Jaguar XJ (X300)
Encyclopedia
The Jaguar XJ is a luxury sedan manufactured by Jaguar Cars between 1994 and 1997. It was the first XJ produced entirely under Ford
ownership, and can be considered an evolution of the outgoing XJ40
generation. Like all previous XJ generations, it features the Jaguar independent rear suspension
arrangement. The design of the X300 placed emphasis on improved build quality, improved reliability, and a return to traditional Jaguar styling elements.
At the car's launch in 1994, Jaguar marketing material made use of the phrase "New Series XJ" when describing the X300 models.
. The mostly flat bonnet of the XJ40 was replaced with a fluted, curvaceous design that accentuated the four separate round headlamps. Rear wings were reshaped to accommodate the new wrap-around rear light clusters. Also, the separate black-rubber bumper bar of the XJ40 is gone and replaced with a fully integrated body-coloured bumper.
The Jaguar "leaper" hood mascot was installed only on cars for non-European markets.
Early X300 cars were built without a front passenger glove-box, due to space constraints caused by the introduction of a front-passenger airbag
.
and AJ6 inline-six
engine were both available in various X300 models, although they received significant updates. Both engines were fitted with distributorless electronic engine management systems.
The V12's new management system was designed by Nippon Denso
. The top aluminium cover in the engine's valley was redesigned to house two packs of three coils each, with each coil having two high-tension terminals for a total of twelve. These coilpacks were driven by two Denso ignition modules, which are very similar to Ford EDIS-6
units. The crankshaft
in the V12 was switched from a forging
to a chill casting. A visibly significant chromed pipe connecting the left and the right banks of the V12 in the XJ40 platform (intended to vent and route the crankcase blow-by gas to the intake plenum) was changed with the introduction of the X300 to an almost invisible design at the top center of the engine underneath a plastic cover that also hides fuel rails and coilpacks.
The AJ6 changed to use magnesium-alloy valve covers and revised pistons, and was given the new designation "AJ16". It was found in 4.0L supercharged form in the XJR.
The normally aspirated six-cylinder X300 cars used either the ZF 4HP24
four-speed automatic gearbox, or the Getrag
290 five-speed manual. The supercharged six-cylinder in the XJR was normally built with the GM 4L80-E
four-speed automatic, though a small number of XJRs were ordered with the Getrag 290. All V12-equipped cars were built with the GM 4L80-E. In certain markets, such as North America, no manual gearbox was offered.
Power folding mirrors were standard in Japan and optional in all other markets except the USA.
, after the turbocharged
Jaguar XJ220
.) The output of the six-cylinder AJ16 engine was increased to 321 bhp and 378 lbft with the use of an Eaton M90 supercharger and an air-water intercooler
. The XJR was fitted was with wider wheels than the Sport model, and firmer suspension. Although a manual gearbox was available to customers ordering an XJR, only 268 cars left the factory so equipped (103 in right-hand drive configuration, 165 in left-hand drive.)
Cosmetically, the XJR differed from the standard cars with a body-coloured grille surround, mesh grille insert, body-coloured boot-lid plinth, larger exhaust outlets, special five-spoke "Sport" alloy wheels, and "XJR" badging. Rain gutters and window surrounds were matte black, except on North American models where they were polished stainless steel.
This generation of the XJR model carries the code name "X306". It is also sometimes referred to as the "XJR6" to differentiate it from the later V8-engined X308
XJR.
In the US market, this generation of the XJ12 was available only as model years 1995 (which were all short-wheelbase) and 1996 (which were all long.)
The X305 was equipped with an on-board diagnostics
system; however, the system failed to fully meet the OBD-II specifications, which became mandatory for the 1996 model year in the U.S. With a special dispensation for that model year expired, no 1997 model year X305 models were sold in North America.
While the similar Daimler Double Six came with 225/60-16 tyres on 7-inch wheels as standard, the XJ12 came with 225/55-16 tyres on 8-inch wide wheels, which explains the height difference between the two models. This mid-1995 model change also includes a revision in the rear suspension that allowed adjustment of toe-in.
The last Jaguar to be powered by a V12 engine was a black XJ12 which left the production line on April 17, 1997. It now resides in the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust museum in Coventry.
