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OVERVIEW
Jaguar has extended the XJ saloon range with the addition of a new, long
wheelbase version of its luxury sporting flagship.
The New XJ Long Wheelbase (LWB), unveiled at the New York Motor Show, not
only provides greater room for rear-seat passengers but also offers a choice of
seating configurations, new trim and specification options and a variety of
communications and multi-media equipment packages.
The advantages of the New XJ Long Wheelbase do not compromise the excellent
dynamic abilities and performance of the standard wheelbase car. Weighing just
24kg more than the standard wheelbase model, the XJ Long Wheelbase posts fuel
economy, emissions and performance figures equivalent to the standard wheelbase
models. And remember that, in standard form, the new XJ is some 200kg lighter
than the previous generation XJ and around 100kg lighter than its nearest
rivals. This weight advantage is even more noticeable among the long wheelbase
models, with the new XJ LWB easily lightest in class.
Combined with the agility and driving dynamics for which the new XJ saloon is
already renowned, this makes the new long wheelbase Jaguar as impressive from
the driver's seat as it is from the rear passenger seat, giving owners the best
of both worlds according to their mood or requirements.
“The New XJ Long Wheelbase isn't a stretched version of the standard car –
it's a fully integrated model in its own. That's one of the main reasons the
driving experience is so close to the other models in the XJ range, and why
owners will enjoy being at the wheel as much as sitting in the rear
seat.“
Mick Mohan, Chief Programme Engineer, XJ
Like the latest generation of the standard wheelbase XJ, the New XJ Long
Wheelbase shares all the advantages of advanced aluminium construction,
including light weight, and significantly improved body strength, comprehensive
safety features, refined performance, superb driving dynamics. The wheelbase and
overall length of the new long wheelbase car have increased by 125mm (5 inches)
and the rear roofline is subtly raised by 7mm (0.28 inches).
The New XJ Long Wheelbase is constructed using an extended version of the
innovative aluminium monocoque introduced last year when the standard wheelbase
model (SWB) was launched. The additional body length is incorporated behind the
B-pillars, the longer rear doors giving the long wheelbase car an integrated and
graceful appearance as well as aiding passenger entry and exit.
“A Jaguar XJ with an interior package that more than matches rivals may
surprise some people but this new long wheelbase model sets new standards across
the board. The cabin is a truly spacious and relaxing place to be and the
generous interior dimensions really reinforce this.“
Mick Mohan, Chief Programme Engineer, XJ
With the longest wheelbase and overall length in the premium segment, the New
XJ LWB is comparable with the best-in-class for rear accommodation, offering a
substantial 999mm of legroom and fully class-competitive headroom.
Depending on specification and customer preference, there is a choice of four
optional rear-seat configurations, including fixed or power-adjustable bench
layouts and individual powered and heated rear seats separated by a centre
console with additional storage space.
Burr walnut-finished Business Trays that fold down from the front seat-backs
– and are big enough to hold a notebook computer – maximise comfort and
convenience for passengers who need to work in the car. There is also the
facility to incorporate 6.5-inch display screens in the head restraints of the
front seats, with rear-seat multi-media options including iPod, MP3 player and
DVD connectivity. Communication possibilities include a telephone conference
call facility for front and rear passengers, while rear-seat passengers can
specify voice-activation for the four-zone climate-control system, with
individualseat-to-seat settings.
Dependent on market, the New XJ Long Wheelbase offers the same choice of
powerful, refined and efficient V8 petrol engines as the standard wheelbase car.
The naturally aspirated 3.5 and 4.2 litre V8s and the range-topping 400bhp
(298kW) DIN supercharged 4.2 litre V8 are all matched to Jaguar's advanced ZF
six-speed automatic transmission.
The XJ saloon's elegant lines are enhanced by the increased length - the
subtle increase in roof height ensures that the visual profile remains pure XJ.
A range of new front grilles (depending on model, and shared by the SWB) plus
the adoption of bigger, 18-inch diameter alloy wheels as standard (with 19 - and
20-inch options) confirm the luxurious, dynamic, distinctively Jaguar character
of the long wheelbase version.
“The long wheelbase models add another dimension to the XJ line-up. The
New XJ was designed from the outset to be available in long wheelbase guise and
that is why the car seems natural in its styling and feel. The extra length also
has the effect of visually lowering the car, giving it an even sleeker
appearance.“
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars
Despite the increase in length, the XJ Long Wheelbase remains compact enough
to fit into a normal-size garage, and can easily cope with the tight spaces of
multi-storey car parks – its turning circle is just 34cm (13 inches) wider than
that of the standard wheelbase XJ saloon.
Dynamically, too, the New XJ Long Wheelbase is virtually indistinguishable
from the standard wheelbase car. The aluminium monocoque shell retains its
exceptional stiffness and light weight, while spring and damper settings and
suspension mounts and bushing have been revised to give the XJ LWB the same
highly acclaimed level of ride, handling balance and steering feel as the
standard wheelbase model. The revised suspension mountings also reduce
transmitted noise levels and improve overall refinement.
The XJ LWB includes a full list of active and passive safety features.
Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) combines dual-stage
driver and passenger airbags with seat-occupation sensing, side-impact chest
airbags in the front seat bolsters, front and rear side air curtains,
anti-whiplash seat design and ISOFIX rear child seat attachments. The XJ LWB has
four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), traction
control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard. High levels of security
are also incorporated, with transponder-operated remote double deadlocking and
automatic drive-away locking.
These features, together with low repair costs (thanks to careful design and
a bolt-on front end) give the XJ LWB very competitive insurance ratings.
This New XJ Long Wheelbase offers additional space, luxury and convenience
without compromising style, driving pleasure or ownership costs.
THE NEW XJ LONG WHEELBASE SALOON AT A GLANCE
- New long wheelbase models extend Jaguar's flagship saloon car range
- Longest wheelbase and overall length in class, with both extended by 125mm
over the standard wheelbase model
- Minimal weight increase of just 24kg - beating Jaguar's own maximum
weight-gain target by 20% - the comparable standard wheelbase car. As lightest
LWB in class, performance and dynamic ability are not compromised
- All the additional length is rearwards of the B-pillars, giving an elegant
and integrated appearance
- Fully competitive with the class leader for front leg- and rear headroom and
comparable with the best-in-class for rear accommodation, with an impressive
999mm of legroom
- Longer rear doors improve accessibility to larger rear passenger space
- Choice of rear seating configurations, from fixed or power-adjustable bench
to individual powered and heated seats
- Comprehensive range of comfort and equipment options, including folding
Business Tray work-tables, voice-activated four-zone climate control with
individual rear passenger settings and a multi-media system with iPod, MP3
player and DVD connectivity, plus facility for rear display screens and
telephone conference calls
- Uncompromised XJ style, thanks to subtle changes in proportion and detail,
including new grille treatments and new, larger wheel designs
- All the light-weight, high-strength advantages of the New XJ's technically
advanced, aluminium monocoque bodyshell construction
- Choice of aspirated 3.5 and 4.2 litre petrol V8s, and supercharged 4.2 litre
V8 – all with Jaguar's six-speed ZF automatic transmission
- Engine power outputs (DIN) range from 196kW for the 3.5 litre V8 to 298 kW
for the supercharged 4.2 V8. Peak torque figures range from 345Nm DIN through to
the supercharged 4.2's mighty 553Nm DIN (dependent on market)
- Minimal weight increase ensures fuel economy, emissions ratings and
performance are equivalent to the standard wheelbase XJ saloons.
- With the same controlled and comfortable ride, composed handling and
communicative steering as the standard wheelbase XJ saloon, the New XJ Long
Wheelbase is a true driver's car in the Jaguar tradition
- The United States will be the largest market for the New XJ Long Wheelbase,
accounting for more than 80 per cent of LWBs sold
Pricing will be announced at a later date.
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