Jaguar XJ

Jaguar XJ
XJ6, XJ8, XJ12, Vanden Plas, XJR, Super V8, Supersport

Jaguar XJ 3.0 D-S Supersport (X351)
Overview
Manufacturer Jaguar Cars
Production 1968present
Body and chassis
Class Full-size luxury car (F)
Layout FR layout

The Jaguar XJ is the name of a series of flagship, full-size, luxury cars sold by the British automobile brand, Jaguar Cars. The XJ line has had a long history, with the first model released in 1968. The original model was the last Jaguar saloon to have had the input of Sir William Lyons, the company's founder, and the model has been featured in countless media and high-profile appearances. The current Jaguar XJ was launched in 2009. It is one of the official cars of the royal families and UK Prime Minister.[1]

Series 1, 2 and 3 (1968–92)

Series 1 (1968–73)

XJ Series I
Overview
Also called XJ6, XJ12
Daimler Sovereign
Daimler Double-Six
Production 1968–1973
82,126 produced
Assembly Coventry, England
Cape Town, South Africa
Nelson, New Zealand
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
Powertrain
Engine 2.8 L XK I6
4.2 L XK I6
5.3 L Jaguar V12 (from 1972)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 108.75 in (2,762 mm)
Length 189.5 in (4,813 mm)
Width 69.75 in (1,772 mm)
Height 52.75 in (1,340 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor Jaguar 240, Jaguar 340 & Daimler 250
Jaguar S-Type
Jaguar 420 and Daimler Sovereign
Jaguar 420G

The XJ6, using 2.8 litre (2,792 cc or 170.4 cu in) and 4.2 litre (4,235 cc or 258.4 cu in) 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. Apart from the engines, other main assemblies carried over from previous models were the widest version of Jaguar's IRS unit from the Mark X and the subframe mounted independent front suspension first seen in the 1955 2.4 litre with new anti-dive geometry.

Jaguar XJ6 (Early Series I)

An upmarket version was marketed under the Daimler brand and called the Daimler Sovereign, continuing the name from the Daimler version of the Jaguar 420.

The car was introduced in September 1968. Power-assisted steering and leather upholstery were standard on the 2.8 L De Luxe and 4.2 L models and air conditioning was offered as an optional extra on the 4.2 L. Daimler versions were launched in October 1969, in a series of television advertisements featuring Sir William. In these spots, he referred to the car as "the finest Jaguar ever". An unusual feature, inherited from the Mark X and S-Type saloons, was the provision of twin fuel tanks, positioned on each side of the boot / trunk, and filled using two separately lockable filler caps: one on the top of each wing above the rear wheel arches.[2][3] Preliminary reviews of the car were favourable, noting the effective brakes and good ride quality.[4]

In March 1970 it was announced that the Borg-Warner Model 8 automatic transmission, which the XJ6 had featured since 1968, would be replaced on the 4.2 litre-engined XJ6 with a Borg-Warner Model 12 unit.[5] The new transmission now had three different forward positions accessed via the selector lever, which effectively enabled performance oriented drivers to hold lower ratios at higher revs to achieve better acceleration.[5] "Greatly improved shift quality" was also claimed for the new system.[5]

Around this time minor changes were made as well, such as moving the rear reflectors from beside to below the rear lights; on the interior the chrome gauge bezels were changed for black ones, to cut down on distracting reflections.

In 1972 the option of a long-wheelbase version, providing a 4" increase in leg room for passengers in the back, became available.

The XJ12 version was announced in July 1972, featuring simplified grille treatment, and powered by a 5.3 L V12 engine (coupled to a Borg Warner Model 12).[6] The car as presented at that time was the world's only mass-produced 12-cylinder four-door car, and, with a top speed "around 140 mph" (225 km/h) as the "fastest full four-seater available in the world today". Although it had been the manufacturer's intention from launch that the XJ would take the twelve-cylinder engine, its installation was nonetheless a tight fit, and providing adequate cooling had evidently been a challenge for the engineers designing the installation.[7] Bonnet/hood louvres such as those fitted on the recently introduced twelve-cylinder E Type were rejected, but the XJ12 featured a complex "cross-flow" radiator divided into two separated horizontal sections and supported with coolant feeder tanks at each end: the engine fan was geared to rotate at 1¼ times the speed of the engine rpm, subject to a limiter which cut in at a (fan) speed of 1,700 rpm.[7] The fuel system incorporated a relief valve that returned fuel to the tank when pressure in the leads to the carburetters exceeded 1.5 psi to reduce the risk of vapour locks occurring at the engine's high operating temperature, while the car's battery, unusually, benefited from its own thermostatically controlled cooling fan.[7]

The Jaguar XJ12, launched during the summer of 1972, featured a simplified grille.

