By AUTOWEEK
INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY JAGUAR/FORD
THE 2005 LONG WHEELBASE JAGUAR XJ RANGE – A FULL SIZE THRILL
Unveiled at the 2004 New York International Auto Show and on sale from September, Jaguar is proud to introduce the new 2005 Model Year version of its XJ sedan. Already renowned as one of the most advanced cars on the road today thanks to its aluminum-intensive monocoque riv-bonded construction, the 05' XJ adopts a new long wheelbase format for the North American market and a new range line up offering all the luxury, craftsmanship and thrilling driving dynamics expected of the revered British marque.
The 2005 Model Year XJ range will expand from three to five distinct model derivatives with two standard wheelbase models continuing from the 2004 range, launched in 2003. The flagship Super V8 model returns to the XJ line up after two years away offering unique luxury and craftsmanship features combined with the mighty 390bhp supercharged powertrain – Jaguar's ultimate luxury/performance "stealth" car.
THE LONG WHEELBASE XJ SEDAN AT A GLANCE
•A full size Jaguar flagship sedan with agile handling
•Just 44lbs weight increase over standard wheelbase models
•Best-in-class rear leg room
*Best-in-class rear headroom
•Wheelbase and overall length both extended by 5inches, and height increased by 0.28in. - to give the longest wheelbase and body in the segment
•Longest wheelbase and overall length in class deliver exceptional interior space, while still being compact enough for everyday drivability
•A choice of rear seating configurations, from fixed bench to power adjustable bench.
•Longer rear doors further improve accessibility to larger rear passenger space
•Comprehensive range of comfort and equipment options - including folding Business Tray work-tables, four-zone climate control with individual rear passenger settings, Multimedia Entertainment system with twin display screens, DVD player and universal connectivity compatible with iPod, MP3, etc.
•The ultimate in XJ refinement, smoother and quieter than ever
•Uncompromised XJ style with prestige and presence, thanks to subtle changes in proportion and detail, including new grille treatments and new, larger diameter wheel designs
•All the advantages of the XJ’s unique, technically advanced, aluminum alloy monocoque body shell construction
•Brilliant performance engineering reveals a light, strong, fast, one-of-a-kind driving experience
•A choice of engines - naturally aspirated 4.2-liter petrol V8, and Jaguar’s high performance supercharged 4.2-liter V8
•All models feature Jaguar’s six-speed ZF automatic transmission as standard
•SAE power outputs range from the 294bhp of the naturally aspirated V8, to the 390bhp of the supercharged 4.2-liter V8. Peak SAE torque figures range from 303lb ft. to the supercharged 4.2’s huge 399lb ft.
•Minimal weight increase, of only 44lb means performance is virtually unchanged from the standard wheelbase XJ sedans.
•Negligible increase in fuel economy over SWB models
•The same controlled ride comfort, the same composed handling, the same communicative steering as the standard wheelbase XJ sedan - the long wheelbase XJ remains a real Jaguar driver’s car
THE RANGE: SWB (Standard Wheelbase) LWB (Long Wheelbase)
XJ8 (SWB)4.2-liter V8 6-speed automatic 294bhp Normally Aspirated
XJ8L (LWB)4.2-liter V8 6-speed automatic 294bhp Normally Aspirated
Vanden Plas (LWB) 4.2-liter V8 6-speed automatic 294bhp Normally Aspirated
XJR (SWB)4.2-liter V8 6-speed automatic 390bhp Supercharged
Super V8 (LWB)4.2-liter V8 6-Speed automatic 390bhp Supercharged
KEY POINTS
XJ8 (SWB)
XJ8 standard wheelbase continues as the entry point to the 2005MY XJ range
4.2-liter, 294bhp AJ-V8
Six-speed ZF automatic transmission
4-channel anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist
Traction control with Dynamic Stability Control
CATS adaptive damping
Power-adjustable foot pedals with memory
Power moonroof
Leather seating surfaces
12-way power driver and front passenger seats
Burl walnut veneer
For 2005 adopts standard 18-inch diameter x 8-inch wide 'Dynamic' alloy wheels
Reverse Park Control
Wood/leather steering wheel
Dual zone automatic climate control with filtration
Side curtain airbags, front side airbags, front airbags
140 watt eight-speaker audio with FM/AM/single-slot CD
XJ8L (features in addition to XJ8 SWB)
With a new 124.4 inch wheelbase and 205.3 inch overall length, it is the longest Jaguar ever built
Best-in-class rear legroom
Best-in-class rear headroom
Innovative aluminum-intensive lightweight monocoque body
XJ8L is 7.9 inches longer than a Lexus LS430, providing 5.8 inches more rear legroom, yet weighs approximately 150 pounds less.
Best-in-class fuel economy thanks to light weight and six-speed transmission
VANDEN PLAS (features in addition to XJ8L)
Twin-stitched trimmed dashtop
Unique 18-inch diameter x 8-inch wide 'Rapier' wheel style
Bright mirror caps
Bright tail lamp bezels
Power-fold exterior mirrors
Electric rear sunblind
16-way front seats
Soft-grain leather interior, contrast seat piping with ruched leather
Lambswool footwell rugs
Walnut burl veneers with hand-inlaid Peruvian boxwood
3-stage heated front & rear seats and heated steering wheel
320-watt Alpine premium sound system with 6-CD changer
Rear fold down Business Trays
XJR (SWB) (features in addition to XJ8)
Supercharged 4.2-liter 390 bhp AJ-V8
R Performance tuned CATS suspension
Brembo® brakes with 4-piston calipers
Radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control
19-inch diameter x 8.5-inch wide ‘Performance’ alloy wheels, Z-rated tires
R Performance 16-way front sports seats with perforated leather inserts
Power folding door mirrors
Electric rear sunblind
R Performance leather and chrome shift knob
Heated wood/ leather steering wheel
3-stage heated front and rear seats
Alpine 320 watt premium sound system with FM/AM/single-slot/6-CD auto changer
SUPER V8 (features in addition to Vanden Plas)
390-bhp supercharged engine
Brembo® disc brakes
19-inch diameter x 9-inch wide 'Custom' alloy wheels, Z-rated tires
Bright mesh grille insert
Radar Adaptive Cruise Control
DVD touch-screen Navigation system
DVD rear Multimedia Entertainment system with twin rear display screens
Front Park Control
4-zone climate control system with manual side sunblinds
Electrically adjustable rear bench seat; rear control of front passenger seat
Offers supercharged performance with no "Gas Guzzler Tax" due to strong yet lightweight aluminum body construction.
OVERVIEW
In a world debut at the New York Auto, new long wheelbase versions of the flagship XJ sedan return to the Jaguar range. They share with the latest generation of the standard wheelbase XJ, all the benefits of advanced aluminum-intensive construction, light weight, massive body strength, comprehensive safety features, refined performance, and agile driving dynamics. The 2005 long wheelbase XJs are full-size luxury sedans with an even roomier interior, and unmistakeable Jaguar personality with abundant levels of 'get up and go.' With both wheelbase and overall length increased by 5 inches, and the rear roofline subtly raised 0.28 in. to increase headroom, it offers the additional level of rear interior space and equipment ideally suited to Jaguar's North American existing customer base…with even wider appeal to attract new customers.
The long wheelbase XJs use the same unique, highly innovative aluminum alloy monocoque body shell construction as the 2004 standard wheelbase XJs. With the longest wheelbase and longest overall length in its class (the premium large sedan segment), and with the whole of its additional body length incorporated behind the B pillars, the long wheelbase XJs have class-leading rear head and leg room with more than 43 inches of rear leg room. The Vanden Plas offers a choice of two rear seat configurations, standard fixed bench or optional power adjustable bench – while Super V8 standard equipment includes the power rear bench seat with controls for the two outboard rear passengers.
‘Business Trays’ on Vanden Plas and Super V8 models, fold down from the front seat backs (and are big enough to hold a notebook computer), maximize comfort and convenience. Longer rear doors create more room for entry and exit. Also in the rear seats, an available Multimedia Entertainment system includes a DVD player, and twin 6.5-inch display screens, again incorporated into the front seat headrests. The Multimedia system's switchpack permits universal connectivity to external devices, including iPod, MP3, etc. The Multimedia Entertainment system is standard on the flagship Super V8 and optional on other XJ models. Also standard on Super V8 is the otherwise optional 4-zone climate control system with individual rear seat settings. A wider choice of luxurious interior trims, including new leather and trim options, accompany the host of enhancements to the 2005 XJ range.
The long wheelbase XJ continues to offer the choice of powerful, refined and efficient V8 gasoline engines, from a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 to the range-topping 390bhp SAE supercharged 4.2-liter V8 - both matched to the advanced ZF six-speed automatic transmission. With only a minimal weight increase over the standard wheelbase XJ, - just 44lb, including the higher level of standard equipment – all derivatives have virtually unchanged levels of performance and fuel economy.
The XJ sedan’s elegant lines are enhanced by the increased length - with the car's greenhouse now perfectly balanced across the B-post. New front grille treatments for XJ8 and XJ8L plus the adoption of bigger, 18-inch diameter alloy wheels as standard on these models simply confirm the long wheelbase XJ’s luxurious, dynamic, distinctively Jaguar character.
‘The long wheelbase models add another dimension to the XJ line-up. These vehicles were designed from the outset to be long wheelbase cars, therefore the 'stretch' seems natural in the styling and feel of the car. It's the largest Jaguar ever built, providing customers with unsurpassed cabin space while maintaining high levels of luxury and performance as one would come to expect from a Jaguar." Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars
Dynamically, too, the long wheelbase XJ is uniquely distinguishable from the standard wheelbase car. While gaining interior space it remains compact enough to fit into a normally sized garage, and to handle the tight spaces of multi-story parking structures. Its turning circle is a tight 39.5 ft. that out-manoeuvres the LWB XJ's competitors. The aluminum alloy monocoque shell retains its exceptional stiffness and light weight, while spring and damper settings and suspension mounts and bushing have been revised - to give the long wheelbase XJ the same highly acclaimed ride, handling balance and steering feel as the standard wheelbase model. There are further benefits in revising the suspension mountings, by reducing transmitted noise levels and improving overall refinement.
The long wheelbase XJ includes a full list of active and passive safety features. Jaguar’s Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) combines dual stage driver and passenger airbags, ultrasonic position sensing, seat-occupation sensing, side-impact chest airbags in the front seat bolsters, front and rear side air curtains, anti-whiplash seat design, and ISOFIX rear child seat attachments. It has four-channel ABS anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), traction control, and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) all as standard. High levels of security are also standard, including automatic drive away locking, remote two-stage unlocking, headlight convenience operation, and remote operated panic alarm.
With low repair costs thanks to careful design, a bolt-on front end, and a high level of security features, the long wheelbase XJ has competitive insurance ratings.
All of which adds up to an XJ in which additional space, luxury and convenience come with an enhanced level of standard features, resulting in increased vehicle value.
THE NEW LONG WHEELBASE XJ IN DETAIL
The long wheelbase XJ is the natural fit for the Jaguar driver who enjoys the focused driving dynamics of the standard wheelbase XJ sedan, but who prefers the additional rear seat room, and the added opportunity of using the back seats as a travelling office or meeting room.
The XJ’s long wheelbase heritage
There have been long wheelbase versions of the XJ beginning with the Series 1, which launched in 1968 and added long wheelbase versions from 1972. When the Series 2 arrived in 1973 with long wheelbase versions right from the start of production, this became the standard car in 1974, and the original shorter wheelbase models were discontinued. The choice continued with the Series 3 from 1979 to 1992 and through the XJ40 for 1993 and 1994. From the end of 1994, with the appearance of the XJ6 family, the long wheelbase variants hit the big numbers again, with more than 17,500 cars rolling off the Jaguar lines. The most recent past generation of XJ, the XJ8, produced nearly 40,000 long wheelbase sales between 1997 and its end of production in 2003 - when the all-new XJ appeared. In 2004, Jaguar introduces the largest version of the long wheelbase XJ to date, which is an overall 3 inches longer than the previous long wheelbase model, and the most technically sophisticated XJ to date.
