First look: Jaguar's seventh heaven

NO longer flippantly referred to as the XJ car company, thanks to the likes of S-Type and now X-Type, Jaguar has released the first pictures and details of the all-new, all-aluminium, seventh generation version of the luxury saloon that used to be its staple diet.

More than 800,000 XJs have been sold since the first generation was introduced in 1968, more than half of all Jaguars ever made.

Due on sale in Australia during the second quarter of 2003, the new XJ luxury sedan follows the new generation XK coupe/convertible's reveal last month.

Both new models will be on display at the Sydney motor show in October, the same month the XK should hit local showrooms.

Revealed just a week before its world premiere at this year's Paris motor show, the new X350-codenamed XJ sedan appears little changed at first. But close examination reveals dramatically shorter overhangs at both ends, a much rounder glasshouse and oval-shaped headlights to replace the current car's round items. XJR models will be differentiated by a different, mesh grille.

The familiar external appearance contrasts heavily with other manufacturers' all-new approach to luxury saloon design in recent times.

Jaguar hopes the traditional approach to styling - as well as the new car's vastly different underpinnings and technology - will arrest its luxury flagship's sales decline.

Just 125 XJ models were sold in 2001 - well down on the halcyon days of the current model's sales performance between 1995 and 1998, when more than 400 were sold annually. XJ sales peaked at 461 in 1998, before the arrival of S-Type in 1999 and X-Type in 2001 - but Jaguar admits the new XJ will struggle to attain those levels.

"The arrival of S-Type changed our model mix forever," said Jaguar Australia public affairs manager Amanda Wheeler.

"Since then the emphasis has shifted to S-Type and there's been less of a focus on XJ, but until pricing, specification and the line-up are confirmed we won't know if it's likely to exceed the current model's sales."Measuring 5080mm long, 1868mm wide and 1448 high, the longer, taller and wider XJ bodyshell now sits on a longer 3034mm wheelbase liberating more headroom, legroom and shoulder room for all occupants.

The alloy shell is also said to be about 40 per cent lighter than an equivalent steel body and some 60 per cent stiffer than its predecessor, resulting in a kerb weight of up to 200kg less than the current XJ.

Featuring an industry-first rivet-bonded joining technology for the whole body structure, self-pierce rivets are used in combination with aerospace-sourced epoxy adhesive to join the aluminium pressings, casting and extrusions.

In addition to the primarily monocoque aluminium body construction, a magnesium cross-car beam supports the facia and instrument panel. Magnesium castings are also used in the seat frames.

Expected to feature a new 3.5-litre V8 and S-Type's new 4.2-litre V8 for XJ8 models and a supercharged version similar to the S-Type R's for the XJR performance flagship, the new XJ range is also expected to revive the XJ6 nameplate thanks to the availability of a 3.0-litre V6 model.

All engines will be offered as standard with the ZF six-speed automatic transmission that first appeared in BMW's 7 Series before being offered in the facelifted S-Type.

Self-levelling suspension, a first for Jaguar, will also be offered as standard and has the ability to automatically lower the ride height at speed to increase aerodynamic efficiency and improve stability.

The system, along with an enhanced version of Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) as standard, will operate in conjunction with new front and rear suspension developed from the revised S-Type.

Other new technology includes the S-Type's electronic park brake, plus emergency brake assist, traction control, dynamic stability control and adaptive cruise control, which features a Forward Alert function that provides an audible warning that driver intervention is required - even when the cruise control is not operating.

Likewise, the interior is thoroughly revised and features many design cues and technology from both the S and X-Type with the instrument panel is an example of this.

High series models will feature 16-way power seat adjustment with cushion length adjustment and lumbar support. Power-adjustable rear-seat lumbar, recline and head restraints are optional, while Ford's adjustable pedals now complement the electrically adjustable steering column.

A new four-zone climate control system will be available, along with voice activation for audio, telephone, climate and navigation functions, plus a new multi-media entertainment system that allows three different audio, video or games systems to be operated simultaneously - the latter two via front head restraint-mounted screens.

Of course, Jaguar's traditional interior design styles will continue, including Burr Walnut for Classic models through to a grey Birdseye Maple veneer for sportier versions, while a highly polished Piano Black will be a new interior trim option for XJ.