Jaguar XJ (XJ40)

Jaguar XJ40 (1989 )

The Jaguar XJ40 is a luxury sedan, the XJ series of the British car manufacturer Jaguar. It was introduced in October 1986, two years after privatization and the separation of the Jaguar brand from BLMC Group, as successor to the classic Jaguar XJ Series 3. The XJ40 was replaced by the X300 series.

The development of the XJ40 began in 1973 and pursued the goal of approximately 1978 XJ Series II replace. As in the hierarchy of BLMC- group structure much time was spent on basic issues ( decision between tradition and modernity in the vehicle development ), the development of the project was not until 1981 approved by the Board BLMC. They opted for the conventional Jaguar Style: Classic proportions, combined with traditional craftsmanship (wood, metal, leather as materials ). The XJ40 led because of its proportions, the lateral line, and the hip movement interpreted the traditional design of its predecessors, fashionable, continued.

The XJ 40 was especially in the field of automotive electronics is one of the technically most ambitious cars of the eighties. At the same time, production was rationalized as yet in the Series III, as the body of a smaller number but larger sheet metal pressed parts existed. The XJ40 was known from the XJ -S AJ6 six-cylinder in-line engine in light alloy with two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and 3.6 -liter displacement. A smaller version with 2.9 liter engine ( two-valve with fireball technology ) was not offered in continental Europe market strategy considerations. Power transmission was via a four -speed automatic transmission manufacturer ZF or optionally via a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. The top speed was 220 or 200 km / h

There was independent of the two engine in the equipment different versions of Jaguar (Jaguar XJ6 and Jaguar Sovereign ) and the Daimler with a 3.6 -liter engine (in the U.S. traditionally marketed as Jaguar Vanden Plas ) as the top model of the series. Visually, the high-order Sovereign and Daimler models were recognizable by rectangular headlights broadband ( styled headlamps ). The XJ6 models, however, possessed four round headlights in rectangular enclosures. Another style element that was introduced with the XJ40 was the very practical to use and then unique J- gate automatic with a separate lane for manual gear selection.

Initially, the XJ40 was the first complete redesign of Jaguar XJ since 1968 by some quality weaknesses, including in the field of expensive and technically demanding electronics, such as for example in digital indicator instruments. With the acquisition by the Ford Motor Company in 1989, which reached an improved supply quality, particularly through a central purchasing, as well as facelift in 1990, the quality improved significantly. 1990, the digital displays were replaced by the classic circular instruments, and the 3.6 -liter engine enlarged to 4.0 liters. A year later, the 2.9 -liter engine grew to 3.2 liters and now received the four-valve cylinder head from the larger engine. He was available as Jaguar XJ6 3.2 or Jaguar Sovereign 3.2 in Germany.

In the development of the XJ40 was seen for the project start in modern and efficient aluminum six-cylinder engines the right way, because a low fuel consumption in the 1980s, also in the luxury class occupied a high priority. From the secondary literature also shows that the BLMC Group management should be prevented from installing the somewhat harsh light metal V8 BLMC- volume brand Rover ( to be found there in the P5B, SDI, Range and MG B GT V8, and in several British small production sports car ) be prescribed. Consequently, the engine room of the XJ40 was said to be particularly narrow and unsuitable for the installation of V- engines.

This interpretation is at first prevented but also the use of the house, the legendary V12 engine. In addition, you misjudged Jaguar in the market development of the 80s. A V12 engine in the XJ40 was also in terms of V12 engine competitive developments announced at the time of the premiere model. This led to a six -year revision of the entire front of the car. During this time, the XJ- 12 of the previous series was further built and enjoyed, given its quality remains a very stable demand. Thus, in February 1993, the new XJ -12 (internal development name XJ81 ), presented with an enlarged six liter twelve-cylinder engine and 229 kW.

With the sporty models 3.2 S and 4.0 S Jaguar spoke to price-conscious, sports-oriented buyers, while the spoilers proven XJR in England since 1989 - in Germany since 1992 - with slightly raised in the performance of the four-liter engine - was on offer. Especially feudal was the XJ40 offered from 1993 Insignia. In this model, one could under special types of wood, leather colors (2-color also ) select and special finishes. In addition, all interior parts and panels were upholstered with real leather. The Daimler- typical " Picnic Tables" were also installed.

A long-wheelbase version was released in 1993 with about 125 mm longer wheelbase and slightly raised roof. Due to the complicated interference with the body structure and sophisticated interior high price premiums were required for these variants. As of 1994, the special models were offered 3.2 Gold and 4.0 Gold. This had less chrome, a scaled-down equipment and revised seat upholstery and the XJ40 should boost the waning by the upcoming model change paragraph again with an affordable price.

The successor X 300 proved that it needed only minor changes, in particular to highlight the classic design of the XJ- Series I to III back in the front. The XJ40 was a great market success for Jaguar. No big Jaguar sedan once in a year achieve high sales figures as the XJ40 at the first time of its production.

Swell

• Porter, Philip: Jaguar XJ Project 40 Haynes Publishing, 1987
• White, Andrew: Jaguar XJ 40 - Evolution of the Species. Patrick Stephens Limited, 1987
• Stertkamp, Heiner: Jaguar - The Complete History from 1922 to today. 2nd edition, Heel - Verlag, 2006, ISBN 3-89880-337-6