. . . and the new generation of Jaguar technology
The standard wheelbase version of this seventh generation XJ sedan broke new ground when it went on sale in 2003, as a 2004 model year car. It remained unmistakably an XJ, whose elegant, purposeful appearance hints once again at both luxury and effortless performance. But supporting both style and dynamics, its new design and fabrication techniques (based on a deep understanding of material properties), had led to the creation of unique and ground breaking construction methods for Jaguar’s flagship sedan. In this all-new generation, for the first time ever, the complete body structure of the XJ sedan is manufactured from aluminum alloy.
Aluminum alloy is notable for its high strength and low weight, but it isn’t a new material for Jaguar. From its earliest days as a car manufacturer, Jaguar has used many forms of light alloy in its vehicles and components. In the XJ, however, Jaguar uses it in a unique and innovative way. Unlike other aluminum-alloy-bodied cars, which typically use unstressed outer panels over a separate chassis, the XJ’s body shell uses conventional, stressed skin, monocoque construction. By employing advanced assembly techniques from the aerospace industry, including adhesive bonding and self-piercing rivets, the XJ uses lightweight aluminium alloys, rather than steel, as its principal body material. In effect, riveting is used in a similar way to spot welding on a steel shell, and adhesive bonding is used in a similar way to seam welding. Using both together produces immensely strong, durable joints and a lightweight shell with exceptional torsional stiffness. In addition, the latest forming, casting, welding, machining and extrusion processes have further increased the possibilities offered by both aluminum and magnesium alloys, for maximum strength with minimum weight.
With this lightweight monocoque construction, any new XJ sedan is some 180 lbs lighter , as well as 40 percent stiffer and 60 percent lighter than the equivalent model from the previous generation, and significantly stronger. This has a very beneficial effect on power-to-weight ratio - which is a major factor in almost all aspects of vehicle performance. Reducing a vehicle’s weight (without compromising its strength) will improve its performance for the same power output. That not only improves straight-line performance, and especially acceleration, but by allowing the engine to work less hard it also improves fuel consumption. Lower weight reduces the energy involved in any impact, however minor, and also improves braking performance. This benefits subjective areas such as ride comfort, handling agility and steering feel - all of which are core elements in the defining character of any Jaguar.
Other advantages are inherent in these materials and in Jaguar’s unique construction method. The treated alloy panels are highly corrosion resistant, for long life, with a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Jaguar uses them in such a way as to minimize repair costs in the event of accident damage. The deformable aluminum alloy front structure can withstand an impact of up to10mph without transferring damage to the main shell. It is bolted on, so that it can be replaced more quickly and easily if needed. Front fenders, as well as trunk and hood lids, are bolted on, and the doors feature ‘lift-off’ hinges - again for easier, more economical, replacement. The shell is also protected by injection-molded front and rear bumpers. All this helps the XJ achieve competitive insurance ratings.
Space to work, or room to relax
To add the required extra space and equipment to the new model while retaining the dynamic character, the style and the everyday drivability of the standard wheelbase XJ, Jaguar has increased the original wheelbase by 5inches to 124.4in, and overall length by the same amount, to 205.3in. That makes the long wheelbase XJ the longest car in its premium sedan class – 2.2 in. longer than the long version of the Mercedes Benz S-Class and 1.8 in. longer than the longest BMW 7 Series – yet still attractively compact.
All the additional body length was incorporated behind the B pillars, to increase the rear seating room. To maintain the XJ’s elegant visual proportions, and to gain a small but useful increase in headroom, the roofline was raised by 0.28 in. - a subtle new curvature resulting in class leading rear headroom.
The changes were cleverly engineered: only 17 body parts (including the large side pressings, new doors and longer roof) are new to the long wheelbase XJ, which is built on the same assembly line as the standard wheelbase model. Most significantly, it retains its exceptional shell stiffness, and thanks to careful weight management in both shell and other areas the long wheelbase XJ adds only 44lb body weight.
