Jaguar’s new XJ6 sees the resurrection of a famous Jaguar nameplate but above all this seventh generation XJ6 is the ultimate interpretation of the contemporary Jaguar. The XJ6 represents the most advanced technology available today and is wrapped in a luxury package with a class leading 3.0 litre V6 engine.

The XJ6 completes the range of XJ models available in Australia and joins the three V8 engine variants launched in the market in 2003: the 3.5 litre V8, 4.2 litre V8 and 4.2 litre supercharged V8.

It shares the same specifications as its naturally aspirated siblings including luxury features such as satellite navigation, television, telephone, premium sound, reverse park aid, rear multimedia pack and rain-sensing wipers. The XJ impressed at launch with the use of an aluminium monocoque body replacing the traditional steel construction creating a luxury saloon that was longer, taller and wider than the preceding model but most importantly around 40 percent lighter with increased rigidity.

Jaguar Australia General Manager David Blackhall says one of the most impressive attributes of the new XJ6 is that it epitomises Jaguar’s total investment in technology in recent years.

“The pay-off of that investment in the XJ6 is the return to the consumer. They are getting the ultimate in a luxury saloon, with a class leading V6 engine and specifications that have not been compromised for a price point,” he said. Not only is the XJ6 the ultimate expression of a Jaguar luxury saloon, it is also the most advanced Jaguar yet.

Lightweight vehicle architecture

As with its V8 siblings, the XJ6 features a lightweight vehicle architecture that is centred on a conventional monocoque body structure rather than an unnecessarily exotic space-frame. Jaguar engineers have developed a car that weighs up to 200 kg less than the outgoing generation.

Referring to a large saloon as a lightweight vehicle may seem incongruous, but the new XJ fully deserves – and earns this label. The benefits of a lightweight vehicle are in place all the time, from the moment the wheels start turning. In addition to measurables such as fuel economy, emissions and performance, the subjective issues of handling and ride also feature.

The engineering team led by Chief Programme Engineer David Scholes chose rivet-bonding to create a body shell from aluminium instead of steel to meet the challenge of increasing interior space, but delivering a lighter vehicle.

“We chose the lightweight vehicle architecture for the new XJ not because it was something new,” says David Scholes, “but because it would help us deliver significant benefits for our customers. Ultimately, they may not care whether the body structure is aluminium or steel, but the Jaguar customer does care very much about performance, dynamics, fuel economy, emissions and safety. So the choice was clear.”

In volume production, the new Jaguar XJ represents an industry-first use of rivet-bonding construction of an aluminium-intensive, conventionally structured monocoque body. Rivet-bonding uses self-piercing rivets and aerospace epoxy adhesives for strength, robustness and durability, when joining aluminium pressings.

Extensive use of lightweight components in key areas of structure

• Premium bake-hardened aluminium sheet metal pressings are used for the new XJ’s exterior panels, offering added resilience against dents and dings that can occur in crowded car parks.
• High-pressure vacuum aluminium die castings are used for mounting points for the suspension and driveline components. The castings are both lightweight and highly resistant to bending, contributing to the precision and comfort of the XJ’s steering, ride and handling.
• High strength, ‘green sand’ aluminium castings are used as the interface for the new XJ’s bolt-on front-end (BOFE) assembly. This BOFE ensures that in most cases minor, low-speed crash damage can be contained in the easily replaceable components of the front-end assembly.
• An aluminium, hydroformed alloy extrusion is used for the front-end radiator support. This pressurised hydraulic process is used to produce complex shapes in tubular components that are usually stronger than fabricated welded assemblies.
• Magnesium, as strong as aluminium but 30 per cent lighter still, is used for the new XJ’s seat frames and cross-car beam that supports the dashboard, instrument panel and steering column.
• Aluminium alloy extrusions are utilised in the door structures for high strength against potential aerodynamic wind noise and for enhanced security. Extrusions are also found in the front and rear bumper beams, and as floor and roof reinforcements.

These methods combine to produce a new body structure that is up to 40 per cent lighter than the equivalent steel body with impressive torsional stiffness (a measure of the body’s tendency to flex under pressure) of more than 21,700 kg/m, representing a 60 per cent improvement on its predecessor. Stiffness is important for ride comfort and handling precision, avoiding squeaks and rattles and aiding long-term durability.