In some markets (such as North America), the "Vanden Plas" model name was used instead of "Daimler". Vanden Plas X300 cars in the United States are all built on the long-wheelbase body shell, although they were only available with the six-cylinder engine (leaving the V12 available solely in the XJ12 model for that market.)
centenary. The concept car, called the Daimler Corsica, was based on the Daimler Double-Six saloon and can seat four. The prototype, which lacked an engine, had all the luxury features of an XJ saloon, but a shorter wheelbase. It is painted in a colour called "Seafrost", which was later discontinued. The Daimler Corsica was named after the 1931 Daimler Double-Six Corsica. The concept was a one-off, and may have been intended for limited production beginning in 1997. The car has made a limited number of appearances at car shows and events since 1996. It has most recently appeared at the Belfast
Sports Car Show in January 2004. The Daimler Corsica prototype is owned by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, who have commissioned it to operate as a fully functional road-legal car. It is on display at their museum at Browns Lane in Coventry. The car has also been displayed at Harewood House as part of the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club show.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
ownership, and can be considered an evolution of the outgoing XJ40
Jaguar XJ (XJ40)
The Jaguar XJ is a luxury sedan manufactured by Jaguar Cars between 1986 and 1994. It was an all-new redesign of the XJ to replace the Series III, although the two model ranges were sold concurrently until the Series III was discontinued in 1992...
generation. Like all previous XJ generations, it features the Jaguar independent rear suspension
Jaguar independent rear suspension
Jaguar's independent rear suspension unit has been a common component of a number of Jaguar production cars since 1961, passing through three major changes of configuration up to 2003 and still used in the full-sized Jaguar XJ...
arrangement. The design of the X300 placed emphasis on improved build quality, improved reliability, and a return to traditional Jaguar styling elements.
At the car's launch in 1994, Jaguar marketing material made use of the phrase "New Series XJ" when describing the X300 models.
Exterior
Aesthetically, the X300 received several updates in the design refresh led by Geoff LawsonGeoff Lawson
Geoff Lawson may refer to:*Geoff Lawson , Australian cricketer*Geoff Lawson , British car designer-See also:*Jeff Lawson...
. The mostly flat bonnet of the XJ40 was replaced with a fluted, curvaceous design that accentuated the four separate round headlamps. Rear wings were reshaped to accommodate the new wrap-around rear light clusters. Also, the separate black-rubber bumper bar of the XJ40 is gone and replaced with a fully integrated body-coloured bumper.
The Jaguar "leaper" hood mascot was installed only on cars for non-European markets.
Interior
The interior of the X300 was similar to that found in the XJ40, with some revisions. The seats were updated to have a more rounded profile, wood trim was updated with beveled edges, and the steering wheel was redesigned.Early X300 cars were built without a front passenger glove-box, due to space constraints caused by the introduction of a front-passenger airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
.
Mechanicals
Jaguar's V12 engineJaguar V12 engine
Jaguar V12 piston engine was one of the premier powerplants of the 1970s and 1980s. It was first seen in the Series 3 Jaguar E-type of 1971 and was based loosely on an earlier design intended for a Le Mans car, the ill-fated Jaguar XJ13. The V12 was only Jaguar's second engine design to go into...
and AJ6 inline-six
Jaguar AJ6 engine
The AJ6 , and the similar AJ16, was an inline-6 piston engine used by Jaguar in the 1980s and 1990s. It was designed to replace the much-loved Jaguar XK6 engine, and was introduced in 1984. The AJ6 was only the third engine ever designed by the company...
engine were both available in various X300 models, although they received significant updates. Both engines were fitted with distributorless electronic engine management systems.
The V12's new management system was designed by Nippon Denso
DENSO
is a global automotive components manufacturer headquartered in the city of Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Established December 16, 1949 as , in 1996 the company became DENSO Corporation worldwide...
. The top aluminium cover in the engine's valley was redesigned to house two packs of three coils each, with each coil having two high-tension terminals for a total of twelve. These coilpacks were driven by two Denso ignition modules, which are very similar to Ford EDIS-6
Ford EDIS
The Ford EDIS or Electronic Distributorless Ignition System is a computer-controlled ignition system developed by Ford that uses an ignition coil for each pair of cylinders...
units. The crankshaft
Crankshaft
The crankshaft, sometimes casually abbreviated to crank, is the part of an engine which translates reciprocating linear piston motion into rotation...
in the V12 was switched from a forging
Forging
Forging is a manufacturing process involving the shaping of metal using localized compressive forces. Forging is often classified according to the temperature at which it is performed: '"cold," "warm," or "hot" forging. Forged parts can range in weight from less than a kilogram to 580 metric tons...
to a chill casting. A visibly significant chromed pipe connecting the left and the right banks of the V12 in the XJ40 platform (intended to vent and route the crankcase blow-by gas to the intake plenum) was changed with the introduction of the X300 to an almost invisible design at the top center of the engine underneath a plastic cover that also hides fuel rails and coilpacks.
