Jaguar Australia have now upgraded the entry level powertrain - the 3.5 litre V8 petrol engine that offers performance and refinement. In addition, engine options include a 2.7 litre V6 twin-turbo diesel through to the 4.2-litre supercharged V8, giving customers a choice of powertrains. Every XJ has automatic transmission and include many of Jaguar's latest technical features and, of course, craftsmanship and quality are high on the list of attributes.

An all-new, distinctive design for the XJ’s front includes a new bumper with revised upper and lower mesh grilles and a new Jaguar Growler badge, giving the 2008 model an unmistakably purposeful appearance. This look is complemented by new side power vents to match those introduced on the beautiful XK, lower body sills and a subtle rear aero spoiler. Over the vents, new door mirrors carry integrated indicator lights while upgraded alloy wheels add to the sporting appearance of the 2008 Model Year cars. All models now feature the new 19-inch Polaris alloy wheels except the XJR which features 20 inch Cremona alloy wheels and Super V8 which features 20 inch Calisto alloy wheels. The top of the range XJR now comes with aluminium finish power vents and black painted brake callipers.

The 2008 Model Year XJ also enjoys improvements to its interior, thanks to new front seats which have been redesigned to offer more comfort and support. Rear seat passengers will appreciate greater leg and foot room following revisions to the backs and lower cushions of the front seats. All 2008 Model Year cars feature an upgraded BluetoothTM Connectivity system that allows users to connect up to five approved mobile phones to the car’s own in-car telephone system.

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity commented: “Like the new XK, the XJ is engineered to provide relaxing and refined ride quality, yet can deliver highly capable dynamic qualities when required. The stiff lightweight aluminium structure allows for increased performance and great agility, particularly in our XJR which is a true performance car, yet is inherently quiet, refined and comfortable.”

In summary, XJ MY08 provides a series of specification enhancements across the range that deliver a value-for-money proposition for customers.

PRICING (RRP):

XJ6 D SWB	$154,900
XJ8 3.5 SWB	$159,900
XJ8 4.2 SWB	$174,900
XJ8 4.2 LWB	$179,900
XJR SWB	$219,900
Super V8 SWB	$229,900
Super V8 LWB	$234,900

SWB = Standard Wheelbase LWB = Long Wheelbase (125 mm longer than SWB)

The 2008 model year XJ range will be available in November this year.

NEW 2008 MODEL YEAR XJ AT A GLANCE

• New contemporary exterior styling for more assertive and sporting appearance – including revised front-end design, new side power vents, rear aero spoiler, full width chrome ‘signature blade’ and new rear bumper.
• Revised interior with all-new seat design for improved comfort and support.
• Increased rear leg and foot room thanks to redesigned front seat backs, which also allow easier access to the back seats.
• New 19-inch Polaris alloy wheels introduced.
• New engine added to the XJ range - 3.5 litre V8 engine produces 190 kW power and 335 Nm of torque.
• XJ range offers a broad choice of diesel and V8 engines including the highly acclaimed 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel and 291 kW (DIN) 4.2-litre supercharged petrol V8.
• All-aluminium body construction ensures sports car handling, supreme comfort and significant fuel savings over equivalent steel-bodied cars.
• Every XJ comes with sophisticated safety features such as Computer Active Technology Suspension, Advanced Restraint Technology System, Automatic Speed Limiter and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
• Latest Bluetooth™ connectivity is fitted as standard and allows up to five approved phones to be paired to the in-car telephone system.

JAGUAR XJ IN DETAIL: A FINE PEDIGREE

When Jaguar’s ground-breaking all-aluminium XJ luxury saloon range was launched in 2003, its remarkable light weight body helped the car to set new standards in handling, precision and refinement. The aluminium monocoque design is 60% stiffer and 40% lighter than the model it replaced and these major improvements translate into real customer benefits.

Its advanced construction means that even a long wheelbase XJ model is lighter than some of its key competitors’ standard wheelbase platforms. Thanks to that reduced weight the car can accelerate faster, stop more quickly and turn more purposefully. And it achieves all this without compromise in other areas, for the new XJ range also benefits from acceptable fuel economy and range, improved rigidity and safety, as well as competitive ride and comfort.

Since its 2003 introduction the range has been further improved with a long wheelbase version, major new engines such as the 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel, and advanced technologies such as acoustic laminated glass, active engine mounts and Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS).

CATS is used to ensure body control, refinement and handling. The system constantly monitors the XJ’s lightweight suspension and air springs to offer comfort when cruising and control and responsiveness when called for by automatically lowering and levelling the suspension. The result is high-speed stability and aerodynamic efficiency whenever the XJ is called upon to perform.

A six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and quick gear changes, and even helps with further weight loss thanks to its compact design. Its ability to handle the high torque outputs of the XJ engine range also allows the gearbox to use higher gears more effectively, helping to lower fuel consumption further.

Class-leading technological advances such as Integrated Acoustic Dampening (IAD) guarantee exceptional levels of refinement and a quiet cabin environment. IAD uses acoustic absorbing materials and airtight seals between the bonnet and engine compartment to dramatically reduce engine noise. Acoustic laminated glass then further minimises noise intrusion, while diesel-powered XJs even enjoy electronically controlled active engine mounts which attenuate 90% of engine idle vibration.

Thanks to technologies such as these, the 2008 XJ range defies the conventional wisdom that says a saloon can be dynamic or luxurious, but never both. It is, in contrast, a highly refined, sporting luxury car for people who enjoy driving.

LOOKS TO MATCH THE PERFORMANCE

The main evolution for the 2008 Model Year XJ is its new exterior design. Changes to the front, sides and rear of every model give the XJ a sportier, more muscular stance and clearly signal the advanced technology that lies at its core.

A new front bumper with revised mesh grilles is assertive, leaving no doubts as to the performance credentials of the new XJ. Jaguar Car’s Director of Design, Ian Callum, explains the inspiration behind the new look: “Every Jaguar must have a distinctive face, something that you cannot mistake if you catch a glimpse of it in your rear-view mirror as it powers up behind you. The new 2008 XJ range meets that challenge thanks to a new grille and bold new bumper style.” Set into the front bumper are new upper and lower mesh radiator grilles with chromed detailing that accentuate the car’s major air intakes. Behind the front wheels two power vents (in aluminium finish on the supercharged XJR) match those introduced on the beautiful new XK sports car. Over the vents, door mirrors carry integrated indicator lights.

A fully reworked rear end displays a newly reshaped bumper, subtle aero spoiler, revised tailpipe finishers and new badging.

TECHNOLOGY IN HARMONY

Jaguar’s intuitive technology has been designed to empower, not overpower the driver. Features such as satellite navigation, BluetoothTM and audio entertainment systems are supported and controlled by a 7-inch Touch-screen.

The 2008 Model Year XJ benefits from further user-friendly technology such as the latest BluetoothTM connectivity system that allows users to connect up to five approved mobile phones to the car’s own in-car telephone system.

Advanced, state-of the-art safety features, such as Adaptive Restraint Technology System use ultrasonic technology to calculate appropriate airbag deployment and force, based on passenger weight and position. Side-curtain airbags, front seat thorax airbags and energy absorbent front seat backrests ensure a safe driving experience for all occupants.

JAGUAR'S CURRENT PROBLEMS

Jaguar, which is wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, is presently for sale. It seems several groups are interested in buying the heritage rich British brand. Speculation suggests an announcement on the proposed sale is likely in early 2008.