3,235 of these first generation XJ12s were built. A badge-engineered version, the Daimler Double-Six, was introduced in 1972,[8] reviving the Daimler model name of 1926–1938.

Total production figures for the Series 1
Model Production
Jaguar XJ6 2.8 swb 19,322
Jaguar XJ6 4.2 swb 59,077
Jaguar XJ6 4.2 lwb 574
Jaguar XJ12 swb 2,474
Jaguar XJ12 lwb 754
Daimler Sovereign 2.8 3,233
Daimler Sovereign 4.2 swb 11,522
Daimler Sovereign 4.2 lwb 386
Daimler Double Six swb 534
Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas 351
Total Production for Series 1 98,227
Jaguar XJ6 Series 1 MWK 28G - The oldest Jaguar XJ in existence

Series 2 (1973–79)

XJ Series II
Overview
Also called Jaguar XJ6 & XJ12
Jaguar XJ 3.4, XJ 4.2 & XJ 5.3 [9]
Daimler Sovereign
Daimler Double-Six
Production 1973–79 (1981)
91,227 produced
Assembly Coventry, England
Cape Town, South Africa
Nelson, New Zealand
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
Powertrain
Engine 2.8 L XK I6
3.4 L XK I6
4.2 L XK I6
5.3 L Jaguar V12 engine
Dimensions
Wheelbase 108.75 in (2,762 mm)
(swb: only sold until 1974)
112.75 in (2,864 mm)
(lwb until 1974: thereafter all sedans)
Length 194.75 in (4,947 mm)
(lwb until 1974: thereafter all sedans)
Width 69.75 in (1,772 mm)
Height 54 in (1,372 mm)
Kerb weight 3,841 lb (1,742 kg)

Commonly referred to as the "Series II", the XJ line was facelifted in autumn 1973 for the 1974 model year. The 4.2 L I-6 XJ6 (most popular in the United Kingdom) and the 5.3 L V12 XJ12 were continued with an addition of a 3.4 L (3,442 cc or 210.0 cu in) version of the XK engine available from 1975.

The Series II models were known for their poor build quality, which was attributed to Jaguar being part of the British Leyland group along with massive labour union relations problems that plagued most of industrial England in the same time period, and to problems inherent in the design of certain Lucas-sourced components.

Initially the Series II was offered with two wheelbases, but at the 1974 London Motor Show Jaguar announced the withdrawal of the standard wheelbase version: subsequent saloons/sedans all featured the extra 4 inches (10 cm) of passenger cabin length hitherto featured only on the long-wheelbase model.[10] By this time the first customer deliveries of the two-door coupe, which retained the shorter standard-wheelbase (and which had already been formally launched more than a year earlier) were only months away.

Visually, Series II cars are differentiated from their predecessors by raised front bumpers to meet US crash safety regulations, which necessitated a smaller grille, complemented by a discreet additional inlet directly below the bumper. The interior received a substantial update, including simplified heating and a/c systems to address criticisms of the complex and not very effective Series I system.

In April 1975, the North American Series II got a slightly revised set of front bumpers which had rubber over-riders covering the full length of the bumper with embedded turn signals at each end. In 1975 V12 XJS / XJ12L cars and in 1978 the 4.2 6 cyl. XJ6L North American cars got the addition of Bosch-Lucas electronic fuel injection in the place of Zenith-Stromberg carburettors.

In May 1977, it was announced that automatic transmission version of the 12-cylinder cars would be fitted with a General Motors three-speed THM 400 transmission in place of the British-built Borg-Warner units used hitherto.[11]

The 1978 UK model range included the Jaguar XJ 3.4, XJ 4.2, XJ 5.3, Daimler Sovereign 4.2, Double-Six 5.3, Daimler Vanden Plas 4.2, Double-Six Vanden Plas 5.3.