The AJ6 changed to use magnesium-alloy valve covers and revised pistons, and was given the new designation "AJ16". It was found in 4.0L supercharged form in the XJR.
The normally aspirated six-cylinder X300 cars used either the ZF 4HP24
ZF 4HP24 transmission
The ZF 4HP24 is a four-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars from ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Introduced in 1987, it is still in production, and has been used in a variety of cars from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, and Land Rover.-4HP24:...
four-speed automatic gearbox, or the Getrag
Getrag
Getrag is a leading manufacturer of automobile manual transmissions. The company was founded on 1 May 1935, in Ludwigsburg, Germany, by Hermann Hagenmeyer; as the Getriebe und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG...
290 five-speed manual. The supercharged six-cylinder in the XJR was normally built with the GM 4L80-E
GM 4L80-E transmission
The 4L80-E is a series of automatic transmissions from General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 4 forward gears. It is an evolution of the Turbo-Hydramatic 400, first produced in October, 1963...
four-speed automatic, though a small number of XJRs were ordered with the Getrag 290. All V12-equipped cars were built with the GM 4L80-E. In certain markets, such as North America, no manual gearbox was offered.
Models
The X300 was available in both short- and long-wheelbase body styles and in various trim levels. Some markets had a limited selection of X300 models or features. For example, the North American XJ6 was only available with the 4.0L engine, and all cars sold there were equipped with alloy wheels, a leather interior, and air conditioning. North America did not receive the Sovereign, Sport, Executive, or Century models, nor was a manual transmission offered.Power folding mirrors were standard in Japan and optional in all other markets except the USA.
XJ6
The base model in the range was the XJ6, which featured the 3.2L version of the AJ16. On the base cars, aluminum alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and air conditioning were all extra-cost options. Later, the 4.0L version of the AJ16 was offered in the XJ6.Sovereign
The Sovereign model also used the AJ16 engine (in either 3.2L or 4.0L form), and came equipped with luxury features as standard. The exterior of the Sovereign was adorned with chromed trim in various locations: on the radiator grille, rear light cluster surrounds, windscreen and rear window surrounds, rain gutters, window frames, and boot-lid plinth.Sport
To attract younger buyers, Jaguar offered a "Sport" model with wider wheels, revised seats, and stiffer suspension. The Sport kept the matte-black window surrounds from the base model, and is identified by "Sport" badges on the B-pillars and "XJ Sport" badging on the rear.Executive
Aimed at a younger market segment, the Executive model featured leather trim, a wood/leather steering wheel, wide wheels (similar to the "Sport" model), and air conditioning.XJR (X306)
The XJR was introduced as a high-performance sport model, and it was Jaguar's first-ever supercharged road car (and only the second Jaguar road car to use forced inductionForced induction
Forced induction is the process of compressing air on the intake of an internal combustion engine . A forced induction engine uses a gas compressor to increase the pressure, temperature and density of the air...
, after the turbocharged
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
Jaguar XJ220
Jaguar XJ220
The Jaguar XJ220 is a mid-engined supercar produced by Jaguar in collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing as Jaguar Sport between 1992 and 1994. It held the record for the highest top speed of a production car , until the arrival of the McLaren F1 in 1994...
.) The output of the six-cylinder AJ16 engine was increased to 321 bhp and 378 lbft with the use of an Eaton M90 supercharger and an air-water intercooler
Intercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
. The XJR was fitted was with wider wheels than the Sport model, and firmer suspension. Although a manual gearbox was available to customers ordering an XJR, only 268 cars left the factory so equipped (103 in right-hand drive configuration, 165 in left-hand drive.)
Cosmetically, the XJR differed from the standard cars with a body-coloured grille surround, mesh grille insert, body-coloured boot-lid plinth, larger exhaust outlets, special five-spoke "Sport" alloy wheels, and "XJR" badging. Rain gutters and window surrounds were matte black, except on North American models where they were polished stainless steel.
This generation of the XJR model carries the code name "X306". It is also sometimes referred to as the "XJR6" to differentiate it from the later V8-engined X308
Jaguar XJ (X308)
The Jaguar XJ is a luxury sedan manufactured by Jaguar Cars between 1997 and 2002. It is an evolution of the outgoing X300 platform, and the exterior styling is nearly identical between the two generations. The major change was the introduction of Jaguar's AJ-V8 as the only available engine...
XJR.
XJ12 (X305)
The XJ12 model (which carries the code name "X305") featured the same trim level of the Sovereign, but was powered by the 6.0L version of the Jaguar V12 engine. It is visually differentiated by the rear boot-lid "XJ12" badge, a "V12" badge on the passenger-side dashboard wood trim, a "V12" badge on each B-pillar, and a gold-colored Jaguar crest at the top of the radiator grille surround.In the US market, this generation of the XJ12 was available only as model years 1995 (which were all short-wheelbase) and 1996 (which were all long.)