As well as class leading headroom, the increased rear passenger space gives the long wheelbase XJ an outstanding 43.4 inches of rear legroom - without compromising the XJ’s excellent 16.4 cu ft. luggage volume.
THE KEY COMPARISONS
Jaguar XJ SWB Jaguar XJ LWB Mercedes Benz
S-Class LWB BMW 7 Series LWB
EXTERIOR
Overall Length 200.4 in. 205.3 in. 203 in. 203.5 in.
Overall Height 57.0 in. 57.3 in. 57.2 in. 58.7 in.
Overall Width 73.6 in. 73.6 in. 73.0 in. 74.9 in.
Wheelbase 119.4 in. 124.4 in. 121.5 in. 123.2 in.
Front Track 61.3 in. 61.3 in. 62.0 in. 62.1 in.
Rear Track 60.9 in. 60.9 in. 62.0 in. 62.3 in.
Turning Circle (ft.) 38.1 ft. 39.5 ft. 39.7 ft. 41.3 ft.
INTERIOR
Front Legroom 43.1 in. 43.1 in. 41.3 in. 41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room 58.3 in. 58.3 in. 59.2 in. 59.3 in.
Front Headroom 38.4 in. 38.4 in./39.8 in. 37.6 in. 39.2 in.
Rear Legroom 38.7 in. 43.3 in. 40.3 in. 43.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room 58.2 in. 58.3 in. 58.3 in. 58.9 in.
Rear Headroom 38.6 in. 38.6 in. 38.4 in. 38.5 in.
Luggage Volume (Cubic Feet) 16.4 16.4 15.4 17.5
Added space allows a choice of rear seating options. The standard layout is a full width, three-passenger bench seat with four-way manual adjustment - for head restraints. Alternatively there is a three-passenger bench with powered four-way adjustment, and the front passenger seat can be moved forwards from the rear seat behind it, for even more leg room. Also for comfort, rear seat passengers may have individual controls for the four-zone climate control air conditioning system.
The rear seats of the long wheelbase XJ aren’t only spacious and comfortable, they can also be a convenient place to work while on the move. Business Trays fold down from the front seat backs - an ideal place to read or write, and big enough for a notebook computer, which can be powered from the auxiliary socket. And for work or relaxation, the XJ offers multi-media connectivity for iPod, MP3 player and DVD players, digital memory media, Playstation or Gameboy systems, with the option of 6.5-inch displays in the backs of the front seat headrests, and independent input points for two rear seat passengers.
In front, the long wheelbase XJ’s seats have multi-directional powered adjustment, and memory function for seat position, outside mirrors, steering column and adjustable pedals as standard, and the driving position can be fine tuned by reach and angle.
New options, for the personalized XJ
There are new interior trim options, and new equipment options on the long wheelbase XJ. There are several leather upholstery choices, including soft grain leather, and detail finishes either with or without color-contrasting piping, in an extended range of trim colors carefully co-ordinated with the range of body colors. Veneer selection includes the traditional Jaguar Burl Walnut on XJ8L and a specialized Burl Walnut veneer with hand-inlaid Peruvian boxwood available on Vanden Plas.
There is generous and versatile storage space, including a large glovebox with one-touch release offset towards the driver. As well as interior light and sunroof controls, the overhead console can incorporate the switches for features such as remote garage door opening and rear sunblinds, microphones for the built-in hands-free telephone and JaguarVoice systems. Jaguar is a leader in voice control technology, which can be used in the long wheelbase XJ to operate telephone, audio, air conditioning and satellite navigation functions, in several languages. All XJ models are pre-wired for installation of JaguarVoice.
Jaguar has embraced and developed many new technologies, but is careful to adopt them only when they are relevant and easy to use. Even without the JaguarVoice option, the XJ’s DVD-based navigation system is a good example of that philosophy. It uses a large, clear, touch sensitive screen with logical menus and commands. It can display points of interest, restaurants, hotels, parking facilities, Jaguar dealers, and gas stations - the latter automatically highlighted when the fuel level is low. Touch screen control also extends to the major audio and climate control functions.