In New Zealand, knock-down kits of the Series II were assembled locally by the New Zealand Motor Corporation (NZMC) at their Nelson plant. In the last year of production in New Zealand (1978), a special 'SuperJag' (XJ6-SLE) model was produced which featured half leather, half dralon wide pleat seats, vinyl roof, chrome steel wheels and air conditioning as standard. New Zealand produced models featured speedometers in km/h, and the black vinyl mats sewn onto the carpets in the front footwells featured the British Leyland 'L' logo.

Though worldwide production of the Series II ended in 1979, a number were produced in Cape Town, South Africa until 1981.

A total of 91,227 Series II models were produced, 14,226 of them with the V12 engine.

Engines [12]

Years Type Capacity Horsepower
1973–75 DOHC I-6 2,792 (171 cu. in.) 140
1975–79 DOHC I-6 3,442 (210 cu. in.) 161
1973–79 DOHC I-6 4,235 (258 cu. in.) 245/162-186 See Note
1973–79 SOHC V12 5,343 (326 cu. in.) 265/244 See Note

Note: HP varies depending on emission standards imposed on particular vehicles

Production count [12]

Year XJ6 XJ12
1973 1488 168
1974 13526 4744
1975 11990 2239
1976 12157 3283
1977 9043 1913
1978 12138 3284
1979 1099 429
Total 61,441 16,060

XJ Coupé

XJ-Coupé

Jaguar XJ5.3C
Overview
Also called XJ-C, XJ6-C, XJ12-C
Jaguar XJ4.2C [13]
Jaguar XJ5.3C [13]
Daimler Sovereign Coupé
Daimler Double-Six Coupé
Production 1975–78
10,487 produced
Assembly Coventry, England
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe[10]
Powertrain
Engine 4.2 L XK I6
5.3 L Jaguar V12 engine
Dimensions
Wheelbase 108.75 in (2,762 mm)
Length 190.75 in (4,845 mm)
Width 69.75 in (1,772 mm)
Height 54.125 in (1,375 mm)
Kerb weight 4,050 lb (1,837 kg)

A 9,378-car run of two-door XJ coupés with a pillarless hardtop body called the XJ-C was built between 1975 and 1978. The car was actually launched at the London Motor Show in October 1973,[14] but it subsequently became clear that it was not ready for production, and the economic troubles unfolding in the western world at this time seem to have reduced further any sense of urgency about producing and selling the cars: it was reported that problems with window sealing delayed production. XJ coupés finally started to emerge from Jaguar show-rooms only some two years later. 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 XJ-Cs were modified by Lynx Cars and Avon into convertibles with a retractable canvas top, but this was not a factory product. Lynx conversions (16 in total) did benefit of powered tops. Both six and twelve-cylinder models were offered, 6,505 of the former and 1,873 of the latter. 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. Since the coupe lacked B-pillars, the roof flexed enough that the paint used by Jaguar at the time would develop cracks. More modern paints do not suffer such problems, so whenever a coupe is repainted it is viable to remove the vinyl. Today many XJ-Cs no longer have their vinyl roof, also removing the threat of roof rust. Some owners also modified their XJ-C by changing to Series III bumpers.[15] This lifted the front indicators from under the bumper and provided built in rear fog lights.

A small number of Daimler versions of the XJ-C were made. One prototype Daimler Vanden Plas version XJ-C was also made, however this version never went into production.

Production Count [16]

Model \ Year 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 Total
4.2l Coupe 2 1 2925 1746 1776 37 6487
5.3l Coupe - 11 821 663 329 31 1855
Daimler Sovereign Coupe - - 471 587 613 6 1677
Daimler Double Six Coupe - 1 76 149 159 22 407
Total 2 13 4293 3145 2877 96 10426
Jaguar XJ4.2C
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jaguar XJ-C.

Series 3 (1979–92)

XJ Series III

Jaguar XJ6 Series III
Overview
Also called XJ6, XJ12
Daimler Sovereign
Daimler Vanden Plas
Daimler Double-Six
Double-Six Vanden Plas
Jaguar Sovereign (from 1983)
Jaguar Vanden Plas [17]
Production 1979–92
132,952 produced
Assembly Coventry, England
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
Powertrain
Engine 3.4 L XK I6
4.2 L XK I6
5.3 L Jaguar V12 engine

From April 1979, the XJ was facelifted again, and was known as the "Series III."