• The new architecture of the XJ is engineered for repairability, a key factor in the determination of insurance premiums. Engineering techniques include a Bolt-On Front End module – designed to reduce the cost of repairing front-end collision damage – that can withstand an impact of 15 km/h without inflicting structural damage.

Impressive performance and refinement

Optimised to complement the XJ6’s lightweight vehicle architecture and new powertrain and chassis technologies – including the state-of-the-art ZF six-speed automatic transmission, the 3.0 litre V6 offers refined performance and enhanced fuel economy and range.

The 3.0 litre AJ-V6 engine makes its debut in Jaguar’s flagship saloon in this latest incarnation. Replacing the 3.2 litre V8, it has comparable levels of power and is the catalyst for resurrecting this model with the impressive heritage. It achieves class-leading output for this size of normally aspirated engine, developing 179 kW DIN at 6800 rev/min. Peak torque of 300NM DIN is achieved at 4100 rev/min. The light weight of the new XJ ensures that performance of the XJ6 is comparable to or improved over the outgoing 3.2 litre XJ8.

Major contributors to the wide spread of torque are the variable-geometry induction system and the continuously Variable Cam Phasing (VCP) system, which adjusts the timing of the intake valve opening and closing, depending on engine speed, load and oil temperature. This allows engine performance to be optimised for excellent mid-range torque, improved full-load performance, reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.

The 60-degree AJ-V6 engine has a lightweight but exceptionally stiff structure – which makes a major contribution to the engine’s overall refinement – and a forged steel crankshaft with four main bearings and direct-acting mechanical bucket tappets. Other key features include two overhead chain-driven cast iron camshafts per bank with four valves per cylinder, a four-mode tuned intake manifold and a state-of-the-art, 32-bit Denso electronic engine management system.

State-of-the-art ZF six-speed automatic transmission

The six-speed automatic delivers refined, accessible performance with seamless gearchanges and world-class quality and reliability. The ZF transmission employs a planetary gear train principle using Lepelletier-type gear sets. The result is a wide gear ratio spread and higher torque capacity that satisfy exacting performance requirements for off-the-line acceleration, high maximum speed and excellent fuel economy.

The transmission is controlled by a Bosch ‘Mechatronic’ brain – an integrated electro-hydraulic control module, housed as a single unit inside the transmission. The control module ensures the quality and consistency of gear shifts, as each module’s ECU (electronic control unit) is calibrated to its own unique hydraulic control body during the manufacturing process.

The electronic brain of the six-speed ZF automatic transmission incorporates adaptive strategies which improve accessibility to vehicle performance in demanding driving conditions while maintaining a relaxed experience when cruising.

In ‘Sport’ mode, throttle pedal usage and cornering behaviour are monitored to assess driving style and road conditions. When an enthusiastic driving style or a demanding road is detected, sixth gear is inhibited and the lower gears become more accessible in order to prevent unwanted ‘hunting’ between gears. Conversely, when cruising conditions are detected, sixth gear is once again made available to maximise driving refinement and economy.

Vehicle dynamics

New front and rear suspension systems – with the refinement of standard air suspension and enhanced CATS adaptive damping – take ride comfort and vehicle handling to new levels in the new Jaguar XJ6. The new suspension systems incorporate extensive lightweight materials and are designed to complement the light but very stiff aluminium body.

The stiff structure provides a rigid foundation for handling, steering and braking performance, ensuring optimal performance of the XJ’s highly capable chassis systems.

The new Jaguar XJ chassis features include:

• The comfort and sophistication of air suspension on all models.
• Enhanced Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) adaptive damping.
• New technologies, including an electronic parking brake and the latest generation of Jaguar’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert (optional).
• New front and rear double-wishbone suspension systems with isolated subframes for even greater refinement and ride comfort.
• Four-channel anti-lock (ABS) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) systems.
• A new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system that reacts to and controls both understeer and oversteer.
• Specially tuned speed-sensitive power-assisted steering.

Air suspension as standard

The new Jaguar XJ6 is fitted with air suspension delivering major advantages over traditional coil-spring suspension systems in terms of ride comfort and refinement, providing optimum comfort regardless of load conditions and ensuring that the vehicle’s full suspension travel is always available to soak up bumps or irregular road surfaces.

The XJ6’s air suspension system uses air spring/damper units in lieu of the coil-spring/damper units of a traditional system. A unique top-mount feature isolates each damper from the body structure while maintaining the pressure within the spring. This design detail enhances the refinement and comfort of the XJ6’s ride quality. In addition, spring stiffness increases according to payload.

