ENHANCED JAGUAR XJ RESETS THE STANDARD FOR LUXURY, DESIGN AND DYNAMICS

◾The new 2016 model year Jaguar XJ revealed

◾The XJ reaffirms its status as the most dynamic, distinctive luxury saloon

◾On sale from Autumn 2015, priced from £58,690 on-the-road

◾New InControl Touch Pro touchscreen infotainment system offers door-to-door navigation, seamless iOS and Android connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot and 26-speaker, 1,300W Meridian Digital Reference audio system

◾Reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster now offers full-screen navigation display

◾Uprated 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine delivers 300PS/700Nm and reduces CO2 emissions by more than six per cent to 149g/km

◾Electric power-assisted steering offers even greater feel and responsiveness and reduces fuel consumption

◾All-Surface Progress Control enables smooth, effortless drive-away on low-friction surfaces such as snow and ice - all the driver has to do is steer

◾Exterior design refresh complete with full LED headlights and unique double J-Blade daytime running lights

◾Black Pack options for subtly enhanced exterior styling

◾Suite of advanced driver assistance systems including lane keep-assist, adaptive cruise control with queue-assist, reverse traffic detection, closing vehicle sensing, 360° surround camera system and semi-automated bay- and parallel-parking

◾New R-Sport and top-of-the-range Autobiography models join the line-up alongside XJ Luxury, Premium Luxury, Portfolio and XJR

Summary

The XJ, Jaguar's all-aluminium luxury saloon, is more desirable than ever.

Subtle changes to the exterior design, accentuated by full LED headlights, add to the XJ's already distinctive looks. Materials such as semi-aniline leather and inlay veneers enhance an interior already considered the most luxurious in the segment, culminating in the new Autobiography model.

Matching this traditional craftsmanship is state-of-the-art technology, including a new infotainment system. InControl Touch Pro offers features such as door-to-door navigation and 1,300W Meridian digital audio system.

The driving experience is better than ever, thanks to a V6 diesel engine which offers more power and torque and less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and an electric power-assisted steering system that enhances Jaguar's reputation for unrivalled agility and responsiveness.

'More dynamic and distinctive than ever, we've engineered our flagship saloon to deliver even greater levels of luxury and performance.

'Featuring our new world-class infotainment system, interior materials and finishes which create an even more bespoke feel, and with our higher output, lower emissions diesel engine, the XJ rewards drivers and passengers like no other luxury car.'

Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar XJ

The new XJ features a larger, more upright grille, while sculpted chrome blades in the outboard air intakes emphasise the car's mature, prestigious character.

The full LED headlights accentuate the 'quad lamp' design feature that Jaguar sporting sedans have made their own. They are further enhanced with active front steer and static bend lamp functions, and auto high beam assist. LED headlights also provide a colour temperature closer to that of daylight than Bi-Xenon lamps, improving visibility and driver comfort, and are also more energy-efficient. Twin 'J-Blade' daytime running lights are a unique feature to XJ, befitting its status in the Jaguar saloon car range. The white light instantly and seamlessly changes to orange when the direction indicator is operated.

The LED rear lights feature a new J-signature tail and position light graphic, making the XJ even more distinctive. The rear bumper now features a gloss black valance and a slender chrome insert. New LED taillights and oval exhaust finishers complete the look.

The XJ's peerless interior design has been taken to the next level. So luxurious has it become that the outgoing Portfolio trim is now used for the Premium Luxury model. The new Portfolio gains quilted soft-grain leather seats with diamond stitching and embossed headrests, and figured ebony veneer.

The Autobiography model, new to XJ in the 2016 model year and available only with the long-wheelbase body, can be identified on the outside by chrome front bumper air intakes and 20' Maroa wheels. Inside, there's a unique Autobiography Intaglio, quilted semi-aniline leather seats with contrasting stitching, a leather headliner, rich oak inlay veneer, and illuminated stainless steel treadplates, air vents and boot finisher. Rear seat occupancy is provided by individual seats with seat back movement and massage function, and a rear seat entertainment system with two folding 10.2' HD screens.

Following other Jaguar models, the XJ gains an R-Sport model with new side sills, three-piece front splitter, side power vents and a rear spoiler. A gloss black finish enhances the grille mesh, rear valance and the window finishers. Wheels are 20' Mataivia. The interior gains sports seats, R-Sport steering wheel and treadplates, Jet headliner and piano black trim or carbon fibre.

Range summary

The new Jaguar XJ range will consist of: XJ Luxury, XJ Premium Luxury, XJ Portfolio, XJ R-Sport, XJR, XJ Autobiography.

The powertrain range will consist of: 300PS 3.0-litre V6 diesel automatic; 340PS 3.0-litre V6 petrol automatic; 510 and 550PS 5.0-litre V8 petrol automatic.

Alongside the F-TYPE sports car and all-new XF saloon, the XJ is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover's Castle Bromwich Plant.

Powertrain

More performance, more refinement, more efficiency: the latest 3.0-litre V6 diesel features a host of new technologies designed to boost output and reduce emissions. Now Euro 6 compliant, this outstanding engine develops an extraordinary 700Nm and can accelerate the XJ from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds and yet returns 149g/km CO2 on the European combined cycle.

