 2006 XJ |
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Image credits: © Jaguar.
2007 Jaguar XJ news, pictures, and information | ||
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Since its introduction in 2003 as a 2004 model, the XJ range has expanded from three to five distinct models wîth the addition of the long-wheelbase XJ8 L, Vanden Plas, and Super V8 for 2005. 'The XJ continues to set the standard in its class wîth its ground-breaking all-aluminum construction,' explains Bibiana Boerio, Jaguar Cars managing director. 'The benefits this advanced way of building cars offers in terms of improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, are more relevant today than they have ever been'.
For 2007, Jaguar's aluminum-intensive XJ sedan continues to improve and evolve. More equipment, like Bluetooth® wireless mobile phone connectivity, becomes standard on all XJ models. The base XJ8, long-wheelbase XJ8 L and supercharged XJR also get major interior upgrades wîth addition of Jaguar's highest-quality soft-grain leather-trimmed seating wîth piping.
XJ LONG WHEELBASE FOR EXTENDED COMFORT
The XJ Long Wheelbase continues to be a natural fit for the Jaguar driver who enjoys the focused driving dynamics of the standard wheelbase XJ sedan, but prefers the additional
rear seat room, and the added opportunity of using the back seats as a traveling office or meeting room.
To add the required extra space and equipment, while retaining the dynamic character, style and everyday drivability of the standard wheelbase XJ, Jaguar increased the original wheelbase by 5 inches to 124.4 inches, increasing the overall length to 205.3 inches.
That makes the XJ LWB the longest car in its premium sedan class – 0.3 inches longer than the new Mercedes Benz S-Class and 1.4 inches longer than the longest BMW 7 Series.
To increase the rear seating room, all the additional body length was incorporated behind the B pillars. To maintain the XJ's elegant visual proportions, and to gain a small but useful increase in headroom, the roofline was raised by 0.28 inches – a subtle curvature resulting excellent rear headroom. In addition to the increase in headroom, the improved rear passenger space gives the XJ LWB 4.5 inches more rear knee room than offered in the SWB XJ - without compromising the XJ's excellent 16.4 cu.ft. luggage volume.
Most significantly, it retains its exceptional shell stiffness, and thanks to careful weight management in both shell and other areas, the LWB adds only 53 lbs. body weight. The changes were cleverly engineered – only 17 body parts (including the large side pressings, new doors and longer roof) were new to the XJ LWB, which is built on the same assembly line as the standard wheelbase model.
SPACE TO WORK, OR ROOM TO RELAX 
The rear seats of the 2007 XJ LWB aren't only spacious and comfortable, they can also be a convenient place to relax or work while on the move. On Vanden Plas and Super V8 models, picnic trays fold down from the front seat backs – an ideal place to read or write, and big enough for a notebook computer, which can be powered from the auxiliary socket.
The XJ also offers available multi-media connectivity for MP3 and DVD players, digital memory media, personal gaming systems, wîth the option of 6.5-inch displays in the backs of the front seat head restraints, and independent input points for two rear seat passengers.
Added space allows a variety of rear seating configurations. The layout for XJ8 L and Vanden Plas is a full width, three-passenger bench seat. The Super V8 features a three-passenger bench wîth four-way power adjustment for the two outer seat positions, and the front passenger seat can be moved forward from the rear seat behind it for even more legroom.
Both seat configurations are available wîth a rear-controlled, four-zone climate control system (standard on Super V8).
ALÚMINÚM - SLIMMING DOWN 
The standard wheelbase version of this seventh generation XJ sedan broke new ground when
it went on sale in 2003, as a 2004 model year car. For the first time ever, the complete body structure of the XJ sedan was manufactured from aluminum alloy.
Aluminum alloy is notable for its high strength and low weight, but it isn't a new material for Jaguar. From its earliest days as a car manufacturer, Jaguar has used many forms of light alloy in its vehicles and components. In the XJ, however, Jaguar uses it in a unique and innovative way.
Únlike other aluminum-alloy-bodied cars, which typically use unstressed outer panels over a separate chassis, the XJ's body shell uses conventional, stressed skin, monocoque construction. By employing advanced assembly techniques from the aerospace , including adhesive bonding and self-piercing rivets, the XJ uses lightweight aluminum alloys rather than steel, as its principal body material.
