2001 Jaguar XJ-Sedan

The introduction of the X308 generation in 1997 came with 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 X308 had exterior styling similar to the X300 with minor refinements such as round fog lights and oval indicator lenses. The interior received updates to eliminate the instrument binnacle used on the X300. In its place were three large gauges that were recessed into the walnut-faced dashboard and positioned in front of the driver. The major mechanical change was the replacement of both the inline-six and V-12 engines with the new eight-cylinder AJ-V8 which came in either 3.2 L or 4.0-Liter versions. The 4.0 L was also available in supercharged form in the XJR. All X308 models were fitted with a five-speed automatic gearbox and no manual transmission was available.

The supercharged versions had genuine supercar tendencies and was capable of propelling driver and four passengers to a claimed top speed of 155 mph and 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds. Yet it could still cosset its occupants as only a Jaguar could.

Features included air conditioning, power-assisted steering, over mats, automatic lights & wipers, sports seats with memory, 6-Cd changer, Brembo brakes, traction control, satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, electric boot opening, adjustable headlights, remote central locking, adjustable steering column, and half wooden multi-function steering wheel.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2016