The X305 was equipped with an on-board diagnostics
On-board diagnostics
On-Board Diagnostics, or OBD, in an automotive context, is a generic term referring to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting capability. OBD systems give the vehicle owner or a repair technician access to state of health information for various vehicle sub-systems...
system; however, the system failed to fully meet the OBD-II specifications, which became mandatory for the 1996 model year in the U.S. With a special dispensation for that model year expired, no 1997 model year X305 models were sold in North America.
While the similar Daimler Double Six came with 225/60-16 tyres on 7-inch wheels as standard, the XJ12 came with 225/55-16 tyres on 8-inch wide wheels, which explains the height difference between the two models. This mid-1995 model change also includes a revision in the rear suspension that allowed adjustment of toe-in.
The last Jaguar to be powered by a V12 engine was a black XJ12 which left the production line on April 17, 1997. It now resides in the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust museum in Coventry.
Daimler / Vanden Plas
The "Daimler" name was applied to the highest trim level of the X300 cars, and featured all the chrome brightwork found on the Sovereign cars, plus chromed doors mirrors, chromed door handles, and a fluted radiator grille surround. The Daimler Six model was equipped with the AJ16 engine, and the Daimler Double Six with the V12.In some markets (such as North America), the "Vanden Plas" model name was used instead of "Daimler". Vanden Plas X300 cars in the United States are all built on the long-wheelbase body shell, although they were only available with the six-cylinder engine (leaving the V12 available solely in the XJ12 model for that market.)
Century
In 1996, the Century model was introduced to commemorate the centennial of the Daimler name. The Century was equipped with all features and upgrades available on the X300 cars, plus chromed wheels, special exterior paint, and electrically adjustable rear seats. A total of two hundred examples were built: one hundred with the AJ16 six-cylinder engine, and one hundred with the V12.Daimler Corsica concept
A single two-door XJ convertible was built in 1996 to commemorate Daimler'sDaimler Motor Company
The Daimler Motor Company Limited was an independent British motor vehicle manufacturer founded in London by H J Lawson in 1896, which set up its manufacturing base in Coventry. The right to the use of the name Daimler had been purchased simultaneously from Gottlieb Daimler and Daimler Motoren...
centenary. The concept car, called the Daimler Corsica, was based on the Daimler Double-Six saloon and can seat four. The prototype, which lacked an engine, had all the luxury features of an XJ saloon, but a shorter wheelbase. It is painted in a colour called "Seafrost", which was later discontinued. The Daimler Corsica was named after the 1931 Daimler Double-Six Corsica. The concept was a one-off, and may have been intended for limited production beginning in 1997. The car has made a limited number of appearances at car shows and events since 1996. It has most recently appeared at the Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
Sports Car Show in January 2004. The Daimler Corsica prototype is owned by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, who have commissioned it to operate as a fully functional road-legal car. It is on display at their museum at Browns Lane in Coventry. The car has also been displayed at Harewood House as part of the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club show.
Production numbers
| Model | Production | Price new (£) |
|---|---|---|
| XJ6 3.2 | 17,346 | 28,950 |
| XJ6 3.2 (LWB) | 747 | 33,750 |
| XJ6 4.0 | 2,474 | |
| XJ6 4.0 (LWB) | 203 | |
| XJ Sport 3.2 | 7,265 | 29,950 |
| XJ Sport 4.0 | 2,534 | 34,450 |
| Sovereign 3.2 | 2,377 | 37,950 |
| Sovereign 3.2 (LWB) | 305 | 43,250 |
| Sovereign 4.0 | 42,950 | |
| Sovereign 4.0 (LWB) | 4,973 | 45,500 |
| XJR | 6,547 | 45,450 |
| XJ12 | 564 | 53,450 |
| XJ12 (LWB) | 535 | |
| XJ6 Executive 3.2 | 34,650 | |
| Daimler Six | 1,362 | 49,950 |
| Daimler Six (LWB) | 1,330 | 54,750 |
| Daimler Double Six | 1,007 | 59,950 |
| Daimler Double Six (LWB) | 1,230 | 66,450 |
| Daimler Century Six | 100 | 54,750 |
| Daimler Century Double Six | 100 | |
| Vanden Plas 4.0 | 3,831 | |
| Vanden Plas 4.0 (LWB) | 7,989 | |
| Sovereign XJ12 | 673 | |
| Sovereign XJ12 (LWB) | 56 | |
| Total | 92,038 |