In effect, riveting is used in a similar way to spot welding on a steel shell, and adhesive bonding is used in a similar way to seam welding. Úsing both together produces immensely strong, durable joints and a lightweight bodyshell wîth exceptional torsional stiffness. In addition, the latest forming, casting, machining and extrusion processes have further increased the possibilities offered by both aluminum and magnesium alloys, for maximum strength wîth minimum weight.
With this lightweight monocoque construction, any new XJ sedan is some 180 lbs lighter than the equivalent model from the previous generation, and significantly stronger. This has a very beneficial effect on power-to-weight ratio, which is a major factor in almost all aspects of vehicle performance. Reducing a vehicle's weight (without compromising its strength) will improve its performance for the same power output. That not only improves straight-line performance and especially acceleration, but by allowing the engine to work less hard it also improves fuel consumption. Lower weight reduces the energy involved in any impact, and also improves braking performance. This benefits subjective areas such as ride comfort, handling agility and §teering feel – all of which are core elements in the defining character of any Jaguar.
Other advantages are inherent in these materials and in Jaguar's unique construction method. The treated alloy panels are highly corrosion-resistant, for long life, wîth a six-year anti-corrosion limited warranty. Jaguar uses them in such a way as to minimize repair costs in the event of accident damage.
The deformable aluminum alloy front structure can withstand an impact of up to 10 mph without transferring damage to the main shell. It is bolted on, so that it can be replaced more quickly and easily if needed. Front fenders as well as trunk and hood lids are bolted on, and the doors feature ‘lift-off' hinges – again for easier, more economical, replacement. The shell is also protected by injection-molded front and rear bumpers. All this helps the XJ achieve competitive insurance ratings.
THE PERSONALIZED XJ
There are a wide array of interior trim and equipment options on the 2007 XJ. Soft-grain leather trim wîth piping – now a standard feature of all XJ models – is offered in a variety of trim colors carefully coordinated wîth the range of body colors. Veneer selection includes the traditional Jaguar Burl Walnut on XJ8 L, a specialized Burl Walnut veneer wîth hand-inlaid Peruvian boxwood on Vanden Plas and Super V8, and newly optional Elm veneers which offer the choice of a lighter hue.
The 2007 XJ also offers versatile storage space, including a large glovebox wîth one-touch release offset towards the driver. As well as interior light and sunroof controls, the overhead console can incorporate the switches for features such as remote garage door opening and rear sunblind, microphones for the optional built-in hands-free telephone and JaguarVoice systems.
Jaguar is a leader in voice control technology, which can be used in the LWB to operate telephone, audio, air conditioning and satellite navigation functions, in several languages (with voice control as a dealer installed accessory). All XJ models now come standard wîth Bluetooth® wireless technology for mobile phone connectivity.
Jaguar has embraced and developed many new technologies, but is careful to adopt them only when they are relevant and easy to use. Its DVD-based satellite navigation system is a good example of that philosophy. It uses a large, clear, touch sensitive screen wîth logical menus and commands to display points of interest, restaurants, hotels, parking facilities, Jaguar dealers and gas stations – the latter automatically highlighted when the fuel level is low. Touch-screen control also extends to the major audio and climate control functions.
THE POWER BEHIND THE LÚXÚRY
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 4.2 L., 8-cylinder Power: 300 hp Torque: 310 ft-lbs Engine : 4.2 L., 8-cylinder Power: 400 hp Torque: 413 ft-lbs | |
6-speed Automatic | |
Against the clock, this engine can accelerate the XJ from standstill to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. However, paired wîth the advanced lightweight aluminum construction, it is also an engine that provides extraordinary fuel economy, wîth an EPA rating of 18/27 mpg (city/highway).
The mechanically supercharged 4.2-liter V8 that powers the XJR and Super V8 uses an Eaton supercharger, twin high efficiency intercoolers, a special twin pump fuel system, and forged oil cooled pistons to handle the increased internal loads and temperatures without compromising durability.
