2014 Model Year Jaguar XJ Updates

◾Enhanced luxury features in the rear cabin of the 2014 model year XJ add to the already luxurious status of Jaguar's flagship saloon

◾A comprehensive range of engines - 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, 3.0-litre V6 diesel and supercharged petrol and four 5.0-litre V8 petrol powerplants - enhances customer choice in key global markets

◾Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System, which monitors grip levels and driver input to provide maximum traction at all times, is available as an option on the 14MY XJ with 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine

◾An even more spacious long-wheelbase version of the 14MY XJ is available

◾A new Jaguar flagship sports saloon - the 550PS XJR - combines supercar performance and assertive looks with the XJ's typically high levels of luxury

◾All engines in the 2014 XJ range - including the 2.0-litre i4 Ti 240 turbocharged petrol unit - are now available with Intelligent Stop/Start system

◾All available engines deliver their power through smooth shifting eight-speed automatic transmissions

'The 2014 XJ represents the summit of Jaguar's luxury saloon range. The XJ's unparalleled breadth of talent combines class-leading levels of luxury, comfort and performance with the elegant, contemporary design for which Jaguar is renowned.'

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar

SUMMARY

The 2014 model year Jaguar XJ is the latest in a long line of luxurious Jaguar sports saloons, incorporating enhanced rear cabin luxury features, comfort and in-car technology to create a truly elegant and contemporary luxury Jaguar.

The Jaguar XJ is offered with a choice of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder i4 turbocharged petrol engine, diesel and supercharged petrol 3.0-litre V6 engines and four 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines, one normally aspirated and three supercharged.

The 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine, which has been developed from the award-winning 5.0-litre V8, powers Jaguar's 'intelligent' All-Wheel Drive system which continuously monitors grip levels and driver inputs to provide maximum traction in all conditions.

The 2.0-litre i4 turbocharged petrol engine, now available with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop/Start system, uses a range of state-of-the-art technologies for power generation that belies its size. It produces 240PS and 340Nm thanks to the use of three key innovations - low-inertia turbocharging, direct fuel-injection and variable timing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts.

These engines, as well as the other XJ variants, are mated to Jaguar's eight-speed automatic gearbox which offers a broad spread of ratios for a perfectly balanced combination of smooth-shifting, economy and driver control.

The long-wheelbase models feature enhanced rear cabin luxury features which include 'airline' style reclining seats with massage function, increased headroom*, fold-out business tables and a specially re-tuned rear suspension set-up to enhance rear seat ride comfort.

*Not for the US market

The entertainment system has been enhanced with a Rear Seat Entertainment package featuring two hi-resolution touchscreens, and optional premium Meridian Reference Audio System with Conversation Assist.

The 14MY XJ's luxurious feel is underlined by the palette of materials used on the interior. This includes Bond grain, soft grain and semi-aniline leather, and a wide choice of veneers including Piano Black, Carbon Fibre, Gloss Burr Walnut and Satin Rosewood. The 14MY XJ also features a range of wheels including the newly designed Manra 18-inch lightweight forged alloy.

The 14MY 'R' version of the XJ incorporates bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments to create the most focused, agile and responsive XJR ever. Seamless performance from its 550PS/680Nm, 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine makes the XJR capable of accelerating from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 174mph (280km/h).

'With a dynamic set-up tuned for both performance and incredible comfort, the new XJR brings immense breadth of capability to the segment, creating the ultimate high-performance luxury saloon car.'

Andrew Dobson, Chief Programme Engineer, Jaguar XJ

ENHANCED INTERIOR FEATURES

The 2014 XJ features a range of enhanced interior features focussed on the rear cabin of the car, which upgrade both the luxury and functionality of the XJ's rear environment, resulting in the most accomplished Jaguar luxury saloon.

The rear passenger compartment of the 2014 LWB car includes two individual 'airline style' reclining seats which both feature cushion and squab adjustment, three massage programs - Wave/Rolling, Lumbar and Shoulder - to provide optimum levels of relaxation during long journeys, lumbar adjustment and two memory settings for each seat. The total recline adjustment of each seat is 11 degrees, with 103mm lateral cushion movement and 14 degrees of upper articulation movement. The rear seat home positioning setting returns each seat to its home position at the touch of a button on the door panel, easing entry and exit.

The new centre armrest, which can be stowed in the upright position to allow the use of the centre seat, houses all the seat controls as well as the Front Seat Activation button which allows control of the front passenger seat from the rear.

Front seat enhancements include massage functions for each seat with five levels of intensity, allowing occupants to personalise their massage settings to their preference.

Through the use of the front touchscreen, any one of the four electric seats can be selected and then fully controlled via the driver's seat switches. The rear seats can be returned to their home position by the use of the touchscreen and driver's memory buttons, and can also be programmed to return to their home position on rear door opening for ease of entry and exit.

Rear-seat passengers in the LWB version of the 2014 XJ are provided with a wide range of entertainment features. The Rear Seat Entertainment package comprises two 10.2' high-resolution screens mounted on the back of the front seat headrests. These can display inputs from a number of sources; the DVD player, digital TV tuner or an external media player that can be synced through the Rear Media Interface, which provides USB and RCA connections. Audio can be transmitted through the wireless headphones, allowing each passenger to watch separate entertainment sources. The rear seat environment, including the entertainment, is managed by a wireless controller housed in the centre console which also allows passengers to alter their individual climate zones and seat heating and cooling functions.

