Jaguar XJ

September 18, 2002 - The Paris Motor Show sees the introduction of the new, seventh generation XJ range. Against a background of significant growth – in 2001 Jaguar's annual global sales passed 100,000 for the first time – the new XJ model builds on the strengths and values of the six previous generations of the XJ.

The XJ program team have sought to blend the ultra-modern with traditional Jaguar values, applying intelligent, relevant technology while providing the style and contemporary luxury that are the trademarks of the Jaguar brand.

"The new XJ is a luxury car with a true sense of gravitas. The proportions, stance and obvious dynamic quality clearly display that all-important Jaguar DNA and give it real presence on the road, " says Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design. "This all-new car had to be clearly identifiable as an XJ, capturing the recognised essence and style of the classic lineage…but it also had to have a modern idiom all of its own."

The powerful yet restrained design of Jaguar's new flagship sedan marks it out as an elegant, luxurious car in the tradition of previous XJ models. But alongside this is the technology and advanced technical design that has made the body construction possible. The new XJ body is manufactured almost entirely from aluminum, a material that has a strong place in Jaguar's history.

Featuring an industry-first use of rivet-bonded joining technology for the whole body structure, self-pierce rivets are used in combination with aerospace-sourced epoxy adhesive to join the aluminum pressings, casting and extrusions. This provides great strength, robustness and durability.

The Jaguar design team has subtly transformed the proportions of the new XJ. Longer, taller and wider than its predecessor – which results in more room for occupants and luggage alike – the new XJ is a modern interpretation of an iconic design.

The doors are noticeably deeper in relation to the glass than is the case in the previous generation, and overall the new car has a slightly more 'cab-forward' approach, with the four wheels closer to the corners. The front overhang is much reduced and the windscreen rake is faster, but the resulting smaller hood retains the characteristic sculpted XJ shape.

The headlights have evolved into a more distinct element of the front-end style. Now oval in shape, they are arranged in a classic quad design, positioned either side of a new grille of intersecting vertical and horizontal bars that takes its inspiration from the original 1968 XJ sedan. XJR models have a different mesh grille.

New levels of spaciousness, craftsmanship, ergonomic flexibility and comfort exemplify the new XJ's cabin. "The interior of the new XJ is epitomised by true craftsmanship, a sense of greater space and what I believe are the most comfortable seats we have ever designed. There is a warmth and richness that welcomes you into the car and makes you feel special," says Ian Callum.

The XJ interior was designed from the outset to satisfy the determination that driver and passengers "should always get out of a Jaguar feeling better than when they entered." Increased space in every respect – headroom, legroom and shoulder room is improved for all occupants, whether they are sitting in the front seats or in the rear of the car. The driver environment – the facia, seat and controls – is distinctively new and takes Jaguar's ergonomic standards to fresh heights, with intuitive and relaxed interfaces between occupants and vehicle systems.

At the top of the range of electrically-adjustable front seats, for example, is a 16-way seat with cushion-length adjustment and 4-way lumbar support. In the rear, buyers not satisfied with a fixed seat can opt for a powered bench with electrically adjustable lumbar support, backrest and head restraints. Adjustable pedals complement the electrically adjustable steering column and allow drivers to find exactly the seating position they need.

The new XJ is available with JaguarVoice (voice-activated control of systems including audio controls, telephone, climate control and navigation).

Another advance in the new XJ is a multi-media entertainment system that allows simultaneous enjoyment of up to three different audio, video or games systems. Screens mounted in the rear of the front seat head restraints display videos or games, with headphone capability to avoid disturbing other occupants. As an example, the driver could be listening to the radio or a CD, while one rear seat passenger plays on a games system and the other watches a movie.

A range of interior styles is being offered, from a traditional burr walnut finish on Classic models through to a warm charcoal facia and grey-stained birdseye maple veneer combination on sportier versions of the car. An entirely new touch is Piano Black trim, a highly polished finish inspired by the deep, lustrous sheen of a concert grand piano. Piano Black features on the centre console and J-gate surround of the XJ, immediately differentiating the Jaguar from other luxury cars.

The new XJ will be available with a choice of two engines. A 4.2-liter supercharged V8 delivering 390bhp powers the XJR model, while a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter engine developing 294bhp, sits just below it.

Self-levelling air suspension is standard on all models, as is Jaguar's CATS Computer Active Technology Suspension system. Advanced electronic technologies include Dynamic Stability Control, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, and Jaguar's A.R.T.S. Adaptive Restraint Technology System

The 2004 XJ sedan will go on sale in the US from the second quarter 2003.

	Jaguar XJ makes debut at the Paris Motor Show
	Click for larger images	September 18, 2002 - The Paris Motor Show sees the introduction of the new, seventh generation XJ range. Against a background of significant growth – in 2001 Jaguar's annual global sales passed 100,000 for the first time – the new XJ model builds on the strengths and values of the six previous generations of the XJ. The XJ program team have sought to blend the ultra-modern with traditional Jaguar values, applying intelligent, relevant technology while providing the style and contemporary luxury that are the trademarks of the Jaguar brand. "The new XJ is a luxury car with a true sense of gravitas. The proportions, stance and obvious dynamic quality clearly display that all-important Jaguar DNA and give it real presence on the road, " says Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design. "This all-new car had to be clearly identifiable as an XJ, capturing the recognised essence and style of the classic lineage…but it also had to have a modern idiom all of its own." The powerful yet restrained design of Jaguar's new flagship sedan marks it out as an elegant, luxurious car in the tradition of previous XJ models. But alongside this is the technology and advanced technical design that has made the body construction possible. The new XJ body is manufactured almost entirely from aluminum, a material that has a strong place in Jaguar's history. Featuring an industry-first use of rivet-bonded joining technology for the whole body structure, self-pierce rivets are used in combination with aerospace-sourced epoxy adhesive to join the aluminum pressings, casting and extrusions. This provides great strength, robustness and durability. The Jaguar design team has subtly transformed the proportions of the new XJ. Longer, taller and wider than its predecessor – which results in more room for occupants and luggage alike – the new XJ is a modern interpretation of an iconic design. The doors are noticeably deeper in relation to the glass than is the case in the previous generation, and overall the new car has a slightly more 'cab-forward' approach, with the four wheels closer to the corners. The front overhang is much reduced and the windscreen rake is faster, but the resulting smaller hood retains the characteristic sculpted XJ shape. The headlights have evolved into a more distinct element of the front-end style. Now oval in shape, they are arranged in a classic quad design, positioned either side of a new grille of intersecting vertical and horizontal bars that takes its inspiration from the original 1968 XJ sedan. XJR models have a different mesh grille. New levels of spaciousness, craftsmanship, ergonomic flexibility and comfort exemplify the new XJ's cabin. "The interior of the new XJ is epitomised by true craftsmanship, a sense of greater space and what I believe are the most comfortable seats we have ever designed. There is a warmth and richness that welcomes you into the car and makes you feel special," says Ian Callum. The XJ interior was designed from the outset to satisfy the determination that driver and passengers "should always get out of a Jaguar feeling better than when they entered." Increased space in every respect – headroom, legroom and shoulder room is improved for all occupants, whether they are sitting in the front seats or in the rear of the car. The driver environment – the facia, seat and controls – is distinctively new and takes Jaguar's ergonomic standards to fresh heights, with intuitive and relaxed interfaces between occupants and vehicle systems. At the top of the range of electrically-adjustable front seats, for example, is a 16-way seat with cushion-length adjustment and 4-way lumbar support. In the rear, buyers not satisfied with a fixed seat can opt for a powered bench with electrically adjustable lumbar support, backrest and head restraints. Adjustable pedals complement the electrically adjustable steering column and allow drivers to find exactly the seating position they need. The new XJ is available with JaguarVoice (voice-activated control of systems including audio controls, telephone, climate control and navigation). Another advance in the new XJ is a multi-media entertainment system that allows simultaneous enjoyment of up to three different audio, video or games systems. Screens mounted in the rear of the front seat head restraints display videos or games, with headphone capability to avoid disturbing other occupants. As an example, the driver could be listening to the radio or a CD, while one rear seat passenger plays on a games system and the other watches a movie. A range of interior styles is being offered, from a traditional burr walnut finish on Classic models through to a warm charcoal facia and grey-stained birdseye maple veneer combination on sportier versions of the car. An entirely new touch is Piano Black trim, a highly polished finish inspired by the deep, lustrous sheen of a concert grand piano. Piano Black features on the centre console and J-gate surround of the XJ, immediately differentiating the Jaguar from other luxury cars. The new XJ will be available with a choice of two engines. A 4.2-liter supercharged V8 delivering 390bhp powers the XJR model, while a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter engine developing 294bhp, sits just below it. Self-levelling air suspension is standard on all models, as is Jaguar's CATS Computer Active Technology Suspension system. Advanced electronic technologies include Dynamic Stability Control, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, and Jaguar's A.R.T.S. Adaptive Restraint Technology System The 2004 XJ sedan will go on sale in the US from the second quarter 2003.