Car Evolution: Jaguar XJ in Detail

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Design
Page 3: Engine/Safety
Page 4: XJ Heritage

XJ RANGE CONTINUES TO STRETCH ITS APPEAL

Visual enhancements for the 2006 model year XJ give the flagship sedan a cleaner, fresher, more contemporary look. In keeping with all 2006 Jaguars, the XJ gets a new �face� with the switch to chrome mesh grille inserts across the range. The supercharged XJR continues to be distinguished by its body-colored surround for its mesh grille.

For 2006, body side moldings and front and rear windshield finishers have also been removed to enhance the cleaner look of the vehicle. Four new colors are added to the XJ�s palette, with Winter Gold replacing Topaz, Indigo Blue replacing Pacific Blue, liquid silver replacing Platinum at mid-year and Black Cherry unique to the Super V8 Portfolio.

In addition, two new wheel styles have been added � the standard wheel for the XJ8 and XJ8 L is a new 15-spoke, 18-inch �Tucana� style alloy wheel, while the standard XJR wheel for 2006 is the five-spoke, 19-inch �Sabre� style alloy wheel. The bold 20-inch �Sepang� style alloy wheel is available for the first time on the Super V8 as an option. A chromed version of the 19-inch 'Custom' style alloy wheels is also now available as an option.

The XJ sedan's elegant lines are enhanced by the increased length - with the car's greenhouse now perfectly balanced across the B-post, which simply confirms the long wheelbase version's luxurious, dynamic, distinctively Jaguar character.

To add the required extra space and equipment, while retaining the dynamic character, the style and the everyday drivability of the standard wheelbase XJ, Jaguar increased the original wheelbase by 5 inches to 124.4 inches, and overall length by the same amount to 205.3 inches. That makes the XJ Long Wheelbase the longest car in its premium sedan class - 2.0 inches longer than the long version of the current Mercedes Benz S-Class and 1.4 inches longer than the longest BMW 7 Series � yet still attractively compact.

All the additional body length was incorporated behind the B pillars, to increase the rear seating room. 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. As well as 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.

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. 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.

SPACE TO WORK, OR ROOM TO RELAX

The 2006 XJ Long Wheelbase is a full-size luxury sedan with an even roomier interior, and unmistakable Jaguar personality with abundant levels of 'get up and go.' It offers the additional level of rear interior space and equipment ideally suited to Jaguar's existing customer base, with even wider appeal to attract new customers.

For 2006, there is a significant rise in the level of standard equipment in all XJ models. Now, standard on all XJs are Xenon headlamps � replacing the previous halogen lights � and headlamp power wash. The long wheelbase XJ8 L also gets an electric rear sunblind as standard, while the Vanden Plas and XJR add the previously optional DVD navigation system to their long list of standard features.

In front, the long wheelbase version's seats have multi-directional power adjustment, and memory function for seat position, outside mirrors, steering column and adjustable pedals as standard, and the driving position can be fine tuned by reach and angle.

The rear seats of the 2006 XJ Long Wheelbase 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 iPod, MP3 player and DVD players, digital memory media, Playstation or Gameboy systems, with 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 with 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. The Super V8 Portfolio offers a unique four-seat configuration with two individual power-adjusted rear seats separated by a large center console. All three seat configurations are available with a rear-controlled, four-zone climate control system (standard on Super V8 and Super V8 Portfolio).

ALUMINUM - 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 alloys.

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.

Unlike 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 industry, 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. Using both together produces immensely strong, durable joints and a lightweight bodyshell with 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 with 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 steering 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, with 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�s a wide array of interior trim options, and new equipment options on the 2006 XJ. There are several leather upholstery choices, including soft-grain leather, and detail finishes either with or without contrast piping, in an extended range of trim colors carefully coordinated with the range of body colors. Veneer selection includes the traditional Jaguar Burl Walnut on XJ8 L, a specialized Burl Walnut veneer with hand-inlaid Peruvian boxwood on Vanden Plas and Super V8, with a satin-finished, American Black Walnut veneer unique to the Super V8 Portfolio.

The 2006 XJ also offers versatile storage space, including a large glovebox with 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. All XJ models are pre-wired for installation of JaguarVoice and Bluetooth � wireless technology for mobile phone (standard on Super V8 and Super V8 Portfolio).

Jaguar has embraced and developed many new technologies, but is careful to adopt them only when they are relevant and easy to use. Even without the JaguarVoice option, the XJ's DVD-based navigation system is a good example of that philosophy. It uses a large, clear, touch sensitive screen with 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.

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