Jaguar XJ – Car review
Jaguar XJ is the designation that has been used for a series of luxury saloon cars sold under the British Jaguar marque.
The first XJ was launched in 1968 and the designation has been used for successive Jaguar flagship models since then. The original model was the last Jaguar saloon to have had the input of Sir William Lyons, the company##Q##s founder. The current Jaguar XJ was launched in 2009. And now, in 2012 ….
Technical specifications:
All XJ models feature a dramatic full-width glass roof, sweeping back from the top of the windscreen to the front of the rear seating area. Unlike conventional sunroofs, it has a front section that opens upwards and outwards, increasing the sense of space within the cabin and ensuring there is no loss of headroom. The tinted glass has a reflective coating to prevent the cabin from becoming too hot, and there are twin electric blinds for extra privacy.
REAR PARKING AID WITH VISUAL GUIDANCE – Ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper detect objects up to 1.8m away and the driver receives an audible warning. At the same time, the screen in the centre console shows where the object is in relation to the car.
As optional extras, the XJ can be fitted with similar sensors for the front of the car and a rear-facing video camera, which sends pictures of what is behind the car to the screen and provides steering guidance to help the driver reverse into a space.
DISTINCTIVE REAR LIGHTS – The XJ’s rear lights follow the contours of the boot down toward the bumper, their triangular shape subtly echoing the distinctive design of previous XJ models. Each lamp unit contains 57 LEDs, which are arranged in three blades and reach full brightness more quickly than conventional bulbs when the brakes are applied.
ADJUSTABLE BOOT LID – The electronic boot lid is opened with a single press on the remote key, or by using a switch either inside the car or on the bumper. There is another switch inside the lid for closing it. In addition, the lid can be set to open to a particular height.
CHROME VENTS – Bright chrome side power vents are set into each wing behind the front wheel. Designed to allow heat out of the engine bay, they are also have a decorative appeal and feature a sculpted ‘ingot’ carrying the Jaguar name.
A ##Q##SUPERSPORT##Q## motif is also included on the XJ Supersport, powered by Jaguar##Q##s V8 510PS Supercharged engine.
EYE-CATCHING WHEELS – There is a choice of ten designs for the XJ’s alloy wheels, which are available in 18″, 19″ or 20″. Wider wheels and tyres are fitted at the rear, to optimise grip and accentuate the car’s forward dynamic.
“The XJ counters with an exterior style touched by genius. Ultra-modern yet seemingly timeless, here form and function exist in a harmony perhaps unmatched by any other car.”
There are machines that want to be us, want to replace us, but they are not us. There is one machine that makes us greater. A machine so instinctive, so seductive, it##Q##s as alive as we are. It doesn##Q##t click, or buzz. It roars. Jaguar.
