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North American Debut of the Most Advanced Jaguar Ever—The All-New 2004 XJ Sedan Bows in at the 2003 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show
Jaguar's all-new 2004 XJ sedan makes its North American debut at the 2003 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, January 2-12, 2003.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16—Due in showrooms late spring, the new XJ is the most technically advanced Jaguar ever built. Lightweight aluminum monocoque construction provides the blueprint for future intelligent manufacturing of full-size luxury cars allowing the new XJ to be stronger, faster, smarter, and safer than the model it replaces. The new XJ will be the seventh generation of the iconic XJ sedan, the car that has defined the Jaguar brand since its original launch in 1968.
Powerful and refined V8 engines take advantage of the weight-saving benefits that the XJ's aluminum construction offers. A new 4.2-liter supercharged V8, delivering a massive 390bhp (SAE) accelerates the XJR flagship from standstill to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. A normally aspirated version of the same engine develops a muscular 294bhp (SAE)—power to provide 0-60mph acceleration in 6.3 seconds.
Both engines benefit from being coupled to a new, highly responsive six-speed ZF automatic transmission, first introduced in the new 2003 S-TYPE range.
"Working with the most-advanced technologies ever used by Jaguar, we have crafted a true flagship that blends the ultra-modern with traditional core Jaguar values," said Mike O'Driscoll, President of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover North America.
Featuring an industry-first use of rivet-bonded joining technology for the whole body structure, self-pierce rivets are used in combination with aerospace-sourced epoxy adhesive to join the aluminum pressings, castings, and extrusions.
In the construction of the new XJ's body, 88 robots apply almost 3,200 rivets and more than 350 feet of structural adhesives.
The result: a body that is significantly stiffer—by 60 percent—and lighter by 40 percent than its steel equivalent. The strength of its architecture also ensures superb crashworthiness while the aluminum sheet metal panels are bake-hardened offering added resilience against dings and dents.
The new XJ is also longer, taller, and wider than before. The increased dimensions result in a cabin that offers significantly more headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and rear-seat knee room, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for five adults.
There's also more space for luggage in a trunk that is 25 percent bigger than the previous XJ's. Even the glovebox is increased in size.
The cabin is packed with new technologies to increase comfort and driving enjoyment. Available features include JaguarVoice, providing drivers and, for the first time, rear seat passengers with voice-activated control of the telephone, navigation systems, audio equipment, and climate control.
Another advance is an optional multi-media entertainment system that allows simultaneous enjoyment of up to three different audio, video, or game systems. Two 6.5-inch color display screens are mounted in the rear of the front seat head restraints, allowing rear seat passengers to watch DVDs or play video games.
"Our target in developing the new Jaguar XJ was to produce one of the world's safest cars," explains David Scholes, XJ Chief Program Engineer. "And the XJ's body structure is the foundation of its excellent safety performance."
Being lighter than the equivalent steel body, the XJ body structure carries significantly less kinetic energy into a collision, reducing the amount of energy that has to be absorbed by the body in an accident.
To optimize protection, Jaguar's renowned "A.R.T.S." (Adaptive Restraint Technology System) senses the severity of a crash, the position of the driver, and the usage of seatbelts, to provide tailored protection. This is combined with standard-fit side thorax and full-length side curtain airbag protection that deploy in the event of a side impact.
Ride comfort and vehicle handling are taken to new heights with the new XJ. Self-leveling air suspension is standard on all models, as is an enhanced version Jaguar's "C.A.T.S." (Computer Active Technology Suspension system).
"In the new XJ, we believe we have created a masterpiece-one that blends elegant, sensuous design with real technical achievement. In every respect, the new XJ is an icon reinvented," adds O'Driscoll.
THE All-NEW 2004 XJ AT A GLANCE
The new XJ is the most advanced production Jaguar ever.
It's the seventh generation of the XJ series. The first XJ was introduced 34 years ago in September 1968.
More than 800,000 XJs have been sold since the first model was introduced, accounting for over half of all Jaguars made.
Engines comprise 4.2-liter V8 (supercharged and normally-aspirated) both with six-speed automatic transmission.
The new XJ's body is 40 percent lighter and 60 percent stiffer than the equivalent steel body.
Each new XJ is assembled using 88 robots that apply almost 3,200 rivets and more than 350 feet of adhesives.
The front door of a new XJ weighs 23 lbs—that's 45 percent less than the equivalent steel door.
Prototypes of the new XJ underwent the equivalent of two lifetimes' motoring in simulated testing.
The XJ's air suspension "wakes up" every 24 hours and levels the car when it's parked and not in use.
The supercharger spins five percent faster than in the previous XJR.
The Adaptive Cruise Control radar takes 40 measurements on each sweep.
The new XJ underwent more than 500 computer-simulated crash tests before its first physical barrier test.
Source -
Jaguar's all-new 2004 XJ sedan makes its North American debut at the 2003 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, January 2-12, 2003.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16—Due in showrooms late spring, the new XJ is the most technically advanced Jaguar ever built. Lightweight aluminum monocoque construction provides the blueprint for future intelligent manufacturing of full-size luxury cars allowing the new XJ to be stronger, faster, smarter, and safer than the model it replaces. The new XJ will be the seventh generation of the iconic XJ sedan, the car that has defined the Jaguar brand since its original launch in 1968.