Reinterprets classic XJ dynamic design cues

The new generation – which marks the return of the famous XJ6 badge – reinterprets the classic XJ dynamic design cues. The new bonnet retains the highly sculpted shape that is characteristic of the XJ over the years. Its leading edge – and indeed the leading edge of the wings – still wraps around the shape of the headlights, which themselves have evolved into a more distinct element of the front design. The new four-light design incorporates the directional indicators and parking lights, giving the front end a cleaner look.

The XJ6 is visually identical to its siblings, differentiated by only the XJ6 badge on the boot. The XJ6 features the new grille, distinguished by intersecting vertical and horizontal bars, it was inspired by the original Jaguar XJ6.

The XJ design team succeeded in crafting the XJ6’s rear to accommodate a higher decklid while retaining the classic Jaguar ‘haunched’ design, hinting at the new car’s potential power and performance. The XJ6 also evokes the classic Jaguar boat-tail shape, accentuated by the slope of the higher boot lid.

A warm, inviting, ‘classic Jaguar’ interior

“The new Jaguar XJ’s luxurious interior environment is exemplified by new levels of spaciousness, craftsmanship, ergonomic flexibility and seat comfort – all complemented by entertainment, climate control and communications systems that reflect the needs of today’s luxury car customers.”

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars

Ian Callum describes the XJ6’s interior as ‘classic Jaguar’, in which craftsmanship is the highest priority.

Comprehensively equipped with contemporary luxury car technology but restrained and conservative in style, the new XJ is distinguished by classic Jaguar design cues and hallmark attention to detail. This is complemented by real wood veneers for the facia, centre console and door trims, together with hand-stitched leathers. The new seat designs are rated in Jaguar customer research as having the best comfort in their class. With 12-way adjustable front seats with electrically adjustable headrests and three different options for rear seating configurations, the new Jaguar XJ6 is equipped to pamper its occupants.

Significantly more headroom, legroom, shoulder room and rear-seat knee room combine to make the new XJ6 interior a comfortable and relaxing environment for five adults. Overall interior volume has increased not only for occupants but for luggage. Even the glove box is bigger.

Standard-fit electrically adjustable pedals and steering column allow drivers of widely varying statures to configure their preferred driving position.

Standard on the XJ6 the Classic interior features colour-keyed upper facia, burr walnut/leather steering wheel, door top rolls and carpeting, complemented by leather seat trim and real burr walnut veneer on the facia, centre console, gear knob and door trims.

Jaguar’s ‘relevant technologies’ philosophy

Jaguar’s philosophy on technology is clearly evident from the intuitive and relaxed interfaces between the occupants and the vehicle systems – an approach that separates Jaguar from many of its competitors.

“You don’t have to be a computer programmer to operate this car,” insists David Scholes, XJ Chief Programme Engineer. “Our customers are emphatic in their opposition to gratuitous technology and unwanted features intruding on their driving experience, so the Jaguar philosophy is one of making technology relevant. It should be there when you need it but it should never impose itself.”

The Jaguar XJ6’s relevant technologies are centred on easing driver ergonomics, enhancing passenger comfort, expanding entertainment possibilities and developing voice-activated systems to reduce driver distractions.

Advanced telematics and communications technologies that are standard in the XJ6 include a seven-inch (178 mm) LCD touchscreen display that employs thin-film transistor technology (TFT) to provide finger-tip control of climate, audio and DVD navigation systems and TV tuner and front fixed phones. The rear multimedia system allows passengers to enjoy access to audio, TV, video and telephone systems independently of the driver or front seat passenger. They have the freedom to watch a DVD (where fitted), for example, with no link to the front of the car. This exceptionally high level of integration is facilitated by fibre optics for fast, high quality data transfer.

Ergonomically crafted – electrically adjustable pedals Steering wheel controls allow the driver to operate the audio system, cruise control (including Adaptive Cruise Control, where fitted) and an integrated telephone Electronic park brake JaguarVoice DVD Navigation

• New rear seat multimedia system This allows rear seat passengers to access the audio, TV/video and telephone systems independently of the driver and front seat passenger.
• Two 6.5 inch (165 mm) colour display screens, available as a separate cost option, are mounted in the rear of the front seat head restraints for video and TV viewing.
• The front TV display is transmitted via the navigation system screen. The TV tuner receives all free-to-air channels, with stereo TV audio and widescreen options.
• 320 watt Jaguar Premium sound system with 12 speakers, digital sound processing, power amplifier, subwoofers, as well as the remote six-disc CD autochanger and single-slot CD/radio, is fitted as standard on the XJ6.

