Jaguar XJ

Jaguar XJ
source
Name	Jaguar XJ
Manufacturer	Jaguar Cars
Production	1968–2019
Class	Full-size luxury car
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Related	Daimler Double-Six

Jaguar XJ. The Jaguar XJ is a series of full-size luxury cars produced by Jaguar Cars from 1968 to 2019, serving as the flagship model for the majority of its production life. Conceived under the leadership of company founder Sir William Lyons, it was intended to consolidate and replace the existing saloon models, the Mark 2, S-Type, and 420. Renowned for its elegant design, refined ride, and potent performance from a range of inline-six and V12 engines, the XJ became synonymous with British luxury and engineering.

Overview

The XJ project, known internally as XJ4, was a pivotal model for Jaguar Cars, aiming to create a singular, world-class saloon that embodied the marque's core values. Its launch at the 1968 Paris Motor Show was met with critical acclaim, praised for its combination of a sleek, Lyons-penned body, a sophisticated independent suspension system, and powerful engines. Throughout its history, the XJ was built at Jaguar's primary plant in Coventry and later at Castle Bromwich. It competed directly with contemporaries like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, maintaining a distinct character focused on comfort and grace.

Generations

The first generation, the Series I (1968–1973), established the classic long-bonnet, short-boot silhouette and was offered with 4.2-litre XK inline-six and 5.3-litre V12 engines. The Series II (1973–1979) introduced subtle styling revisions and improved cabin ventilation. The significantly updated Series III (1979–1992), with bodywork by Pininfarina, featured a more aerodynamic profile and a longer wheelbase option. The XJ40 (1986–1994) marked a major technological leap with modern electronics and the new AJ6 inline-six, though the V12 continued. The retro-inspired X300 (1994–1997) and X308 (1997–2003) generations revived classic styling cues and were powered by updated AJ16 inline-six and AJ-V8 engines. The radically styled, aluminum-intensive X350 (2003–2009) and X358 (2007–2009) utilized the X350 platform. The final generation, the X351 (2009–2019), featured a groundbreaking lightweight aluminum monocoque and a dramatic, coupé-like design.

Technical specifications

The XJ was renowned for its advanced powertrains and chassis. For decades, it employed variants of the legendary XK engine, culminating in the AJ6 and AJ16 dual-overhead-camshaft inline-six units. The marque's famed V12, used from 1972, provided effortless performance. The AJ-V8 engine, developed under Ford Motor Company ownership, became the mainstay from the late 1990s. Chassis technology evolved from the sophisticated independent rear suspension with coil springs and self-leveling to computer-controlled adaptive air suspension on later models. The X350 and X351 generations made extensive use of aluminum construction for weight savings and rigidity.

Motorsport

While primarily a luxury saloon, the XJ enjoyed a notable competition career, particularly in touring car racing. The XJ12C (Coupé) was homologated for Group A racing in the European Touring Car Championship. In the British Touring Car Championship, teams like Tom Walkinshaw Racing prepared XJ-S models, which shared its V12 powertrain. The XJ's powerful engines and robust rear-wheel-drive layout also made it a popular base for drag racing and long-distance endurance records, with privately entered vehicles setting speed and durability benchmarks at venues like the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Reception and legacy

Upon its launch, the XJ received universal praise from publications such as Autocar and Motor, often described as the finest car in the world. It won numerous awards, including the prestigious European Car of the Year title in 1974 for the V12-engined Daimler Double-Six variant. The XJ became a favorite among British aristocracy, government officials, and celebrities, famously used as the official transport for British Prime Ministers for many years. Its discontinuation in 2019 marked the end of a quintessential lineage in automotive history, with the model's legacy of blending performance, luxury, and distinctive style remaining a defining chapter for Jaguar Land Rover.

Category:Jaguar vehicles Category:Full-size luxury cars Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles