XJ8: THE NEW GENERATION
OF JAGUAR SEDANS ARRIVES

For 1998, Jaguar writes a new chapter in the history of the XJ Series with the introduction of the XJ8 model range, successor to the XJ6 sedans. As the numeral "8" in the name indicates, Jaguar's award-winning 4.0 liter V8 engine will power the new sedan line. Changes in Jaguar's sedan line will go well beyond fitting the powerful engine of the XK8 across the full model range. Jaguar comprehensively re-engineered the XJ Series, which will be available in North America in four levels: the standard-wheelbase XJ8, the long-wheelbase XJ8 L (sold only in the United States), the luxuriously appointed Vanden Plas and the supercharged XJR (not available in Mexico).

CLASSIC APPEAL - Buy The Jaguar XJ8 Here

The XJ series carries forward the elegant exterior styling that made the prior series, introduced in the 1995 model year, a worldwide sales success. Design cues, established over 30 years of XJ sedans, include subtly modified versions of the signature Jaguar grille and four-headlight front end as well as a famously seductive profile. Its re-engineered platform, designated X308 within the company, features state-of-the-art componentry.

A SPIRITED V8 ENGINE - Buy The Jaguar XJ8 Here

Adhering to long-time Jaguar practice, the XJ sedan range adopts the AJ-V8 that first powered the XK8 sports cars. This tradition dates to the debut of the breakthrough XK six-cylinder engine in the XK 120 and, later, the introduction of the powerful V12 in the XK-E. Jaguar's muscular 290-horsepower V8 powers the XJ8, XJ8 L and Vanden Plas. Serious driving enthusiasts again have the option of choosing the XJR luxury sport sedan. Its supercharged and intercooled version of the same 32-valve alloy powerplant produces no less than 370 horsepower and an abundant 387 pound-feet of torque. Its effortless acceleration-0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds-positions the XJR among the world's quickest production luxury sedans. The naturally aspirated AJ-V8 is coupled to the same intelligent ZF five-speed automatic transmission that first appeared in the XK8. The transmission includes two driver-selectable shift modes, Sport and Normal. Switching into Sport mode times gear changes for peak response. The transmission's sophisticated electronic control system ensures smooth operation and makes possible a versatile shift program that adapts to specific driving conditions. Self-regulating adaptive capability lets the transmission compensate automatically for aging and adjusts shift quality based on slippage detected in actual use. To accommodate the supercharged AJ-V8's torque, the XJR gets a Mercedes-Benz five-speed electronic automatic transmission. This compact all-aluminum transmission is lightweight and very rigid. An advanced drive-by-wire throttle management system, also based on technology pioneered in the XK8, balances engine responsiveness and driving comfort. It also enables all XJ sedans to be fitted with standard Automatic Stability Control, which inhibits wheelspin on slippery roads by controlling the ignition, fuel injection and throttle.

MAINTENANCE - Buy The Jaguar XJ8 Here

Revised service schedules, which extend recommended spark plug life to 100,000 miles (160, 000 km) and oil change intervals to 10,000 miles ( 16,000 km) for the naturally aspirated engine, dramatically reduce the cost of maintaining the new XJ8. Additionally, the ZF automatic transmission typically does not require fluid changes, the camshafts are driven by zero-maintenance chains and the mechanical cam followers require no periodic lash adjustment. Overall maintenance costs for the 1998 XJ sedans are expected to be one-third lower in the first 50,000 miles than costs for the previous generation.

INTERIOR - Buy The Jaguar XJ8 Here

The Jaguar tradition of wood, leather, and expert craftsmanship lives on inside the new XJ range, yet the new cabin offers more than an engaging ambiance. An all-new instrument panel incorporates restyled wood veneers as well as a totally revised guage cluster with three individual instrument pods, a twin-function trip computer and a centrally mounted analog clock. The steering wheel now houses switches for the cruise control, the audio system and the optional dealer-installed telephone. The audio unit, designed with an integrated telephone keypad, combines ease of use with sophisticated communication capability. Other convenience features include a feature that automatically illuminates the headlamps in response to ambient light except in Canada, where daytime running lights are standard, a six-position variable intermittent windshield wiper and an electrochromic interior mirror.