The XJ's sense of effortless performance is taken to an even higher level thanks to the latest-generation V6 diesel. Smoother and quieter than ever, this power unit gains even more sophisticated common rail and turbocharging systems, boosting power and torque from 275PS/600Nm to 300PS/700Nm. The extra torque not only improves responsiveness, it also delivers greater efficiency, helping to reduce emissions from 159g/km to 149g/km CO2.

New eight-hole piezo injectors ensure that fuel is delivered into the combustion chambers with even greater precision and control, while increasing the maximum injection pressure to 2,000bar ensures even better mixture formation. All of this leads to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and higher output.

The innovative parallel-sequential boosting system receives more aerodynamically-efficient turbochargers, while the primary turbo now features highly-advanced ceramic ball bearing technology: the reduced friction means even better launch performance and transient response because torque builds up even more rapidly than before.

Engine efficiency is improved too. A switchable coolant pump and dual-stage oil pump ensure faster warm-up and reduced parasitic losses. And the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system now features a cooled low-pressure circuit in addition to the high-pressure circuit: this enables inherently low emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) as well as reduced pumping losses across a wider range of the engine's operating map.

Complementing the improved EGR system is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. Injecting a urea solution upstream of a highly-efficient SCR catalyst converts NOx into nitrogen and water, ensuring that the new XJ meets Euro 6 exhaust emissions regulations.

The petrol engines: Powerful, refined, and efficient

The new XJ also offers the familiar range of all-aluminium V6 and V8 petrol engines. All feature direct injection, variable valve timing, forced induction and intelligent stop-start systems to deliver high performance with remarkable efficiency.

The 3.0-litre supercharged V6 develops 340PS/450Nm and is available with rear- and all-wheel drive. Characterised by its linear power delivery and free-revving nature, this remarkable engine also delivers a unique soundtrack thanks to meticulously-tuned intake and exhaust systems.

The top engine option remains the 5.0-litre V8. Offered in 510PS/625Nm and 550PS/680Nm ratings, this exceptional engine delivers all of the performance promised by the XJ's dramatic styling.

Selecting the best: Eight-speed automatic transmissions

All powertrains feature a specifically-optimised eight-speed automatic from ZF. Each has been developed to provide the perfect balance of unrivalled launch performance, shift comfort, dynamics and efficiency.

CHASSIS

The adoption of electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) improves responsiveness and driver feedback, enhancing the XJ's position as the most dynamic luxury sedan in the segment. The technology is also an enabler for advanced driver assistance systems and improves efficiency.

Jaguar cars set the benchmark for steering feel, in every segment. It's intrinsic to the dynamics DNA of all models from XE through to F-TYPE.

The XJ is no exception, and this latest generation also benefits from the adoption of electric power assistance for the steering system: hydraulic systems have nothing more to give and have reached the limit of their potential.

Years of development and testing, plus meticulous tuning work, mean that EPAS is now ready for Jaguar's flagship saloon. The system's ability to filter-out steering disturbances from poor road surfaces and compensate for road camber make the steering feel smoother and more precise than ever. Friction has also been engineered-out, improving steering feel and responsiveness still further.

Unlike hydraulic systems, EPAS only uses energy when the driver turns the wheel, so the reduction in parasitic losses helps to reduce fuel consumption by up to three per cent on the European combined cycle.

INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY

Door-to-door navigation, Wi-Fi, seamless smartphone connectivity and Meridian digital audio systems take the new XJ's infotainment to the next level

Designed and developed without compromise, the new XJ's InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system is truly state-of-the art. Conceived in-house and built around a quad-core Intel processor, 60GB solid-state drive and a next-generation Ethernet network, InControl Touch Pro can handle massive amounts of data and is exceptionally powerful and responsive. At the same time, the system is simple and intuitive to use.

At its heart is an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen. Just like a smartphone, the home screen can be customised - there's a choice of wallpaper images, while widgets can be used to shortcut to favourite features and functions. Extra home pages can be added, if desired.

And just like smartphones, the touchscreen accepts 'pinch to zoom' gestures, for instance, or swipes to scroll between home screens. This simple, intuitive user interface helps drivers to keep their eyes on the road, minimising distraction.

The functionality of the navigation system is just as impressive. Maps stored on InControl Touch Pro's solid-state drive can be accessed in a fraction of the time needed with conventional hard drives. Dead-reckoning functionality accurately determines the vehicle's position even when GPS signals cannot be received - ideal for cities.

InControl Touch Pro also enables door-to-door route planning and guidance, including public transport options. A companion app allows you to plan your route offline and then load it into the system at the start of the journey.

The system also offers a Commute Mode: this learns your daily drive and can automatically offer alternative routes to avoid congestion using historical and real-time traffic information. Approach Mode displays a 360° interactive view of your destination as you get to within 200m, and can even direct you to the nearest available car parking space.

InControl Touch Pro also delivers a full-screen navigation display in the new XJ's reconfigurable full TFT instrument cluster.