Powerful and refined V8 engines take advantage of the weight-saving benefits that the XJ's aluminum construction offers. A new 4.2-liter supercharged V8, delivering a massive 390bhp (SAE) accelerates the XJR flagship from standstill to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. A normally aspirated version of the same engine develops a muscular 294bhp (SAE)—power to provide 0-60mph acceleration in 6.3 seconds.
Both engines benefit from being coupled to a new, highly responsive six-speed ZF automatic transmission, first introduced in the new 2003 S-TYPE range.
"Working with the most-advanced technologies ever used by Jaguar, we have crafted a true flagship that blends the ultra-modern with traditional core Jaguar values," said Mike O'Driscoll, President of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover North America.
Featuring an industry-first use of rivet-bonded joining technology for the whole body structure, self-pierce rivets are used in combination with aerospace-sourced epoxy adhesive to join the aluminum pressings, castings, and extrusions.
In the construction of the new XJ's body, 88 robots apply almost 3,200 rivets and more than 350 feet of structural adhesives.
The result: a body that is significantly stiffer—by 60 percent—and lighter by 40 percent than its steel equivalent. The strength of its architecture also ensures superb crashworthiness while the aluminum sheet metal panels are bake-hardened offering added resilience against dings and dents.
The new XJ is also longer, taller, and wider than before. The increased dimensions result in a cabin that offers significantly more headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and rear-seat knee room, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for five adults.
There's also more space for luggage in a trunk that is 25 percent bigger than the previous XJ's. Even the glovebox is increased in size.
The cabin is packed with new technologies to increase comfort and driving enjoyment. Available features include JaguarVoice, providing drivers and, for the first time, rear seat passengers with voice-activated control of the telephone, navigation systems, audio equipment, and climate control.
Another advance is an optional multi-media entertainment system that allows simultaneous enjoyment of up to three different audio, video, or game systems. Two 6.5-inch color display screens are mounted in the rear of the front seat head restraints, allowing rear seat passengers to watch DVDs or play video games.
"Our target in developing the new Jaguar XJ was to produce one of the world's safest cars," explains David Scholes, XJ Chief Program Engineer. "And the XJ's body structure is the foundation of its excellent safety performance."
Being lighter than the equivalent steel body, the XJ body structure carries significantly less kinetic energy into a collision, reducing the amount of energy that has to be absorbed by the body in an accident.
To optimize protection, Jaguar's renowned "A.R.T.S." (Adaptive Restraint Technology System) senses the severity of a crash, the position of the driver, and the usage of seatbelts, to provide tailored protection. This is combined with standard-fit side thorax and full-length side curtain airbag protection that deploy in the event of a side impact.
Ride comfort and vehicle handling are taken to new heights with the new XJ. Self-leveling air suspension is standard on all models, as is an enhanced version Jaguar's "C.A.T.S." (Computer Active Technology Suspension system).
"In the new XJ, we believe we have created a masterpiece-one that blends elegant, sensuous design with real technical achievement. In every respect, the new XJ is an icon reinvented," adds O'Driscoll.
THE All-NEW 2004 XJ AT A GLANCE
The new XJ is the most advanced production Jaguar ever.
It's the seventh generation of the XJ series. The first XJ was introduced 34 years ago in September 1968.
More than 800,000 XJs have been sold since the first model was introduced, accounting for over half of all Jaguars made.
Engines comprise 4.2-liter V8 (supercharged and normally-aspirated) both with six-speed automatic transmission.
The new XJ's body is 40 percent lighter and 60 percent stiffer than the equivalent steel body.
Each new XJ is assembled using 88 robots that apply almost 3,200 rivets and more than 350 feet of adhesives.
The front door of a new XJ weighs 23 lbs—that's 45 percent less than the equivalent steel door.
Prototypes of the new XJ underwent the equivalent of two lifetimes' motoring in simulated testing.
The XJ's air suspension "wakes up" every 24 hours and levels the car when it's parked and not in use.
The supercharger spins five percent faster than in the previous XJR.
The Adaptive Cruise Control radar takes 40 measurements on each sweep.
The new XJ underwent more than 500 computer-simulated crash tests before its first physical barrier test.
Source -
The Jaguar XJ series began in 1968 and has continued in various forms and Series into modern times. The first 'Mark' was introduced in 1968 and continued until 1992. During this time there were three series, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3. In 1986 Jaguar introduced the Mark II which continued until 2002. During this time there were the XJ40, XJ81, X300, X305 and X308. The Mark III was introduced in 2003.
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.
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.
2003 Jaguar XJ8 |
|
| Year | 2003 |
| Make | Jaguar |
| Model | XJ8 |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | AWD |
| Production Years for Series | 2002 - |
| Weight | 3428 lbs | 1554.9 kg |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | V |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 181.00 CU IN. | 2966.6 cc. | 3 L. |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Horsepower | 227.00 HP (167.1 KW) @ 6800.00 RPM |
| Torque | 206.00 Ft-Lbs (279.3 NM) @ 3000.00 RPM |
| HP to Weight Ratio | 15.1 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) |
| HP / Liter | 75.7 BHP / Liter |
| Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight | |
| Transmission Information | |
| Gears | 5 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Transmission Information | |
| Gears | 5 |
| Transmission | Manual |
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com