Safety and security

The new XJ6 features a comprehensive array of safety technologies, including Jaguar’s sophisticated Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.). But at its protective core is the strong body shell that is the result of its lightweight vehicle architecture.

The new Jaguar XJ6’s aluminium-intensive body structure has already proven its strength in the crash-testing laboratory. Lighter than the equivalent steel body, the XJ body structure carries significantly less kinetic energy into a collision, reducing the amount of energy that must be absorbed by the body in an accident.

A.R.T.S. – The science of safety technology

The new XJ6 is equipped with Jaguar’s Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.). Originally introduced on XK sports cars in 2001 and then added on S-TYPE saloons in 2002, A.R.T.S. employs the world’s most comprehensive and sophisticated sensing technologies to monitor the position of the front passenger, while other sensors detect the passenger’s weight, the position of the driver in relation to the steering wheel and the usage – or not – of seat belts.

A.R.T.S. has the capability to sense the severity of a collision and deploy the vehicle’s passive safety systems according to type and magnitude of collision. As a result, the system optimises restraint protection for vehicle occupants, reducing the risk of air bag-induced injuries. A.R.T.S. also serves to reduce unnecessary passenger air bag deployments, thereby reducing the cost of accident repairs.

Key elements of A.R.T.S. include:

• Occupant weight sensing
• Occupant position sensing
• Crash sensors –deploys passive safety technology – safety belt pretensioners and air bags – according to the protection required
• Dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags
• Thorax air bags for front-seat occupants
• Side air curtains
• Anti-whiplash system – Both front seats are equipped with energy absorbing backrests designed to reduce the likelihood of whiplash-style neck and spine injuries in a rear impact
• Three-point safety belts
• Beltminder
• Steering column – capable of collapsing by up to 80mm in a collision to enhance the protection provided to the driver from the front air bag

Comprehensive security systems

In line with Jaguar’s long-standing commitment to providing state-of-the-art security and locking systems, the new XJ is comprehensively equipped to provide reassuring protection against theft of and from the vehicle. This equipment includes:

• Engine immobilisation system
• Integrated key transmitter
• Perimeter sensing of doors, bonnet and boot, the vehicle alarm sounding if they are tampered with
• Intrusion sensing via ultrasonic sensors
• And Inclination (tilt) sensing , double locking (or deadlocking) by key and remote transmitter, drive-away locking, two-stage unlocking, auto-relocking, security-coded audio system, headlight convenience and global Open and Close

XJ6 in Australia

The XJ6 goes on sale in Australia from May 2 and will be priced at $149,900. The XJ6 features are identical to its two naturally aspirated V8 siblings and include as standard, DVD-driven satellite navigation, television, phone, 12-way adjustable luxury seats, reverse park aid, cruise control (adaptive cruise control is available as an option), CATS and 18 inch alloy wheels, including a full-sized alloy spare in the boot.