Engineered to sound perfect: Meridian Reference system

Equal attention has been paid to audio system performance. The new XJ offers four digital systems including the outstanding 26-speaker, 1,300W Reference sound system developed with British audio experts Meridian. The 17 channels of stereo and surround sound benefit from Meridian's Trifield technology to ensure optimum reproduction with benchmark low levels of distortion.

Gracenote images stored on the solid-state drive enrich the experience, while functions such as 'Play more like this' make it easier still to access all of your favourite tracks.

Rear Seat Entertainment: The full widescreen experience

To further enhance the XJ's luxurious row-two experience, customers will be able to specify a rear seat entertainment system. Comprising two 10.2-inch high-definition screens which fold away when not in use, these displays offer a true 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. When digital TV is also specified, a different channel can be shown on each screen and an additional 100GB of user media storage is provided.

The rear seat entertainment system will also allow passengers to connect devices using two USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI and one MHL port, enabling charging and media output and from a wide range of smartphones and tablets.

All the best connections: The always-on XJ

The new XJ is the latest Jaguar to offer InControl Apps, an innovative, intuitive technology that enables customers to seamlessly connect Apple and Android smartphones to the vehicle's infotainment system, via a USB cable. InControl Apps provides access to compatible apps on the device using the vehicle's touchscreen.

Remote Essentials, accessed through the InControl Remote App, enables customers to connect with the new XJ using their smartphone, so they can check how much fuel is in the tank, whether the doors are locked and if the windows were left open.

Remote Premium, also accessed using the InControl Remote App, does even more, enabling the driver to remotely lock or unlock the car and receive alerts if the alarm goes off. Should the driver forget where the car is parked there's a map to lead them straight to it.

Remote Premium can also enable the driver to bring the cabin to a pre-set temperature by remotely starting the engine using their smartphone: at the press of a button the climate control system can heat or cool the interior to the desired temperature.

Using the vehicle's antenna for the strongest, most reliable signal, the new XJ can function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, providing a connection for up to eight devices.

InControl Secure provides proactive vehicle monitoring: should the new XJ be stolen, the tracking service will work with law enforcement agencies to locate and recover the car as quickly as possible.

Should the car be involved in a collision severe enough to trigger the airbags, InControl Protect will automatically notify the emergency services and provide the vehicle's GPS location. Occupants can also trigger an emergency call manually simply by pressing a button.

ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

The new XJ benefits from technologies that can improve traction in difficult conditions and take the effort out of stop-start traffic or parking in tight spaces, making the driving experience even more relaxing, enjoyable and safe.

Gaining traction: All-Surface Progress Control

Already proven in the XE and the XF, the new XJ becomes the latest Jaguar to benefit from the revolutionary All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC) technology. Designed to help drivers to pull away smoothly and without drama on very low friction surfaces, ASPC is a unique system which can make it easier and safer to drive a powerful rear-wheel drive car at low speeds on slippery surfaces such as snow, ice and wet grass.

Conventional traction control systems attempt to modulate what happens once the wheels begin to slip - that's usually too late. ASPC is fundamentally different, and leverages decades of Jaguar Land Rover's knowledge and experience in off-road technologies.

ASPC works like a low-speed cruise control and can operate between 2.2mph and 18.6mph. The system is activated by pressing a button on the centre console and then the driver uses the cruise control switches on the steering wheel to set the maximum speed. After that, ASPC does all the hard work: the driver just has to steer.

What makes ASPC so effective is that it doesn't just provide fine control of the throttle: it also uses the brakes in opposition to the throttle. So from a standstill, only very low engine torque is applied to the driven wheels, enabling smooth progress with little or no wheel spin. ASPC is made even more effective by the fitment of winter tyres.

Traffic Sign Recognition

The traffic sign recognition system relies on a forward-facing camera to keep the driver informed of speed limits - including temporary limits which may be in force through road works, for example, and variable limits on motorways. Camera data is compared against GPS data, enhancing accuracy and robustness.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist

The new queue assist function for the adaptive cruise control system has been designed to take even more of the effort and monotony out of driving in heavy traffic. Using a long-range radar sensor, the system can now maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, all the way down to a standstill.

Closing Vehicle Sensing

Building on the safety benefits of blind spot monitoring, the closing vehicle sensing system uses radar sensors and has a far greater range. The system can alert the driver to the presence of vehicles approaching fast from behind when changing lanes by displaying a flashing icon in the door mirror.

Parking made simple

The adoption of electric power-assisted steering enables the new XJ to offer semi-autonomous park-assist functions for both bay and parallel parking. Ultrasonic sensors measure the space first and, if it's long enough, the system enables the car to manoeuvre itself into position - and, in the case of parallel parking, out again. The driver just controls the accelerator, brakes and transmission.

In addition, there's a surround camera system: four cameras combine to give a 360° view of the area around the car, including a plan view, to make manoeuvring easier and safer.

Reverse Traffic Detection

The XJ's radar sensors can also help to make reversing safer. Vehicles approaching from either side are detected and, if they present a potential hazard, the driver is given audible and visual warnings.

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