Using the long-wheelbase version of the car, the XJ6 incorporated a subtle redesign by Pininfarina.

Externally, the most obvious changes over the SII were the thicker and more incorporated rubber bumpers with decorative chrome only on the top edge, flush door handles for increased safety, a one-piece front door glass without a separate 1/4 light, a grille with only vertical vanes, reverse lights moved from the boot plinth to the larger rear light clusters and a revised roofline with narrower door frames and increased glass area.

There were three engine variants, including the 5.3 L V12, the 4.2 L straight-six and 3.4 L straight-six. The larger six-cylinder, and V12 models incorporated Bosch fuel injection (made under licence by Lucas) while the smaller six-cylinder was carbureted. The smaller 3.4 L six-cylinder engine was not offered in the US

The short-wheelbase saloon and coupé had been dropped during the final years of the Series II XJ. 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.

The 1979 UK model range included the Jaguar XJ6 3.4 & 4.2, XJ12 5.3, Daimler Sovereign 4.2 & Double-Six 5.3 and Daimler Vanden Plas 4.2 & Double-Six Vanden Plas 5.3.

In 1981 the 5.3 V12 models received the new Michael May designed "fireball" high compression cylinder head engines and were badged from this time onwards to 1985 as HE (High Efficiency) models.

In late 1981 Daimler Sovereign and Double Six models received a minor interior upgrade for the 1982 model year with features similar to Vanden Plas models. Also for the 1982 model year, a top spec "Jaguar" Vanden Plas model was introduced for the US market - a model designation still used today.

In late 1982 the interior of all Series III models underwent a minor update for the 1983 model year. A trip computer appeared for the first time and was fitted as standard on V12 models. A new and much sought-after alloy wheel featuring numerous distinctive circular holes was also introduced, commonly known as the "pepperpot" wheel.

In late 1983 revision and changes were made across the Series III model range for the 1984 model year, with the Sovereign name being transferred from Daimler to a new top spec Jaguar model, the "Jaguar Sovereign". A base spec Jaguar XJ12 was no longer available, with the V12 engine only being offered as a Jaguar Sovereign HE or Daimler Double Six. The Vanden Plas name was also dropped at this time in the UK market, due to Jaguar being sold by BL and the designation being used on top-of-the-range Rover-branded cars in the home UK market. Daimler models became the Daimler 4.2 and Double Six and were the most luxurious XJ Series III models, being fully optioned with Vanden Plas spec interiors.

The 1984 UK model range included the Jaguar XJ6 3.4 & 4.2, Sovereign 4.2 & 5.3, Daimler 4.2 & Double Six 5.3.

Production of the Series III XJ6 continued until early 1987 and on till 1992 with the V12 engine. In 1992, the last 100 cars built were numbered and sold as part of a special series commemorating the end of production for Canada. These 100 cars featured the option of having a brass plaque located in the cabin. It was the original purchaser's option to have this plaque, which also gave a number to the car (such as No. 5 of 100, etc.), fitted to the glove box, to the console woodwork or not fitted at all. This brass plaque initiative did not come from Jaguar in Coventry. It was a local effort, by Jaguar Canada staff and the brass plaques were engraved locally.

132,952 Series III cars were built, 10,500 with the V12 engine. In total between 1968 and 1992 there were around 318,000 XJ6 and XJ12 Jaguars produced.

A Jaguar XJ6 alongside Eram Garden in Shiraz, Iran.
Jaguar Sovereign 4.2 in France
1983–86 Jaguar Sovereign 4.2 sedan (Australia)

Technical Specifications

XJ40, X300, and X308 (1986–2003)

XJ40 (1986–94)

Main article: Jaguar XJ (XJ40)
US-market XJ6 (XJ40)

The intended replacement for the Series XJ was code-named XJ40, and development on the all-new car began in the early 1970s (with small scale models being built as early as 1972.) The project suffered a number of delays due to problems at parent company British Leyland and events such as the 1973 oil crisis. The XJ40 was finally introduced in 1986 at the British International Motor Show.