It produces a very strong 400bhp at 6,100 rpm, and a robust torque peak of 413 lb-ft at only 3,500 rpm. What's more, its exceptional torque spread delivers at least 86 percent of the peak torque figure across a very wide range, from 2,000 rpm to well beyond the peak point. Against the clock, it delivers 0-60 mph sprinting in just 5.0 seconds.
Both engines share similar construction, wîth aluminum alloy blocks and cylinder heads, designed for high strength, long durability and minimum transmitted noise and vibration. All use chain driven overhead camshafts wîth low noise, fine pitch, inverted tooth chains and sprockets.
Both the supercharged as well as the naturally aspirated AJ-V8 were equipped wîth Variable Camshaft Phasing. This continuously varies the phasing of the inlet camshaft according to demand, to optimize low speed torque and high speed power, while reducing emissions. High compression ratios and multi-hole injection nozzles improve combustion, improving fuel economy and further reducing emissions. Short engine and catalyst warm-up times make further gains.
The XJ continues to offer the choice of powerful, refined and efficient V8 engines both matched to the advanced ZF six-speed automatic transmission that was the world's first stepped six-speed automatic transmission when it made its debut in the S-TYPE in 2002.
This light, compact unit is perfectly matched to the V8 family's power characteristics, and is also a major contributor to the XJ's refinement. It features Bosch Mechatronic shift – an electro-hydraulic shift mechanism incorporated into the main gearbox casing. Its adaptive shift strategy (controlled by the ECÚ) responds both to road conditions and to the way the car is being driven, providing the smoothest shifts and optimum performance.
DRIVING DYNAMICS
On all naturally aspirated XJs – the XJ8, XJ8 L and Vanden Plas – the diameter of the front rotors is 12.8 inches, wîth the rear rotors of 11.8 inches in diameter. On superchar ged models, the 'R' Performance barking system employs calipers wîth enhanced stiffness to deliver even better high-speed braking performance.
All XJ models still feature four-channel Anti-Locking Braking (ABS) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), which complement to the Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems. Traction Control combines engine torque control, to reduce engine torque, and selective rear wheel braking using the ABS system to counteract wheelspin when too much power is applied on a low grip surface. DSC uses engine torque control plus selective braking on all four wheels to counteract either understeer or oversteer if the limits of adhesion are overstepped.
The combination of Jaguar's -leading Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) and the double wishbone layout and air springs ensures the classic Jaguar balance of agile handling, outstanding ride comfort and fine §teering feel. CATS is an electronic control system that operates by continuously adjusting the damping characteristics to suit the driving conditions – optimizing both ride and handling. These adjustments are seamlessly made by the electronic control unit (ECÚ) which receives input from a series of sensors.
Both front and rear suspensions are mounted on isolated subframes, wîth rubber and hydraulic bushes to give precise control wîth maximum noise and vibration suppression. Pressurized air springs are used rather than conventional steel coils to give ample travel while optimizing the balance between comfort and control. Effective spring stiffness increases wîth load, to give a consistent ride, and ride height is automatically controlled according to the data supplied by three height sensors. At high cruising speeds, ride height is automatically lowered by 0.6 inches to enhance stability, minimize aerodynamic drag and maximize fuel economy.
Dynamically, the XJ long wheelbase is uniquely distinguishable from the standard wheelbase car. While gaining interior space it remains compact enough to fit into an average-sized garage, and to handle the tight spaces of multi-level parking structures. Its turning circle is a tight 39.5 feet that out-maneuvers the competition.
Even wîth the additional five inches, the aluminum alloy monocoque shell retains its exceptional stiffness and light weight allowing the long wheelbase models to have the same highly-acclaimed ride, handling balance and §teering feel as the standard wheelbase model.
SAFETY
The target in developing the aluminum-intensive XJ was to produce one of the world's safest cars.
Building on the solid active safety foundations of excellent handling, road-holding, braking and stability, the XJ is equipped wîth Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.).
This system employs the world's most comprehensive and sophisticated sensing technologies to monitor the position of the front passenger, while other sensors detect the passenger's weight, the position of the driver in relation to the §teering wheel and the usage – or not – of safety belts. A.R.T.S. has the capability to sense the severity of a collision and deploy the vehicle's passive safety system.