The LWB XJ also features leather-surfaced business tables in the rear, which fold out of the seatbacks of the front seats. To keep rear seat passengers shielded from the sun, and to offer privacy, the XJ offers electric rear-side window blinds that are operated via the window lift switches. An increase in rear headroom* by 13mm gives rear-seat passengers the optimum in luxurious, limousine levels of comfort.

*Not for the US market

POWERTRAIN

The 2014 XJ engine range includes an ultra-efficient, high-powered 2.0-litre i4 turbocharged petrol engine, powerful and efficient 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel engines, as well as a 5.0-litre normally aspirated engine and three supercharged 5.0-litre units putting out 470PS, 510PS, and in the XJR, 550PS.

The XJ's 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine powers the car's All-Wheel Drive system which operates 'intelligently', continuously monitoring grip levels and driver inputs to both pre-empt and react to wheel-slip, enabling maximum traction in all conditions. At speed in normal grip conditions the AWD system delivers drive to the rear wheels, thus providing the dynamic driving experience that all Jaguars are renowned for, while also maximising powertrain efficiency in all weather and road conditions.

The 2.0-litre i4 turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 240PS and 340Nm of torque, is offered with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop/Start system for 14MY.

Eight-speed Transmission

Maximising the benefit of the engine calibration is the eight-speed automatic transmission, which brings out the performance of the XJ while still maintaining the car's composure in town and in low-speed driving environments.

When operating in automatic mode, the transmission can detect the manner in which the car is being driven by monitoring acceleration and braking, cornering forces, throttle and brake pedal activity, road load and kickdown request. On detecting a more enthusiastic driving style, the transmission will automatically make the gearshifts more aggressive and move the shift-up point higher in the rev range. Steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles give the driver higher levels of control.

Intelligent Stop/Start system

The 14MY XJ powered by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine now features Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system, which uses a Twin Solenoid Starter (TSS) to shut down the engine when the car comes to a halt, and restart it in less time than it takes for the driver's foot to move from the brake to the accelerator.

The system offers 'change of mind' functionality, enabling the engine to quickly restart even during its rundown phase to allow the driver to, for example, exploit a gap in traffic at a junction. An illuminated 'ECO' symbol appears on the instrument panel when the engine has been stopped by the system. Intelligent Stop-Start can be turned off manually, but it will automatically be turned on again for the vehicle's next journey with every ignition cycle. The system operates in all modes apart from Reverse. The 14MY XJ has a secondary battery fitted specifically for engine re-starting, meaning that all the normal car systems - such as the entertainment system, the ventilation and lights - continue to receive power from the standard car battery and are unaffected by the re-start. In addition, a sophisticated control system ensures that the Stop/Start operation only occurs when the car does not require the engine for other functions.

EXTENDED NAVIGATION FEATURES

With the 14MY XJ, navigation is now available in nearly all the 101 markets that the XJ is sold in. A number of markets will now have an SD card based system, which uses the capacitive touch screen and integrates with the vehicle positioning systems to providing accurate and fast route guidance. As an industry first, a combination of Tracks4Africa and City Maps covering 15 African markets is offered.

REAR SUSPENSION ENHANCEMENTS

To underline its purpose in ensuring that passengers remain luxuriously cosseted at all times, the LWB version of the 14MY XJ features revisions to the rear suspension for optimised ride compliance, providing a smoother journey for rear seat occupants.

While this provides a truly relaxing experience for rear seat passengers, the XJ loses none of the model's core dynamic abilities and so is as rewarding to drive as it is to be driven in. The XJ's lightweight aluminium construction means a weight saving over its rivals of as much as 150kg, resulting in great advantages in terms of agility, acceleration, braking and driver feedback and involvement.

EXTERIOR FEATURES

14MY XJ customers can choose from an exterior palette comprising 15 colours: Polaris White, Ebony, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Lunar Grey, Rhodium Silver, Cashmere, Osmium Blue, Dark Sapphire, Caviar, Carnelian Red, Black Amethyst, Italian Racing Red, British Racing Green and Satellite Grey.

The 14MY XJ also features newly designed 18-inch Manra lightweight forged alloy wheels, and soft closing door technology which ensures that the doors of the XJ are securely closed with minimum exertion and undue noise.

MERIDIAN™ REFERENCE AUDIO SYSTEM

An optional range-topping 1300W Meridian™ Reference Audio System - with 26 super premium speaker drive units upgraded to reduce distortion and improve linearity - is available for the 14MY XJ.

The Meridian™ Reference Audio System incorporates two 80mm speakers and one 25mm tweeter set in the rear of the each of the front seats; this combined with the speaker drive unit upgrades delivers a concert-like experience for all vehicle occupants. The system also incorporates DEC, which is a progression of the successful Dynamic Volume Control (DVC). This utilises the microphones above each listening position to optimise the frequency response and level of the sound to compensate exactly for varying levels and types of noise registered.

The Meridian™ Reference Audio System is visually recognisable with unique badging on the doors and rear parcel shelf and also the red cones on the door speakers, which are visible through the speaker grilles.

Conversation Assist

Conversation Assist, which is only available with the Meridian™ Reference Audio System, utilises a microphone above each seating position and digital audio processing technology to reinforce the occupant's voice via the vehicle's audio system. This makes it much easier for occupants to be heard clearly by the other occupants in the vehicle above any cabin noise.

Conversation Assist can be activated whenever the infotainment system is on, whether audio sources are actively playing through the audio system or not, but the feature will not be active when in a phone call or voice session.

by Jaguar

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 vehicle 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. An 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 was powered by six- and 12-cylinder engines. In the 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 its 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 between the two series. V12 badges were placed on each side of the vehicle's 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 improve the vehicle's 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 supercharged 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.

by Dan Vaughan