Jaguar

Jaguar XJ8

a worthy replacement for the Jaguar XJ6?

Jaguar has just launched their new XJ8 model. This is the latest incarnation of the classic Jaguar XJ6, originally launched at the 1968 Earls Court motor show under the watchful eye of Sir William Lyons, the founder of the Jaguar marque.

35 years and 800,000 sales later, Jaguar should have enough experience to produce a fine
executive car.

Although the new car has more interior space than previous versions of the XJ range, Jaguar have shaved 440lb of the weight by using aluminium-alloy panels. It's lighter and cheaper to produce than competitors Audi with their A8 model, which uses a more complex construction technique.

Surprisingly, the new Jaguar is larger in size than the previous XJ.

There will be a 6-cylinder engine, something that has been absent from the Jaguar range owing to the previous XJ's weight problem. It will however be a V6 rather than the traditional XJ straight 6 layout. There is also a new 3.5 litre V8 engine available, a 4.2 V8 and a 4.2 V8 with an Eaton Roots-style supercharger. Transmission is via a six speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels.

Performance ranges from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds and 145mph top speed for the 3-litre V6 to 5.0 seconds and 155 mph (limited) for the 4.2 supercharged version.

To compete with rivals BMW and Mercedes, the new XJ is packed with electronic devices - heard of 'CATS' before? (Computer Active Technology Suspension). There are also electronically adjustable pedals, something that has until now been the province of sports cars.

Jaguar has produced a fine car in terms of handling, balance, performance and looks although it may still lack the build quality in some respects of the BMW and Mercedes rivals.

A Williams

15-03-2003