With the XJ40, Jaguar began to place more emphasis on build quality as well as simplification of the XJ's build process. With 25 per cent fewer body panel pressings required versus the Series XJ, the new process also saved weight, increased the stiffness of the chassis, and reduced cabin noise.

The new platform came with significantly different styling, which was more squared-off and angular than the outgoing Series III. Individual round headlamps were replaced with rectangular units on the higher-specification cars, and all models came with only a single, wide-sweeping windshield wiper. The interior received several modernisations such as the switch to a digital instrument cluster (although this was eventually discontinued for MY 1990 in favour of analogue instruments.)

The six-cylinder XJ40s are powered by the AJ6 inline-six engine, which replaced the XK6 unit used in earlier XJs. The new unit featured a four-valve, twin overhead cam design. In 1993, one year before XJ40 production ended, the V12-powered XJ12 and Daimler Double Six models were reintroduced.

X300 (1994–97)

Main article: Jaguar XJ (X300)
Jaguar XJ6 (X300)

The X300, introduced in 1994, was stylistically intended to evoke the image of the more curvaceous Series XJ. The front of the car was redesigned significantly to return to four individual round headlamps that provided definition to the sculptured hood. Mechanically, it was similar to the XJ40 that it replaced.

Six-cylinder X300s are powered by the AJ16 inline-six engine, which is a further enhancement of the AJ6 engine that uses an electronic distributorless ignition system. The V12 remained available until the end of the X300 production in 1997 (although it ended one year earlier in the United States market due to problems meeting OBD-II-related emissions requirements.)

Jaguar first introduced the supercharged XJR in X300 production; the first supercharged road car manufactured by the company.

Design of the X300 was directly affected by the Ford Motor Company's ownership of Jaguar (between 1990 and 2007).[18] According to Automotive News, this was evident in general "product development processes", more than the use of Ford components. However, the X300's traction control system was obtained from the Ford Mondeo and it also featured a Nippondenso air conditioner purchased through Ford channels.

X308 (1997-2003)

Main article: Jaguar XJ (X308)
Daimler Super V8 (X308)

With the introduction of the X308 generation in 1997 came a switch from the XJ6 and XJ12 nomenclature to XJ8, reflecting the fact that the X308 cars were powered by a new V8 engine.

The exterior styling of the X308 was similar to the X300 with minor refinements such as a change to oval indicator lenses and round fog lights. The interior was also updated to eliminate the instrument binnacle used on the X300; instead, three large gauges were set into recesses in the walnut-faced dashboard in front of the driver.

The major mechanical change was the replacement of both the inline-six and V12 engines with new eight-cylinder AJ-V8 in either 3.2 L or 4.0 L versions, with the 4.0 L also available in supercharged form in the XJR (A sport oriented model). No manual transmission was available, and all X308 models were supplied with a five-speed automatic gearbox.

X350 and X358 (2003–2009)

X350 (2003–2007)

X350
Overview
Also called Jaguar XJ6, XJ8, Vanden Plas, XJR & Super V8
Daimler Super Eight
Production 2002-2007
Assembly Castle Bromwich Assembly, Birmingham, England
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
Powertrain
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 AJD-V6 V6 Diesel
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
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)
2008-present: 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)
Main article: Jaguar XJ (X350)
Rear View

Jaguar introduced the re-engineered third generation XJ (known as X350) in 2003, featuring an all-aluminium body. The new car also featured a V6 engine, an XJ6 badge as well as greater interior and luggage space.

The V8 engine was offered in larger 3.5 and 4.2 litre sizes as well as a supercharged 4.2 Litre. The car's lighter weight meant the 3.0 Litre V6 was also offered although with the later introduction of the 2.7 litre V6 diesel the V6 petrol version was discontinued (neither V6 petrol nor diesel were available in US markets). A new six-speed automatic gearbox was fitted which was lighter and offered better economy with lock up on all gears and a larger spread of ratios.

Air suspension was fitted all round which provided adaptive damping as well as rear self leveling. Unlike other manufacturers Jaguar did not provide any driver control of ride height or suspension mode which was fully computer controlled. Dynamic stability control as well as traction control were standard.

Two zone climate control was also standard with four zone available on long-wheelbase models. An optional touch screen interface controlled default settings, satellite navigation, the Alpine audio system, and bluetooth telephone. "Jaguar Voice" offered voice control of many functions.

