While gas-electric hybrid vehicles are one answer to increasing fuel costs, Jaguar took a unique approach in 2004 by employing state-of-the-art lightweight aluminium to achieve better fuel economy, lower emissions and enhanced driving dynamics on an all-new version of its XJ sedan. Now, using the same aluminium construction, these all-new 2005 XJ Long Wheelbase (LWB) models have achieved best-in-class fuel economy among segment competitors with a Combined rating of as high as 22 miles per gallon.
Constructed using lightweight aluminium joined by self-pierce rivets and epoxy adhesive - state-of-the-art techniques learned from the aerospace industry - the new XJ's body is some 60 percent stiffer yet 40 percent lighter than before. The result is that a new long wheelbase model, like the supercharged Super V8, is a staggering 800 pounds lighter than BMW's long wheelbase 760Li.
The reduced weight not only delivers exceptional fuel economy, it also results in lower emissions, more agile handling and truly athletic performance. The new XJ8 L, for example, accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds - compared to 6.9 seconds for the previous XJ8 standard wheelbase model. According to the latest EPA government fuel figures, the 2005 4.2-liter XJ8 L has a best-in-class Highway rating of 28 miles per gallon. That gives the car an outstanding theoretical calculated range of 630 miles - a one-tank trip from New York to Cincinnati, Denver to Kansas City, or a round trip from Chicago to Detroit.
In the new 2004 supercharged Super V8, the benefits are even more pronounced. Its 17mpg/24mpg (City/Highway) EPA rating provides exemption from 'gas guzzler' taxation - another advantage over high performance competitors. And, against the stopwatch, the Super V8 can accelerate from standstill to 60 mph in a sportscar-like 5.0 seconds.
Three versions of the 2005 Jaguar XJ LWB - the XJ8 L, Vanden Plas and Super V8 - will be offered in North America from September. The XJ8 L and Vanden Plas models both feature a 4.2-liter 294bhp AJ-V8, while the flagship Super V8 is powered by a 390bhp supercharged AJ-V8. Each engine benefits from being coupled to the highly-responsive six-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Company press release, last updated before 12 / 01 / 2004
I bought mod. -04 XJ Super V 8, driven 51 000km. My 3 earlier cars were also Jaguars, S-Types (2,5, 4.2 and mod R). Now I am at "home". Best set of wheels in my motoring history with several fine cars, (Mercedes E D, E, SE 300, 2 Bmw 325Cia, 5 Alfa Romeos incl. 166. With careful keeping and with a help of a fine service I will keep this pearl grey beauty as treasure as long humanly possible. Truly a piece of fine technical art. Also the mod. 350 has an appearece of classic car with modern things inside.
General specifications
Country of origin
Great Britain
Numbers built
N/A
Produced from
2004 - 2009
Engine
Configuration
AJ 90º V8
Location
Front, longitudinally mounted
Construction
aluminium alloy block and head
Displacement
4.196 liter / 256.1 cu in
Bore / Stroke
86.0 mm (3.4 in) / 90.3 mm (3.6 in)
Compression
9.1:1
Valvetrain
4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed
Fuel Injection
Aspiration
Eaton rotor type Supercharger
Power
390 bhp / 291 KW
@ 6100 rpm
Torque
553 Nm / 408 ft lbs
@ 3500 rpm
BHP/Liter
93 bhp / liter
Drivetrain
Chassis
aluminium monocoque
Suspension (fr/r)
aluminium double wishbones, self-levelling air suspension
Brakes
ventilated discs, all-round, ABS
Gearbox
ZF 6HP26 6 speed Automatic
Drive
Rear wheel drive
Dimensions
Weight
1689 kilo / 3723.6 lbs
Length / Width / Height
5215 mm (205.3 in) / 1860 mm (73.2 in) / 1448 mm (57 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r)
3159 mm (124.4 in) / 1556 mm (61.3 in) / 1546 mm (60.9 in)
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XJ Super V8
While gas-electric hybrid vehicles are one answer to increasing fuel costs, Jaguar took a unique approach in 2004 by employing state-of-the-art lightweight aluminium to achieve better fuel economy, lower emissions and enhanced driving dynamics on an all-new version of its XJ sedan. Now, using the same aluminium construction, these all-new 2005 XJ Long Wheelbase (LWB) models have achieved best-in-class fuel economy among segment competitors with a Combined rating of as high as 22 miles per gallon.
