Although most important revisions (via the X300 and, partcicularly, the X308 updates) saved the Mk 2 aggressive in a few regions in opposition to its rivals, the simple layout and 'difficult points' of the Mk 2 dated lower back to 1986 which supposed the automobile turned into in no time being outclassed and dropping floor to its rivals, a lot of whom had been now generations on from the MK 2 XJ. For example, because the Mk 2 turned into unveiled in 1986 on the equal time because the Mk 2 BMW 7 Series (E32), BMW had considering that released Mk 3 (E38) and Mk 4 (E65) variations of its 7 Series in 1994 and 2001 respectively - whilst Jaguar turned into nevertheless generating the Mk 2 XJ.
In September 2002, the all-new 1/3 technology XJ (called X350) arrived in showrooms. While the automobile's outside and indoors styling had been conventional in appearance, the automobile turned into absolutely re-engineered. The new vehicle additionally noticed the go back of the fabled XJ6 badge, and with it 6-cylinder energy, albeit in a V-configuration.
Design and engineering
Like the Audi A8, the X350's chassis and frame are made from aluminium. While a few metallic is utilized in a few locations at some point of the chassis, the X350 has an aluminium monocoque/chassis comparable in popular layout to a traditional metallic structure, however with differences; its underbody additives are bonded collectively with aerospace-grade epoxy adhesives whilst round 3,two hundred self-piercing rivets are used to create the brand new XJ's unibody. A traditional metallic frame might be spot-welded. Interestingly, the development technique of X350 is one-of-a-kind to the only Audi employs for the A8, however each techniques are taken into consideration advanced.
On its own, the modern-day XJ's bodyshell weighs approximately similar to a modern-day Mini. If the automobile had been product of metallic, it's far predicted that it'd weigh 40% greater.
Some of the styling functions that distinguish the X350 from the preceding XJ encompass the outer headlights, that are large than the internal headlights, and wheels that are driven in the direction of the corners of the automobile (because of an improved wheelbase), each just like the authentic Mk 1 XJ. Also, the X350 dispenses with the 1/3 aspect window of its predecessor, reverting lower back to 2 aspect home windows just like the Mk 1. The curve withinside the rear door resembles that of the Jaguar saloons of the Nineteen Fifties and 1960s.
Engines
The V8 engines remained withinside the new version, however had been now the revised and greater effective variations discovered withinside the 2002 S-Type. The 290 Bhp 4.zero litre and 370 Bhp 4.zero litre supercharged engines from the X308 Mk II had been changed through the S-Type's three hundred Bhp 4.2 litre and four hundred Bhp 4.2 litre supercharged gadgets respectively, whilst a brand new 3.five litre V8 turned into additionally introduced. Derived from the 3.2 litre engine of the preceding version, it produced 265 Bhp.
The 240 Bhp 3.2 litre V8 from the preceding version turned into changed through the 240 Bhp 3.zero litre V6 from the X-Type and S-Type. The V6 powers the XJ6, whilst the XJ8 is powered through a clearly-aspirated V8. The XJR is powered through a 4.zero litre V8. The XJ6 is the best X350 version now no longer bought withinside the Americas.
2005 additionally noticed the advent of the primary ever diesel-powered XJ Jaguar, a perception that turned into unthinkable only some years in the past and a version which nevertheless reasons constenation among conventional Jaguar lovers and owners. Featuring the equal Ford-Peugeot-advanced 2.7 litre dual faster V6 unit discovered withinside the S-Type, the engine produces 204 Bhp and 321 lb feet of torque. Called the XJ TDVi, this version is regularly praised now no longer best because the maximum effective diesel in opposition to further powered rivals, however additionally the quality diesel-engined vehicle withinside the world.
Overview
Despite a few critics' worries that the XJ's styling is dated, the overall consensus is that the X350 is a good vehicle offering sharp and tasty handling, a easy trip and effective engines, in particular the V8 and diesel engines.
The pinnacle-line XJs are branded as Vanden Plas (in North America) and Daimler (anywhere else).
The Super V8 is the quickest and maximum high priced version, with the XJR a near second. The Super V8, which debuted withinside the 2004 version yr withinside the new X350 frame style, is largely a long-wheelbase, supercharged XJ8. Its number one competitor is the Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG. A different cord mesh grille and chrome-completed aspect mirrors set the Super V8 and the XJR aside from the much less high priced XJ sedans.All North American XJs are powered through a three hundred hp (224 kW) clearly aspirated engine. A four hundred hp (298 kW) supercharged from 4.2 L V8 engine is optional. The valvetrain has a twin overhead cam layout with 4 valves consistent with cylinder. The pinnacle velocity is restrained electronically.In early 2005, Jaguar introduced its maximum exclusive, effective and high priced XJ sedan because it ceased V12 production. Called the 2006 Super V8 Portfolio, it's far a restrained-version trim stage of the flagship Super V8 sedan. It debuted on the New York International Auto Show in March 2005, and is the maximum high priced Jaguar sedan produced to date, with a base charge of US$115,995. The Portfolio functions introduced energy in addition to outside and indoors enhancements, consisting of a DVD participant and 7-inch displays withinside the rear headrests. The Super V8 Portfolio, aimed toward American and Canadian markets, have become to be had in August 2005. It is to be had in best new, restrained colors: Black Cherry and Winter Gold. The equal version is bought beneathneath the call Daimler Super Eight and Daimler logo at the European and different global markets.
The Super V8 Portfolio is powered through Jaguar's supercharged four hundred hp, 4.2 L, 32-valve, AJ-V8 engine. Top velocity is one hundred fifty five mph and the Portfolio has a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of 5 seconds.