The story of the Jaguar XJ: 50 years of luxury Berlinas
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In 1968, Jaguar presents the first generation of the XJ, the XJ6, a model that would be active for 24 years with two important updates that occurred in 1973 and 1979.
The first -generation XJ would remain active until 1992, since 1970 it was considered the flagship of the Jaguar products range and is the latest model whose development was attended by Sir William Lyons, founder of the British company.
The first phase XJ6 was available with two online six -cylinder engines, with 2.8 and 4.2 liters of capacity.From 1972 a high -performance version is introduced, the XJ12, which carried the 5.3 -liter V12 engine of the British company and reached a maximum speed of 225 km/h.
Serially integrated elements such as assisted address and leather upholstery, and even a long battle version even more focused on luxury and comfort was even available.However, the maximum expression of luxury came from the hand of the version marketed by Daimler, the Sovereign.In total, more than 98,000 units were marketed until 1973.
That same year the first great update of the Jaguar XJ6, known as series II.Jaguar goes one step further and bets on a more sporty style by introducing the two -door XJ Coupé.Among the novelties was also the arrival of the six -cylinder engine of 3.4 liters, which replaced the previous 2.8 liters.
Although initially it would be available in two body lengths, Jaguar withdraws in 1974 the standard version and leaves only the long battle (in the four -door Berlin, the XJ Coupé continued to be offered only in the short battle version), which was 10 cmlonger and offered a more spacious body.
The Jaguar XJ6 series was the first one that saw the carburetors replaced by fuel injection, and was the last to have the contribution of Sir William Lyons to its development before their retirement.In this case, sales reached 91,000 units until 1979.
In 1979 the third and last chapter begins in the history of the first generation of the Jaguar XJ.A new update known as series III is introduced that receives an exterior redesign courtesy of the prestigious Italian Pininfarin body.In addition to aesthetic changes, a range of engines with subtle improvements was also offered, where V12 5.3 received fuel injection.
In 1982, XJ6 Series III received an update inside, with the appearance of an on -board computer (exclusive to the V12 version) for the first time in the history of the Jaguar XJ.
The versions with six -cylinder engine were in production until they were replaced by the XJ40 (the second generation) in 1987, while the 12 -cylinder version continued until 1992, when it was officially discontinued.
Series III was the most successful, with a production of almost 130,000 cars, thus reaching a total of more than 315,000 cars marketed between 1968 and 1992 (XJ6 I-Serie III series).
Jaguar XJ40: The second generation
In 1986, Jaguar introduced the second generation of the XJ, internally known as XJ40, in the market.The model would be on sale for 17 years, presenting two important updates in that period.
The development of the second generation of the Luxury Berlina of the British company began in the early '70s and was carried out starting from scratch.It was planned to reach the market before, but a series of delays caused its debut to take until the last years of the 1980s.
Its new design, the construction quality, the simplification of the manufacturing process, and the increase in the stiffness of the chassis and the weight savings were essential attributes for the development of the XJ40.A new generation of six -cylinder engines is also introduced, while the V12 did not reach until 1993, when the previous XJ12 was discontinued.
In 1994, the first update of the XJ40, which is internally called X300.It offered some changes at the design level, while six -cylinder engines evolved to the AJ16 propellers family.The V12, however, did not receive changes, although it disappeared in 1997 when the X300 was discontinued.
As a final grade, the brand introduced the Jaguar XJR for the first time in the X300 series, a high -performance version that became the first production car of the company equipped with a supercharged engine.
In 1997 the third and last update of the XJ, which becomes known internally as X308.This restyling focuses, mainly, on the motorization range.The six online and the V12 are eliminated, and the V8 engines arrive, which causes the model to also be known as XJ8.
These new AJ-V8 family engines offered 3.2 and 4.0 liters of capacity, and the latter was also available with an supercharged version that was responsible for boosting the XJR.The changes at the design level were minor, but they served to keep the model updated in front of their rivals, with a classic style, but equally modernized.
The third generation: x350
It was time to update the Jaguar XJ and I couldn't receive more face washed.For this reason, in Coventry the decision is made to launch the third generation of its representation Berlina.Known internally as X350, the new XJ still retained part of its classic style in a more polished and curvilinear design.
It offered a body and aluminum chassis, new V8 engines and an interior that improved in comfort and luxury.It is the first XJ designed under the property of Ford, so it used some components and electronics derived directly from the blue oval manufacturer.
The available engines were 3.5 and 4.2 liters (from which a supercharged version also derived).In addition, a 3.0 -liter V6 motor version of 2.7 liters of Ford origin was offered for the first time in the history of Jaguar XJ.
It also introduced many novelties for the model, such as adaptive pneumatic suspension, dynamic stability control, adaptive cruise control, two -areas and even browser, Bluetooth connection, voice control, voice control and a first approach to the technology of touch screens.
In 2007 an update of the model occurs, which happens to be known as X358 internally.The changes focus mainly on the aesthetic and equipment section, although the motorization range does not receive any improvement.He was active only two years, until 2009.
Fourth and latest generation: X351
In 2010 the fourth and latest generation is introduced in the history of the Jaguar XJ.Internally known as X351, the British F Berlina was designed by the famous Ian Callum, who was in charge of the Jaguar Design Department, with a much more modern style that abandoned the classic XJ forms to give way to a rival tothe height of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Jaguar's new reference Berlina was available in two body lengths and equipped a new 5.0 V8 engines family (including a supercharged version with up to 510 hp).3.0 -liter V6 engines were also marketed, both diesel and gasoline, as well as a four turbo 2.0 -liter cylinders for the first time in the history of Jaguar XJ.
In 2014 he received an update and a year later he experienced a new face washing.These updates focused mainly on equipment, technology and design.
The Jaguar XJ was officially discontinued in 2019 without replacement.The fall of sales in this segment has caused Jaguar not to consider the XJ irreplaceable, which has seen how the SUV segment is devouring this type of vehicles at a vertiginous pace.
