Toronto Autoshow – 2004 Jaguar XJ Sedan makes Canadian debut

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Toronto – Jaguar’s all-new 2004 XJ sedan made its Canadian debut at the Canadian International Auto Show yesterday.

Due in showrooms late spring, the new XJ is the most technically advanced Jaguar ever built. With lightweight aluminum monocoque construction the new XJ is stronger, faster, smarter and safer than the model it replaces. The new XJ will be the seventh generation of the iconic XJ sedan, the car that has defined the Jaguar brand since its original launch in 1968.

Two V8 engines take advantage of the weight-saving benefits that the XJ’s aluminum construction offers. A new 4.2-litre supercharged V8, delivers 390bhp (SAE)and accelerates the XJR flagship from standstill to 100 km in just 5.1 seconds. A normally-aspirated version of the same engine develops 294bhp (SAE) – power to provide 0-100 km acceleration in 6.4 seconds in the XJ8. Both engines are coupled to a new, six-speed ZF automatic transmission, first introduced in the new 2003 S-TYPE range.

Featuring an industry-first use of rivet-bonded joining technology for the whole body structure, self-pierce rivets are used in combination with aerospace-sourced epoxy adhesive to join the aluminum pressings, castings and extrusions.

The new XJ is longer, taller and wider than before. As a result the cabin offerrs significantly more headroom, legroom, shoulder room and rear-seat knee room. There’s also more space for luggage in a trunk that is 25 percent bigger than the previous XJ’s. Even the glove box is increased in size.

New technologies increase comfort and driving enjoyment. Available features include Jaguar Voice, providing drivers and, for the first time, rear seat passengers with voice-activated control of the telephone, navigation systems, audio equipment, and climate control.

Another feature is an optional multi-media entertainment system that allows simultaneous enjoyment of up to three different audio, video or game systems. Two 6.5-inch color display screens are mounted in the rear of the front seat head restraints, allowing rear seat passengers to watch DVDs or play video games.

Being lighter than the equivalent steel body, the XJ body structure carries significantly less kinetic energy into a collision, reducing the amount of energy that has to be absorbed by the body in an accident.

To optimize protection, Jaguar’s ‘A.R.T.S’ (Adaptive Restraint Technology System) senses the severity of a crash, the position of the driver and the usage of seatbelts, to provide tailored protection. This is combined with standard-fit side thorax and full-length side curtain airbag protection that deploy in the event of a side impact.

Self-leveling air suspension is standard on all models, as is an enhanced version of Jaguar’s ‘C.A.T.S’ (Computer Active Technology Suspension system).