All XJs are also equipped wîth an advanced tire pressure monitoring system to enhance vehicle safety, and provide extra peace of mind for driver and passengers. Únlike some other systems, which use a car's anti-lock brake sensors to detect drops in tire pressure, Jaguar's system uses radio frequency transmitters.
This allows each tire – including the spare – to be accurately and precisely monitored. And, unlike the ABS-based systems, it can detect if all four tires lose pressure gradually. If the pressure in any of the five tires drops by 25 percent of the recommended threshold, a warning light on the instrument cluster flashes.
Laminated side glass fitted to all XJs aids in safety as well as reducing interior noise levels. Featuring two layers of laminated glass separated by an ultra-thin acoustic interlayer, the laminated side glass makes ‘smash and grab' thefts more difficult. The plastic interlay between the glass also reduces harmful ÚV rays, which can deteriorate interior trim.
For 2007, Bluetooth® wireless technology for mobile phones becomes standard on all XJ models.
With the Bluetooth® wireless module installed, an owner's compatible Bluetooth® capable cell phone automatically links wîth the car's system, allowing safe and easy, hands-free cell phone operation.Source - Jaguar
Sir John William hailed the JX series as 'the finest Jaguar ever.' The 'XJ' designation had been used during the vehicles development as its codename. When the vehicle was introduced, the codename persisted. When introduced it was powered by a six-cylinder engine that came in either 2.8- or 4.2-liter displacement. In 1972 a 5.3-liter V12 unit was introduced with a total of 3,235 examples being produced its introductory year. From 1968 through 1973, Jaguar produced 82,126 examples of the XJ Series I.
The Jaguar XJ Series II, commonly known as the Series II, was introduced in 1973. It brought mild aesthetic improvements over the prior years. One of the more visual indications of a Series II from a Series I was the smaller front grille. A 3.4-liter engine became available in 1975. In total, 91,227 examples of the Series II were produced with 14,226 being outfitted with the 12-cylinder engine. 8378 examples were of the two-door XJ Coupes which were produced from 1975 through 1978.
The Series II vehicles had a reputation for pool build quality which was partly due to outsourced components. The XJC versions were plagued with loud wind noise and water leakage.
A limited number of XJC pillar-less hardtop coupes were produced from 1975 through 1978. These are commonly known as the XJC. Their chassis's were constructed on the short-wheelbase version of the XJ. They came equipped with either the six or twelve cylinder engine. Extensive amount of labor was required in order to modify the saloon body to create the XJC. The labor intensive process and high sticker price was part of the reason only 8378 examples were produced.
In 1979 Jaguar unveiled the Series 3 which remained in production until 1992. The famous design studio, Pininfarina, had been tasked with incorporating design enhancements for the long-wheelbase version. The results were stunning.
The Series III were powered by six- and 12-cylinder engines. In six-cylinder form, the owner could select either the 3.4-liter or 4.2-liter unit. The V12 unit had 5.3-liters in displacement size. The larger six-cylinder engine and the 12-cylinder unit both utilized Bosch fuel injection. The smaller six used carburetors and now offered for sale in the US.
In total, there were 132,952 examples of the Series III produced. A small percentage of those, 10,500, were equipped with the 12-cylinder engine. In 1987 Jaguar ceased production of the Series III XJ with the six-cylinder engines. The Series III with the 12-cylinder power-plant continued until 1992.
The Series III brought with it cruise control and a sunroof as optional equipment. The Vanden Plas option was introduced in 1982 and intended for the US market. This designation indicated the top-of-the-line offering for the Jaguar XJ which included the twelve-cylinder engine and many luxury items as standard equipment.
The Project XJ40 had been in development by British Leyland (Jaguar) since the 1970's. Designs by Pininfarina were submitted but ultimately, Jaguar decided to stick with its internal design studio for their newest creation. There were delays with the project which delayed its introduction. These delay's, which included the unforeseen fuel crisis, meant the Jaguar Mark II XJ40 was unveiled to European markets until 1986. Since its design had been started in the 1970's, it brought with it many controversial designs from that era. The square headlights were one of these antiquated features.