X358 (2007–09)

X358
Overview
Also called XJ8, Vanden Plas, XJR, Super V8
Production 2007–09
Dimensions
Kerb weight VJ8: 3,770 lb (1,710 kg)
VDP: 3,871 lb (1,756 kg)
XJR: 3,946 lb (1,790 kg)
Super V8 4,006 lb (1,817 kg)
Main article: Jaguar XJ (X358)
Rear view

A face-lifted version of the X350 was unveiled at the end of February 2007. Aesthetically, the main changes were a new lower grille system, with a deeper, more aggressive gape, side air vents similar to those introduced on Ian Callum's 2007 X150 XK and a small lip spoiler on the bootlid. The changes to the interior included revised seating.

X351 (2009–)

Main article: Jaguar XJ (X351)
XJ X351
Overview
Manufacturer Jaguar
Production 2009-present
Assembly Castle Bromwich Assembly, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Pune, India
Designer Ian Callum, Adam Hatton
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
Powertrain
Engine

5.0 L 385 PS (283 kW) AJ Gen III V8
5.0 L 510 PS (375 kW) supercharged AJ Gen III V8
3.0 L 275 PS (202 kW) V6 Diesel

2.0 L 240 PS (177 kW) I4 Petrol
3.0 L 340 PS (250 kW) supercharged AJ V6
Dimensions
Wheelbase SWB: 119.4 in (3,033 mm)
LWB: 124.3 in (3,157 mm)
Length SWB: 201.7 in (5,123 mm)
LWB: 206.6 in (5,248 mm)
Width 74.6 in (1,895 mm)
Height 57 in (1,448 mm)
Kerb weight

(SWB)
Diesel : 1,796 kg (3,960 lb)
Petrol : 1,755 kg (3,869 lb)
Supercharged: 1,892 kg (4,171 lb)

Add 23 kg (51 lb)) for LWB
Chronology
Predecessor XJ X358
Jaguar XJ Premium Luxury (Germany)
Jaguar XJ-L (China)

In July 2009, the newly styled XJ was unveiled at the Saatchi Gallery in London, with Jay Leno and Elle Macpherson unveiling the new car.[19] The unveiling was broadcast live on the Jaguar website.

In keeping with Ian Callum's new design direction for Jaguar, it is an all-new exterior design and a break from the XJ series mould carried over on all previous generations. It is a longer, wider car that looks much bigger than its predecessor. The front has clear links with the executive car XF, although with slimmer, sleeker lights and a larger, squarer grille and more aggressive appearance. The rear is the contentious part, like nothing Jaguar has shown before. The upright, swooping taillights, nicknamed "cat's claws", and black roof panels each side of the rear screen, which aim to hide the XJ's width, are the most striking aspects. There is also a standard full-length sunroof, that extends all the way back with just a single body-coloured roof panel that the designer likens to bridges on yachts.

The new XJ features an innovative, all-LCD dashboard and console displays. The dashboard can be configured to display various virtual dials in addition to the obligatory speedometer. The console display presents different views to the driver and passenger, including control of a sophisticated video and audio system.

Like several of its predecessors, the X351 is available in both standard and long-wheelbase form, as well as many special editions. Engines are modern units already seen in other JLR products: the 5-litre petrol V8 either normally aspirated or supercharged, or a twin-turbo 3-litre diesel that is predicted to account for most of the sales. For 2013 a 3-litre supercharged V6 was introduced to the line-up, primarily as an alternative to the diesel unit for improved fuel economy.[20]

The X351 received a minor facelift in 2014, primarily upgrading the suspension and rear seat facilities on the long wheelbase versions, but also introducing small cosmetic changes across the range, and making stop-start technology standard on all engines.

The X351 received another facelift in 2015, adding LED headlights, J-Blade rear taillights, and adding several new driver assistance and safety features such as lane assist, adaptive cruise control with a new feature known as "Queue assist", reverse traffic direction, closing vehicle sensing, a 360 degree camera system, and semi-automated parking features [21]

Worldwide Sales

Year Sales
2009 11,977
2010 10,404
2011 15,128
2012 14,988
2013 19,677

[22]

XJ Numbering of cars and engines

Just prior to World War II, Jaguar, known then as SS Cars, started using a numbering system beginning with the letter X for internal projects. X meaning experimental, XB for military chassis projects and XF to XK for engines. This numbering system has never been consistent and there appear to be many omissions and duplications.

