New Jaguar XJ is seventh heaven

After being seen only at the auto shows, Jaguar brought the stunning new 2004 XJ to Arizona to let the motoring press put this brand new car to test on a drive from Scottsdale to Sedona, through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world’s premier manufacturers of prestigious automobiles. The Jaguar marque continues to stand for an unparalleled heritage and a tradition of elegant style, luxurious comfort and refined performance.

The full size XJ sedan has been the cornerstone of the Jaguar brand since 1968 and is the definitive Jaguar. Over half of all Jaguars built have been XJs. The, seventh generation, all-new 2004 XJ is the most technologically advanced car the company has ever built, using aircraft-style aluminum construction for lightness and strength. It’s also the most impressive ride to come from the British manufacturer. Just sitting behind the wheel you get an immediate sense that this is a drivers car–a car that needs open roads and a degree of speed to bring everything together.

There are three distinct models in the XJ lineup. At the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, the headquarters for the event, Jaguar introduced the 4.2-liter XJ8, the lavishly equipped XJ Vanden Plas and the amazing 390 bhp supercharged XJR.

"The all-new XJ represents exceptional value in both pricing and specification. Not only is this the most technically advanced Jaguar ever built, it is also the best equipped," said George Ayres, vice president, marketing, Jaguar North America.

With some cars in showrooms now, the major launch is June 1, with the Vanden Plas and the XJR arriving.

The new XJ with its advanced lightweight aluminum monocoque construction, features significantly higher levels of standard equipment over the previous XJ models. The entry point XJ8, for example, comes equipped with self-leveling air suspension, CATS (computer active technology suspension) adaptive damping, traction control with dynamic stability control, electronic park brake, power-adjustable foot pedals, reverse parking aid, 12-way power driver and front passenger seats, burl walnut veneer, and leather seating surfaces.

 Even more lavishly equipped is the new XJ Vanden Plas. It features a level of craftsmanship that has been a Jaguar trademark for more than half a century. Features include a twin-stitched leatherette dash top, hand-laid burl walnut veneers, soft-grained ruched leather seating surfaces, wood and leather steering wheel and deep-pile lambswool rugs. Vanden Plas owners will also enjoy 16-way power front seats, power folding door mirrors, electric rear sunblind, 18-inch wheels and heated front and rear seats. A premium 320-watt sound system, extra chrome highlights plus powerful Xenon headlamps are also distinctive Vanden Plas features.

 Both the XJ8 and XJ Vanden Plas are powered by a new 4.2-liter AJ-V8 developing an impressive 294 bhp. Coupled with a six-speed ZF automatic, this all-aluminum V8 provides 0-60mph acceleration in just 6.3 seconds, and class-leading 22 mpg average fuel economy.

For those demanding true high performance in a luxury sedan, the all-new XJR sets a standard matched only by its exceptional value. Priced less than the rival Mercedes-Benz S55, the XJR with its supercharged 390bhp V8, delivers 0—60mph sprinting in a supercar-like 5.0 seconds, but without incurring a gas guzzler tax.

And the XJR comes equipped as standard with R Performance tuned suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers, 19-inch cast alloy wheels and Xenon headlights. The performance-themed interior features body-hugging front sports seats with perforated leather center pads, and walnut burl veneer. Also standard is radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control, a feature that’s an option on the considerably more expensive Mercedes-Benz S55.

 The new XJ8 is longer, taller and wider than before. The increased dimensions result in a cabin that offers significantly more headroom, legroom and shoulder room. There’s also more space for luggage in a trunk that’s 25 percent bigger than the previous XJ’s.

 But most significant, this new Jaguar flagship features a lightweight aluminum monocoque construction with an industry-first use of rivet-bonded joining technology for the whole body structure. Self-pierce rivets are used in combination with epoxy adhesive to join the aluminum pressings, castings and extrusions.

 The result; a body that is significantly stiffer–by some 60 percent–and lighter by 40 percent than its steel equivalent. The strength of its architecture also ensures superb crashworthiness; while the aluminum sheet metal panels are bake-hardened offering added resilience against dings and dents.

 "The all-new XJ delivers on every level–it’s stronger, faster, safer, smarter and of course it’s an excellent value too," explained Ayres.

The 2004 XJ looks fast parked, but getting behind the wheel and putting the car through its paces is a joy. I drove the supercharged XJR on the first leg from Scottsdale to Sedona. Driving Arizona’s highways is so different from Southern California. They’re fast, open and empty compared to our freeways. Motorcyclists don’t have to wear helmets and providing you’re driving safely, a little over the speed limit is accepted. There’s one stretch of Highway 87 where, with the road ahead empty and straight, I gave the XJR the gas and pushed my right foot to the floor. I thought I had achieved three figures in miles-per-hour. I had. I just didn’t realized how many. There was no sense of the speed and how quickly I had gotten there!

According to the latest EPA government fuel figures, the 2004 4.2-liter XJ8 has a best-in-class highway rating of 28 mpg. That gives the car an outstanding theoretical calculated range of 630 miles, Scottsdale to Sedona and back–twice! With an EPA Combined rating of 22mpg–another ‘best-in-class’ figure–the new XJ8’s real-world touring range on a full tank is still a theoretical 495 miles, the approximate distance of a drive from San Francisco to San Diego.

Keep in mind that it’s very difficult to control the right foot.

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