Jaguar offered the XJ40 with only six-cylinder units when first introduced. The 12-cylinder unit's were not ready, thus the continuation of the Series III with the V12 until 1992. In 1989 Ford took over Jaguar. Work began on redesigning the engine bay to accommodate the V12. It would take a few more years of development until the V12 was ready.
In 1993 a twelve-cylinder version of the Mark II was ready for sale. By now, the vehicles were known as XJ81. Production would continue until 1994 of these 6.0-liter four-door saloons. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a GM 4L80E four-speed automatic gearbox with overdrive on the fourth gear.
In 1995 the XJ6, code-named X300 Series, was introduced which used styling cues from the popular Series III cars. There were now four individual headlights, reminiscent of the Series III era. The hood was also very similar to the S3. The work of the newly designs and updated X300 Series cars was done by Geoff Lawson, the head designer for Jaguar. Included in this series was the XJ6, Vanden Plas, XJR, and Daimler. Power was from a 4-liter six-cylinder unit or from the 6-liter 12-cylinder unit. The XJR version featured a supercharger on the six-cylinder unit. This was a radical departure from Jaguar's history, as a supercharger had never been used by the Jaguar Company. Turbochargers were almost as rare in the company's long and prestigious history. The XJ220 is one of the few Jaguars, up to this point, to have been outfitted with a turbocharger.
Though the exterior of the car had received attention, the interior received very few updates.
Production of the XJ6 continued into 1997.
The XJ12 and Daimler Double Six as introduced in 1995 and produced until 1996. It was known under the codename X305. Production of the XJ12 was low with only 3400 examples produced. Though they shared many design features as the X300 Series, there was much to distinguish the two series. V12 badges were placed on each side of the vehicles pillar.
The X308 was introduced in 1997 and continued until 2002. Included in this series was the XJ7, JXR, Daimler, and Vanden Plas. The X308 Series brought about an all-new dashboard. The most significant improvement was the use of eight-cylinder engines. They were offered in 3.2-liter, and 4.0-liter displacement sizes. The XJR included a five-speed automatic transmission and a supercharger on the 4.0-liter unit which greatly improvement the vehicles performance. The base 4.0-liter produced 290 horsepower while the supercharger version increased output to 370.
In 2002, Jaguar introduced the XJR 100 which was a limited 500 special edition versions of the XJR. They were all painted in black with matching black leather interior. Alloy sport wheels, red stitching in the interior, and maple trim were used exclusively on the XJR 100.
The Mark III was introduced in 2002 and brought about an all-new aluminum lightweight body. These were codenamed the X350. Included in this series was the XJ6, XJ8, XJR, Vanden Plas, Super V8, and Daimler Super Eight. Visually, the vehicle had changed little. The biggest improvements were under the hood and throughout the other mechanical components. The chassis and body were constructed mostly from aluminum with small amounts of steel.
The Super V8 made its debut in 2004. This was a long-wheelbase version of the XJ and is considered the most luxurious and powerful of the series. As such, it is also the most expensive. Under the hood was a 4.2-liter supercharger V8 that produced 400 horsepower. A limited edition, called the Super V8 Portfolio, was introduced at the 2005 New York Auto Show as a 2006 model. It carried a base price of $115,999. Improvements were more power and luxury enhancements. There were only limited colors offered, either Black Cherry or Winter Gold. Zero-to-sixty took just five seconds.
The Mark III, aka X350, was powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that came in natural aspiration or supercharger. The base engine produced 300 horsepower while the supercharger version raised that figure to 400.
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 2007
Jaguar
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| Jaguar S-Type |
| Jaguar X-Type |
| Jaguar XJR Portfolio |
| Jaguar XK |
| Jaguar XKR |
| Jaguar XKR GT3 | 2007 Jaguar Concepts |
| Jaguar C-XF Concept |
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| 1.5 Litre C-Type D-Type E-Series | Mark Mark IV Mark IX Mark V | Mark VII Mark X S-Type SS 100 | SS II X-Type XF XJ | XJ-S XJ220 XJR Group 44, IMSA, and Group C XK | XK Series XKSS |
| 2006 XJ |