Number Project
XJ3 3.4-litre and 3.8-litre S-Type saloon cars (known to the Pressed Steel Company as 'Utah')
XJ4 Designation of the project which led to what was publicly announced as the XJ6
XJ5 Modifications to the Mark Ten for air conditioning
XJ6 A V12 racing engine with four overhead-camshafts
XJ8 E-type 2+2 version
XJ13 Jaguar sport-racing mid engined prototype
XJ16 Jaguar 420 saloon
XJ22 & XJ23 E-type Series Two
XJ27 The Jaguar XJS
XJ40 Second Generation Jaguar XJ6 (1986–94) (as opposed to Series 2 version of First Generation)
XJ41 Prototype Coupé replacement for the XJ-S
XJ42 Prototype Drophead replacement for the XJ-S
XJ50 Jaguar XJ12 Series Three
XJ57 & XJ58 Jaguar XJ-S 3.6 litre
XJ81 Second Generation Jaguar XJ12 (1993–94)
XJ220 Sports & race car variants developed with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (1992–94)

References

  1. http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Community/Car-Magazines-Blogs/Gavin-Green-Blog/Gavin-Green-rates-the-royal-wedding-cars/
  2. "Autotest Jaguar XJ6". Autocar. 134. Vol. (nbr 3920). 13 May 1971. pp. 6–10.
  3. Private Motorcar Owner, Dec 1968, page 34-39.
  4. Private Motor Car Owner, Dec 1968, page 40.
  5. 1 2 3 "News: New Automatic for XJ6". Motor. nbr. Vol. 3534. 14 March 1970. p. 57.
  6. "Daily Mail Motor Show Review 1972 on 1973 cars". Daily Mail Motor Show Review. London: Associated Newspapers Group Ltd. October 1972. p. 27 (Jaguar XJ12).
  7. 1 2 3 "Twelve for the XJ". Motor. nbr. Vol. 3652. 12 July 1972. pp. 4–6.
  8. Graham Robson, A-Z of Cars of the 1970s, Haymarket Publishing Ltd, 1990, page 44
  9. The Jaguar Four-door Saloon Car Range. XJ 3.4, 4.2 and 5.3 (1976 UK XJ range brochure), Jaguar Car, Coventry, England
  10. 1 2 Cardew, Basil, ed. (October 1974). "Jaguar XJ6 L". Daily Express Motor Show Review 1975 Cars. p. 24.
  11. "Nachrichten aus der Technik: Jaguar mit amerikanischem Getriebe" [Tech News: Jaguar with an American transmission]. Auto, Motor und Sport. Vol. 11. 25 May 1977. p. 64.
  12. 1 2 "Howstuffworks "1973-1979 Jaguar XJ6/XJ12 Series II"". Auto.howstuffworks.com. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  13. 1 2 XJLovers Coupes, www.jag-lovers.org Retrieved 25 September 2015
  14. Cardew, Basil, ed. (October 1973). "Jaguar XJ12 Series Two". Daily Express Motor Show Review 1974 Cars. p. 28.
  15. Images of Series III bumpers fitted to a Daimler "XJ-C Coupe"
  16. "Welcome to the website dedicated to the Jaguar XJC". Xjc.com.au. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  17. 1984 Jaguar Range brochure, page 24 Retrieved from www.jag-lovers.org on 14 August 2011
  18. Versical, David (4 October 1994). "Jaguar Says Dark Days Are Gone: New XJ Benefits From Ford's Touch". Automotive News. Retrieved 2014-02-13.
  19. "Jaguar XJ: full details and pics". Autocar. Haymarket Consumer Media. 9 July 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  20. "2010 Jaguar XJ Teased at Shanghai Auto Show:The Icon Reimagined : Auto News". Autoguide.com. 20 April 2009. Retrieved 16 July 2009.
  21. "2016 Jaguar XJ Facelift Revealed: R-Sport and Autobiography Added - Video, Photo Gallery". Autoevolution.com. 15 June 2015. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
  22. http://www.tatamotors.com/investors/jlr-volumes.php

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