Jaguar XJ 2004

[thepolarfoxqx]

The current jaguar XJ platform is a very long lived one. It debuted approximately 2 decades back - was enlarged - strengthened - and modified to accept a V8 all in stride - but for all of its brilliance - its time has come. A new XJ riding on a lengthened DEW light platform (Lincoln LS, Ford Thunderbird, 2004 Ford Mustang, Jaguar S Type, 2004 Mercury Cougar, etc.), although this iteration of the platform will be the largest - and will use sophisticated aluminum intensive construction. Weight is expected to be slightly to the north of 3,500lbs - making it lightest in class. Power is to come from a 4.2L iteration of the perenial AJ-V8 - in naturally aspirated form making 300hp with a flat torque curve - and a Supercharged version making 390hp. Both will be very smooth and efficent. Power will be directed to the wheels through a ZF 6 Speed auto box. As of yet there is no word of a V12 - though ford owned aston martin has one available that shares archetecture with the AJ-V6 jaguar engines - so look for one of these in the future. Interior of course is classic Jaguar. It still features and angry chrome kitty on the hood.

[Seb]

Its a nice car but if you want something sporty you should check with other brands.

[thepolarfoxqx]

I will tell you - even in my little jaguar - the feel is less sporty than that of a BMW or Audi, though far sportier than a comperable MB or Japanese sedan of any make (barring Lexus IS). The new XJ will have extremely competitive levels of hp - 390 is not bad - especially when linked to a 6 speed box - and it will have at least 150 less pound to carry around than any competitor. Handling should be better than the current model - as the new XJ will have 50:50 weight distrobution. Keep in mind this, the current XJ holds its own against competitors - all of whom have a platform no older than 7 years - and the Jaguar's dates back over 20. I have faith that this cat will give germany's best a run for their money.

[vanquish007]

The Jaguar XJ is a far more sporting car than a 7-series BMW. Always has been. But with the new 4.2, the 6-speed 'box and the aluminium-induced weight loss, it should be a rocket for those who need luxury and space as well as pace.

I do love all Jags, but the S-Type R, XKR and the new XJ are re-igniting the company.

[thepolarfoxqx]

S Type R is overweight, and as such, slow (compared to the competition)
The X Type needs more authentic Jaguar in it (like Jaguar instead of Euroford switchgear), and with a little work XJ could be darned amazing.

The new XJ promises to be truly incredible.

[thepolarfoxqx]

2004 XJ factory specs are out. With a length to equal an A8, and with a 394hp supercharged 4.2L 32V V8, XJR will 0-60 with a 6spd ZF Auto in 5.0 seconds

Only a pittance behind S600 and S55 - but for less money!!!
(it also has a more classically beautiful interior)

[izzyloveslizzy]

Once again, are you sure that's up to par with, say, the 394HP M5? Is it really ~400HP performance? Or are they pulling a Hyundai on us?

[thepolarfoxqx]

a hyundai. did you just compare jaguar to hyundai? i hope to hell not.

Say pull a ford (like the cobras that were way off)

And, no, the M5 is amazing, it is far faster than any car of its power/weight ratio. For having a smooth shifting automatic, and being a reasonably heavy car, the 390hp Jaguar's 5.0 second 0-60 lags only .2 seconds behind the stick shifted 394hp M5.

Sounds about right to me. Only difference is that the jaguar has the ride of an $80,000 car, the M5 rides like a go-kart.

[izzyloveslizzy]

And what about the M5 and the XJ's max. speeds?

I'm not "comparing" Jaguar to Hyundai, I think you nkow what I meant. And how far off the mark were the Cobras? Because I know in North America, some Sonatas for example were reported at one time to have up to 137HP, when it was more like 125.

[thepolarfoxqx]

both electronically limited to 155, both said to be capable of just shy of 190.