Externally, the long wheelbase XJ echoes the latest enhancements to the standard wheelbase XJ. Depending on model that means chrome grille surround with either chrome bar or chrome mesh inserts - the latter distinguishing the supercharged 4.2 V8 model. The standard alloy wheel diameter is now 18 rather than 17 inches, emphasising the XJ’s dynamic character. There are two 18-inch wheel styles dependent upon model (XJ8L or Vanden Plas) with the new Super V8 riding on a 19-inch 'Custom' style alloy wheel.
With the introduction of the third generation of Jaguar's Adaptive Cruise Control system, this advanced feature becomes available on all XJ models and is standard on both the XJR and the Super V8. Adaptive Cruise Control uses radar sensors to automatically maintain a safe distance from traffic ahead. In addition, Jaguar's unique Multimedia Entertainment system is optional on XJ8L and Vanden Plas and is yet another standard feature on Super V8 models.
The power to support the luxury
The long wheelbase XJ offers a choice of two versions of Jaguar’s compact, lightweight, short stroke, all-alloy, four-cam 32-valve V8 petrol engines - naturally aspirated 4.2-liter and the supercharged 4.2-liter.
Both engines share similar construction, with aluminum alloy blocks and cylinder heads, designed for high strength, long durability and minimum transmitted noise and vibration. All use chain driven overhead camshafts with low noise, fine pitch, inverted tooth chains and sprockets. Naturally aspirated engines use VCP (Variable Camshaft Phasing), continuously varying the phasing of the inlet camshaft according to demand, to optimize low speed torque and high speed power, while reducing emissions. High compression ratios and multi-hole injection nozzles improve combustion, improving fuel economy and further reducing emissions. Short engine and catalyst warm up times make further gains.
The naturally aspirated version of the 4.2-liter V8 produces 294bhp SAE at 6,000 rev/min, again with impressive mid range flexibility, and with a torque peak of 303 ft lb. SAE at 4,100 rev/min.
The mechanically supercharged 4.2-liter V8 uses an Eaton supercharger, twin high efficiency intercoolers, a special twin pump fuel system, and forged oil cooled pistons to handle the increased internal loads and temperatures without compromising durability. It produces 33 percent more power than its naturally aspirated equivalent - a very strong 390bhp SAE at 6,100 rev/min, and an even more robust torque peak of 399lb ft SAE at only 3,500 rev/min. What’s more, it’s exceptional torque spread delivers at least 86 percent of the peak torque figure across a very wide range, from 2,000 rev/min to well beyond the peak point.
Both engines are partnered by the six-speed ZF automatic transmission that was the world’s first stepped six-speed automatic transmission when it made its debut in the S-TYPE R in 2002. This light, compact unit is perfectly matched to the V8 family’s power characteristics, and is also a major contributor, to the XJ’s refinement. It features Bosch Mechatronic shift - an electro-hydraulic shift mechanism incorporated into the main gearbox casing and whose adaptive shift strategy (controlled by the ECU) responds both to road conditions and to the way the car is being driven, to give the smoothest shifts and optimum performance. It also uses the latest version of Jaguar’s ‘J Gate’ selector, with its very smooth shift action.
Involving driving dynamics – still the XJ way
It was a key requirement in engineering the long wheelbase XJ that it should retain XJ's ideal balance between ride and handling dynamics. Like the standard wheelbase XJ, all long wheelbase models use self-levelling air suspension, Jaguar’s CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension), and anti-roll bars front and rear, for optimum comfort and control. Both front and rear suspensions use double wishbone layouts, with lightweight alloy components to reduce unsprung weight. Both front and rear suspensions are mounted on isolated subframes, with rubber and hydraulic bushes to give precise control with maximum noise and vibration suppression. Pressurized air springs are used rather than conventional steel coils, to give ample travel while optimizing the balance between comfort and control. Effective spring stiffness increases with load, to give a consistent ride, and ride height is automatically controlled according to the data supplied by three height sensors. At high cruising speeds, ride height is automatically lowered by 0.6 inches to enhance stability, minimize aerodynamic drag and maximize fuel economy.
