V8, also known as the Daimler Super Eight, is the most expensive model, with the XJR second. The Super V8, which debuted in the 2003 model year in the new X350 body style, was essentially a long-wheelbase, supercharged XJ8 with the more luxurious 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. In 2005, the Super V8 model was replaced by the Daimler Super Eight in all markets other than North America. The Daimler Super Eight is essentially the same car, but with the addition of a different grille, boxwood inlays in the wood veneer and several other interior luxuries as standard. 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. Daimler has been the State Car for the British Prime Minister since the 1980s.
For 2007, the premium model was the reintroduced Jaguar Sovereign when the Super V8 and Daimler versions were dropped.
All North American XJ modles come standard with a 300 hp (224 kW) naturally aspirated engine. A 400 hp (298 kW) supercharged 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 to 155 mph (249 km/h).
In early 2005, Jaguar announced its most exclusive 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 colours: Black Cherry and Winter Gold.
The Super V8 Portfolio is powered by Jaguar's supercharged 400 hp (300 kW), 4.2 L, 32-valve, AJ-V8 engine. Top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h) and the Portfolio has a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) acceleration time of under 5 seconds.
The last X350 vehicle was produced in March 2009.[2]
| Manufacturer | Jaguar Land Rover |
|---|---|
| Also called | XJ8, Vanden Plas, XJR, Super V8 |
| Production | 2007–2009 |
| Assembly | Birmingham, England |
| Predecessor | Jaguar XJ (X350) |
| Successor | Jaguar XJ (X351) |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine | 3.0 L V6 3.5 L AJ-V8 V8 4.2 L AJ-V8 V8 4.2 L supercharged AJ-V8 V8 2.7 L V6 Diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | SWB: 119.4 in (3,033 mm) LWB: 124.4 in (3,160 mm) |
| Length | SWB: 200.4 in (5,090 mm) LWB: 205.3 in (5,215 mm) |
| Width | 76.5 in (1,943 mm) |
| Height | SWB: 57 in (1,448 mm) LWB: 57.3 in (1,455 mm) |
| Kerb weight | 3,946 lb (1,790 kg) |
The Jaguar X358 was a facelifted version of the X350 for the 2008 model year unveiled at the end of February 2006.
Since its launch in 2002 the XJ's exterior styling attracted much criticism from many motoring journalists who claimed that the car looked old fashioned and barely more modern than its predecessor, many even citing that the 'Lyons line' had been lost in the translation from MKII into MKIII XJ, even though beneath the skin lay highly advanced construction that put the XJ at the top of its class.
To counter this criticism and boost sales Jaguar gave the car a mildly revised front grille, though still of a similar design to that of the pre-facelift XJ (rather than following the contemporary design language of the Jaguar XF) while the new front bumper assembly featured a prominent lower grille. The Jaguar Logo was changed from the 3D bonnet ornament to the logo of the Jaguar face within the grille that is currently also found on the front of the XK and XF. The front lights had detail changes while the revised door mirrors incorporated side repeaters. The front wings on all models were remodelled to feature side vents, previously the preserve of the Super V8 Portfolio (and XJR Portfolio in the UK), while the side sills, rear bumper and tail lights were revised. The interior was only slightly changed, featuring resculptured front seats that gave additional support and more legroom in the rear, allowing rear passengers over a metre of legroom.
This Jaguar also featured in BBC 2's Top Gear, where it drove from Basel to Blackpool Tower on one tank of fuel. Despite the 650-mile (1,050 km) pre-defined range, Jeremy Clarkson, who was driving the car at the time, had actually driven 800 miles (1,300 km), and after examining the tank, had enough fuel to do another 120 miles (190 km), making its range about 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Clarkson then described the car as "astonishing" and "the second most economical car in the world", finishing just before Richard Hammond in a Polo.
| Models | Executive | Sovereign | XJR | Super V8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engines | 2.7D, 3.0, 4.2 | 2.7D, 3.0, 4.2 | 4.2 Supercharged | 4.2 Supercharged |
| Wheelbase | short, long(optional) | short, long (optional) | short | short, long (optional) |
| Wheels (standard) | Carelia 8.5Jx19 alloy | Polaris 8.5Jx19 alloy | Carelia 8.5Jx20 alloy | Carelia 9Jx20 alloy |
As of November 2007, the following XJ models are available in the UK:
Notice: the models with the 2.7-litre diesel engine or with the 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine are also known as the XJ6 (since the engines have six cylinders), while the 4.2-litre eight-cylinder petrol engine mounted in the Sovereign results in that model being known as the XJ8. Also notice that the model list for the UK does not include the 3.5-litre V8 engine available in Germany, for example.
From May 2007, the following XJ models were available in Germany (and presumably other Western European countries) (German nomenclature applies):
From May 2007, the following XJ models were available in the US:
Notice: the XJ6 and the XJ 2.7D are not available in the US, unlike in Europe. The 'L' on the XJ8L badge denotes the long-wheelbase version.
| Model | Type (displacement, bore x stroke) | power, torque@rpm | acceleration (0–100 km/h) (s) | top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 litre V6 diesel | 2,720 cc (2.72 L; 166 cu in) twin turbo V6, 81 mm (3.2 in)x88 mm (3.5 in) | 207 PS (152 kW; 204 hp) @ 4,000, 435 N·m (321 lb·ft) @ 1,900 | 8.2 | 225 km/h (140 mph) |
| 3.0 litre V6 petrol | 2,967 cc (2.967 L; 181.1 cu in) V6, 89 mm (3.5 in)x79.5 mm (3.13 in) | 235 PS (173 kW; 232 hp) @ 6,800, 293 N·m (216 lb·ft) @ 4,100 | 8.1 | 233 km/h (145 mph) |
| 4.2 litre V8 petrol | 4,196 cc (4.196 L; 256.1 cu in) V8, 86 mm (3.4 in)x90.3 mm (3.56 in) | 298 PS (219 kW; 294 hp) @ 6,000, 303 N·m (223 lb·ft) @ 4,100 | 6.6 | 250 km/h (160 mph) |
| 4.2 Litre V8 petrol Supercharged | 4,196 cc (4.196 L; 256.1 cu in) V8 supercharged, 86 mm (3.4 in)x90.3 mm (3.56 in) | 395 PS (291 kW; 390 hp) @ 6,100, 541 N·m (399 lb·ft) @ 3,500 | 5.3 | 250 km/h (160 mph) |
All models include standard six-speed automatic transmission.
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | |
| Grand Tourer | XJ-S | XJ-S HE | XJS | XK8 / XKR | XK / XKR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact exec | X-Type | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive car | S-Type | XF/XFR | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury | XJ6 S3 | XJ6 (XJ40) | XJ6 | XJ8 / XJR | XJ8 / XJR | XJ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| XJ12 S3 | XJ12 | XJ12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supercar | XJR-15 | XJ220 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Racing | XJRs | C | R1/2/3/4/5 | XKR GT3/GT2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ownership | BL | Independent | Ford | Tata Motors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||