Although major revisions (through the X300 and partcicularly, the X308 updates) kept Mk 2 competitive in some areas against its rivals, the basic design and "difficult point" of the Mk 2 dated from 1986, which means the car will soon be defeated and lose ground to its competitors, many of them are now two generations of MK 2 XJ. For example, since the Mk 2 was inaugurated in 1986 at the same time with the BMW Series 2 Mk 7 (e32), BMW has since launched Mk 3 (E38) and Mk 4 (E65) version 7 Series in 1994 and 2001 respectively - while still producing Jaguar Mk 2 XJ.
In September 2002, a new third generation XJ (known as X350) arrived in showrooms. While the exterior and interior car styling traditional in appearance, the car has been completely redesigned. The new car also saw the return of the legendary XJ6 badge, and with it 6-cylinder power, albeit in a V-configuration.
Design and Engineering
Like the Audi A8, X350 chassis and body made of aluminum. While some steel is used in some parts of the chassis, X350 has an aluminum monocoque / chassis similar in general design of a conventional steel structure, but with two differences: the underbody components are bonded with aerospace grade epoxy adhesives while about 3,200 self-piercing rivets are used to create new XJ monocoque. A conventional steel welded body. Interestingly, different construction methods of the Audi A8 X350 used to, but both methods are considered advanced.
By itself, the body XJ now weighs almost the same with a contemporary Mini. If the car is made of steel, it is estimated that it would weigh 40% more.
Some of the features that distinguish the X350 style of the previous XJ include external lighting, which is larger than the inner light, and the wheels are driven during the four corners of the car (due to an increased wheelbase) good as the original Mk 1 XJ. In addition, the X350 provides the third side window of his predecessors, back to the two side windows as the Mk 1. The curve of the back door like that of a Jaguar sedan in the 1950s and the 1960s.
Machine
V8 engine remains in the new model, but now revised and more powerful S-Type found in 2002. The 290 hp 4.0-liter and 4.0 liter turbocharged 370 Bhp from the X308 Mk II were replaced by the S-Type 4.2 liter 300 hp and 400 hp 4.2-liter supercharged units respectively, while 3, 5-liter V8 also introduced new . Derived from the 3.2-liter engine the previous model, producing 265 hp.
The 240 hp 3.2-liter V8 from the previous model is replaced by a 240 hp 3.0-liter V6 of the Type-X and S-Type. XJ6 V6 power, while the XJ8 is powered by a V8 naturally aspirated. XJR is powered by a 4.0-liter V8. The XJ6 X350 is the only model not sold in America.
2005 also saw the first introduction of the Jaguar XJ diesel, a notion unthinkable a few years ago and which still causes Consten model among fans of traditional owners and Jaguar. With the same Ford-Peugeot-developed 2.7-liter V6 twin-turbo unit in the S-Type, the engine produces 204 hp and 321 lb-ft of torque. Tdvi called the XJ, this model often touted not only as the most powerful diesel against rivals from the same power, but also the best diesel car in the world.
Summary
Despite concerns that some critics "that the XJ style is dated, the general consensus is that the X350 is a car with an efficient handling of a strong and attractive, smooth ride and powerful engines, especially diesel and V8 engines.
XJ high-end branded as Vanden Plas (in North America) and Daimler (elsewhere).
Super V8 model is the fastest and most expensive, with the XJR a close second. Super V8, which began in model year 2004 in the new X350 body style, is essentially a long wheelbase, supercharged XJ8. The main competitor is the Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG. A metal mesh grid and distinctive chrome mirrors set the Super V8 and the XJR apart from the less expensive XJ sedan.
All North American XJ is supported by a 300 HP (224 kW) naturally aspirated engines. A 400 hp (298 kW) supercharged 4.2-liter V8 is optional. Valvetrain has a dual overhead cam design with four valves per cylinder. Top speed is limited electronically.
In early 2005, Jaguar announced the sedan's most exclusive, powerful and expensive, as stopping the production of V12 XJ. Called the 2006 Super V8 Portfolio is a limited edition trim level of the flagship Super V8 sedan. He made his debut at New York International Auto in March 2005, and a Jaguar sedan produced the most expensive to date, with a base price of U.S. $ 115,995. Portfolio features added power as well as exterior and interior improvements, including a DVD player and 7 inch screens in the rear head restraints. Super V8 Portfolio, aimed at U.S. and Canadian markets, became available in August 2005. It is available in two new limited colors: black cherry and gold winter. Equivalent models sold under the brand name Daimler Super Eight and Daimler in the European and international markets.
Super V8 Portfolio is powered by Jaguar's supercharged 400 hp 4.2 L 32-valve, AJ-V8. The maximum speed of 155 mph and has a portfolio of time from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds acceleration.