Jaguar’s industry leading CATS Computer Active Technology Suspension is an electronic control system that uses adaptive damping to endow the long wheelbase XJ with the blend of driving dynamics, comfort and refinement that is a Jaguar hallmark. It continuously adjusts damping characteristics to suit the driving conditions, optimizing both ride and handling. A series of sensors provide information to the ECU electronic control unit, which is mapped to deliver the best solution to dampers that can switch between firm and soft settings within milliseconds. The system is standard on every XJ, including all long wheelbase models, and the combination of CATS, the double wishbone layout and air springs ensures the classic Jaguar balance of agile handling, outstanding ride comfort and fine steering feel.
The long wheelbase XJ uses the same speed sensitive ZF Servotronic power assisted steering system as the standard wheelbase XJ, specifically calibrated for the revised suspension settings, and for each different engine type.
The naturally aspirated V8 model has ventilated 12.6 inch front and 11.3 inch rear discs with floating aluminum callipers. The supercharged V8 uses the high performance XJR’s uprated brake layout, developed with Brembo and using ventilated14.4 inch front discs with four-piston aluminum monobloc callipers, and solid13.0 inch rear discs with two piece four piston callipers. All versions have four-channel ABS anti-lock and EBA Emergency Brake Assist.
The ABS system also contributes to the long wheelbase XJ’s standard Traction Control and DSC Dynamic Stability Control systems. Traction Control combines throttle control, to reduce engine torque, and selective rear wheel braking using the ABS system, to counteract wheelspin when too much power is applied on a low grip surface. DSC uses throttle control plus selective braking on all four wheels to counteract either understeer or oversteer if the limits of adhesion are overstepped.
The reassurance of A.R.T.S. – Jaguar’s sophisticated safety net
Beyond the active safety foundations of thoroughly resolved handling, roadholding, braking and stability, the long wheelbase XJ features Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology System, A.R.T.S. This industry-leading system represents a major advance in passive safety systems, and is standard on all XJs. A.R.T.S combines ultrasonic front passenger sensing technology coupled with dual-stage front airbags. It also features an energy-absorbing seating system incorporating a mechanism in the front seat back rests designed to reduce whiplash type injuries, and pyrotechnic pre-tensioners for all seat belts. Jaguar introduced the world’s first Ultrasonic Occupant Sensing System, to give maximum control over the deployment of airbags in any kind of impact. A.R.T.S. can even decide not to deploy airbags when it would be inappropriate. As part of A.R.T.S., Ultrasonic Occupant Sensing is combined with a series of sensors that assess a passenger’s weight, the position of the driver in relation to the steering wheel, whether or not seat belts are being worn, and in the event of an accident, whether or not the impact is severe enough to need the airbags.
Communicating through a central processor, A.R.T.S. controls whether the two-stage airbags are deployed at all, or inflated fully or only inflated partially. It is sophisticated enough to tailor airbag response to the needs of each front seat occupant and the severity of any impact. It greatly reduces the risk of injury caused by any inappropriate airbag deployment, and is particularly beneficial for smaller front seat occupants, who are more vulnerable to airbag-related injury. It also avoids the cost of airbag replacement when a deployment wasn’t needed either because the seat was unoccupied or the nature of the impact didn’t require it.
The long wheelbase XJ’s safety equipment also includes chest airbags in the driver and front passenger seat bolsters, side air curtains all round, ISOFIX rear child seat attachment points, a telescoping steering column, and Beltminder - an audible reminder, backed up by a warning lamp, if seat belts haven’t been fastened at speeds above 10mph.
The Jaguar security system features sophisticated electronic protection using the XJ’s multiplex electrical architecture. It incorporates a transponder controlled, rolling code, random encryption engine immobiliser, and transponder coded central locking, both activated by a radio frequency micro transmitter in the ignition key. The alarm system includes perimeter sensing of doors, trunk and hood. The door locking functions use automatic two-stage unlocking, and automatic drive away locking, which operates when the gear selector is moved into gear from Park or Neutral. A Jaguar retailer can program additional security features on demand.
The addition of the long wheelbase XJ to the Jaguar range further enhances the performance and luxury offerings that Jaguar customers have come to expect from its flagship sedan.