Paris show: Jaguar polish shines

JAGUAR CEO Bob Dover was met with the loudest applause at this year's Paris motor show when a sparkling polished alloy version of the next generation XJ saloon was wheeled out.

Due on sale internationally in the spring of 2003 and expected Down Under around mid-year, the all-new XJ luxury sedan features aluminium construction throughout and is about 200kg lighter than the outgoing car.

The new XJ is the seventh iteration of a model that has been produced more than 800,000 times globally since 1968 - accounting for more than half the number of all Jaguars sold.

Featuring what is claimed to be an industry-first use of rivet-bonded joining technology for the entire body structure, self-piercing rivets are used with aerospace-sourced epoxy adhesive to join the pressings, castings and extrusions of the primarily conventional monocoque construction.

Magnesium is also used in the seat frames, steering column and for a cross-car beam to support the fascia and instrument panel.

"This is the ultimate expression of Jaguar saloon car engineering," said Mr Dover. "It has a look and design that deliberately continues the classic Jaguar lineage." "It's 40 per cent lighter than an equivalent saloon, 60 per cent stiffer than its predecessor and 200kg lighter than the out-going car - and all this in a vehicle that's larger in every respect, has a longer wheelbase, a 25 per cent bigger boot and a more spacious interior.

"And it has technology that assists the driver rather than irritates the driver," Mr Dover said in an obvious reference to BMW's iDrive system.

Featuring claimed better performance, economy and emissions, the new XJ employs air suspension and will revive the XJ6 nameplate by employing Jaguar's 3.0-litre V6 in a new entry level model.

Traditional XJ V8 buyers will benefit from a new 3.5-litre V8 producing 195kW, plus Jaguar's newly developed 4.2-litre bent eight already seen in the facelifted S-Type.

Also on the Paris stand was the updated XK coupe and convertible range, including the 298kW XKR. Go to the New Models section to read our drive review, titled "First drive: Jaguar XK power boost".