TECHNOLOGY DELIVERS ATTITUDE - Buy The Jaguar XJ8 Here

Jaguar sedans have always been distinguised by a masterful blend of ride quality and handling competence. The same is abundantly true for the new generation XJ Series. Among the mechanical components derived from the sports car program are an advanced variable-ratio, variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering system, and an on-centerline differential designed to reduce noise and vibration. Out of sight to Jaguar customers, but a vital factor in continuing Jaguar's significant improvements in quality and reliability, is the multiplex electronic system. This aerospace technology enabled Jaguar engineers to reduce wiring and connectors, thus reducing complexity.

SAFETY - Buy The Jaguar XJ8 Here

When redesigning the XJ Series' interior and mechanical systems for 1998, Jaguar engineers focused on the sedans' occupant protection and accident avoidance capabilities. Revised steering componentry and an upgraded anti-lock braking system, the latest generation ITT Automotive Mk 20, improve handling and steering control. In addition to dual front air bags, the new V8 XJ Series is equipped with side-impact air bags for supplemental protection in high-energy side impacts. The outer side bolster of each of the front seats' back rests incorporates a ten-liter air bag. The bag moves with the seat to maintain an optimal position relative to the occupant. It deploys through the side bolster seam to help protect the occupant's thoracic region (rib cage). New pyrotechnic pretensioners on the front seats deploy with the front air bags. These pretensioners retract the safety-belt webbing by up to six inches, reducing the slack caused by the forces involved in a frontal crash. For better ergonomics, interior engineers also raised the front safety-belt height adjuster on the B-pillar and lengthened the webbing by 4.7 inches (12 cm).

AIRBAGS - Buy The Jaguar XJ8 Here

The addition of side air bags required more advanced electronics. For 1998, a fully electronic single-point-sensing (SPS) air bag system replaces the electromechanical system. In a frontal impact, the system senses the impact pulse, compares it with pre-programmed parameters and decides whether to trigger the front airbags and pretensioners. In a side impact, the B-pillar-mounted side impact sensing modules detect crash pulses and send a "go" signal to the SPS module, which then conducts a final check before sending a signal to inflate the appropriate side air bag.

TRACTION CONTROL - Buy The Jaguar XJ8 Here

Jaguar's Automatic Stability Control (ASC) operates at all speeds, using engine intervention to control wheel slip. ASC is engineered to provide optimum take-off performance on low-restriction surfaces. It regulates engine output by controlling throttle, ignition timing and cylinder fuel cutoff. In a rear wheel starts to spin, the anti-lock brake control module uses information from the multiplex Controller-Area Network (CAN) system to signal the throttle to reduce torque. Ignition and fueling return to normal as the throttle reaches the correct position. The traction control system, working with ASC, can apply each rear brake independently. Traction control employs the anti-lock control module to apply braking pressure to the spinning wheel, diverting torque to the wheel with traction. It is effective during initial acceleration on a slippery road, particularly on a split-friction surface, when tires on each side encounter different road conditions. Both ASC and traction control can be switched off when using snow chains or when powering out of deep, soft snow or sand. All Jaguars are fitted with ASC. In the United States, traction control is standard on the XJR and optional on all other models; traction control is standard on all models in Canada and Mexico. Structural changes for 1998 include full-height reinforcements to the B-pillars to meet upcoming European side-impact standards, a redesigned steering column and a new plenum brace design for better frontal crash performance. To improve rigidity while maintaining light weight, Jaguar more than doubled its use of high-strength steel for the 1998 XJ Series.

A STRONG VALUE POSITION - Buy The Jaguar XJ8 Here

Ever since Sir William Lyons was at the helm, Jaguars have been known for superior styling and exceptional value. Jaguar's residual values are now highly competitive in the prestige-luxury class, according to independent companies that forecast used-car values. Jaguar projects sales of the new V8-powered sedan line to exceed 15,000 units in North America in its first full calendar year on the market.

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