NEW XJ6 SPECIFICATIONS

		XJ6 3.0 V6
TRANSMISSION/SUSPENSION/BRAKES
Air suspension	- standard	S
	- sports	O
	- CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension)	S
Brakes	- Electronic Park Brake	S
	- discs front & rear, vented	S
	- Brembo, four-piston with silver painted calipers and Jaguar R logo	N/A
Drivetrain control	- Dynamic Stability Control	S
	- traction control	S
Transmission	- 6-speed electronic automatic	S
Transmission ratios	1st	4.17:1
	2nd	2.34:1
	3rd	1.52:1
	4th	1.14:1
	5th	0.87:1
	6th	0.69:1
	Reverse	3.40:1
EXTERIOR FEATURES
Chrome exterior pack	-chrome window surrounds, boot plinth, front grille surround and chrome grille vanes	S
De-chrome exterior pack	- black window surrounds, body coloured boot plinth, front grille surround and black grille vanes (mesh grille on XJR)	O
Dual smog sensor & odour filter		S
Exterior mirrors with ground illumination	- power adjustable, heated	S
	- power foldback, heated, electrochromic	O
Front fog lights		S
Headlights	- automatic headlights	S
	- halogen headlights	S
	- headlight powerwash	O
	- bi-xenon headlights with automatic headlight levelling (1)	(O)
Heated front windscreen with timer		O
Heated rear window with timer		S
Metallic paint		N/C
Park distance control	- front	O
	- rear	S
Rain-sensing windscreen wipers		S
Sunroof	- glass, electric tilt and slide with one-touch open/close	O
Wheels	- cast alloy 8" x 18" Dynamic	O
	- cast alloy 8" x 18" Luxury	S
	- cast alloy 8" x 18" Prestige	N/A
	- cast alloy 8.5" x 19" Performance	N/A
	- cast alloy 8.5" x 19" Custom	O
	- 2-piece BBS cast alloy 9" x 20" Sepang	O
	- spare full size	S
INTERIOR THEME, TRIM AND SEATING
Classic interior theme	- colour keyed upper facia, steering wheel, door top rolls and carpets, burr walnut veneer facia and door trims	S
Seats and trim	- classic leather	S
	- sport leather, perforated centre pads	O
	- Ivory leather	O
Seats, front	- electrically-adjustable, driver and front passenger	S
	- variable heated cushion and squab	O
Seats, rear	- head restraints x 3	S
	- variable heated cushion and squab (2)	(O)
	- electric heated bench seat with Premium sound system, individual power seat back adjustment, head restraints, lumbar support and front adjustment from rear	O
	- twin electric seats with centre console, Premium sound system, individual power seat back adjustment, head restraints, lumbar support and front adjustment from rear	N/A
Classic seats, leather	- 12-way driver and passenger with driver memory	S
	- rear bench, fixed	S
Sport seats, leather (perforated)	- 12-way driver and passenger with driver memory	N/C
	- rear bench, fixed	O
Steering wheel	- wood/leather	S
	- full burr walnut wood, heated (3)	(O)
	- wood/leather, heated (3)	(O)
Gearknobs	- wooden	S
	- R leather with chrome sides (Warm Charcoal) only	N/A
INTERIOR FEATURES
Air conditioning	- automatic climate control	S
	- 4-zone temperature control	O
Analogue clock		S
Cruise Control	- adaptive cruise control	O
	- cruise control with steering wheel audio and telephone controls	S
Cupholders	- front and rear, twin	S
Electric windows	- front and rear with one-touch open/close	S
Footwell mats	- carpet	S
	- lambswool rugs	O
Foot pedals	- electrically-adjustable	S
Interior mood lighting		S
Power-assisted steering	- speed-sensitive, variable-ratio	S
Rear cigar lighter		S
Ski hatch with bag (4)		O
Steering column	- electrically-adjustable with memory and entry/exit function	S
Sunblind	- side rear window, manual	S
	- rear window, electric	O
Sunvisors	- illuminated with vanity mirror, driver and passenger	S
Trip computer	- with twin function	S
AUDIO/COMMUNICATIONS
Audio equipment	- Jaguar Premium sound system with 12 speakers, 320 watt output, DSP, power amplifier, subwoofers, single slot CD, facia speakers and rear multimedia switch pack	S
	- CD autochanger (6-disc capacity)	S
	- Cassette/radio (in lieu of single slot CD/radio)	N/C
	- Mini Disc/radio (in lieu of single slot CD/radio)	O
Jaguar Voice	- front, voice control of audio, automatic climate control, telephone, navigation and TV	O
	- rear, voice control of audio, automatic climate control and telephone with conference call facility	O
Multimedia system	- navigation, touch screen and TV tuner	S
	- twin rear display screens (5)	O
	- twin rear display screens and DVD player (5)	O
Telephone system	- fixed, front	S
	- fixed, rear	A
SAFETY
Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.)		S
Airbags	- front, driver and passenger	S
	- front side, seat mounted, driver and passenger	S
	- side curtain	S
Anti-lock braking system		S
Emergency Brake Assist		S
Energy absorbent seating system		S
First aid kit		S
High-level stop light		S
Rear view mirrors	- electrochromic	S
	- electrochromic, with compass	O
Seat belts	- pre-tensioners, front and rear	S
	- belt minder	S
Warning triangle		S
SECURITY
Security	- security system with remote central locking - 2-stage unlock, deadlocking, drive away locking, engine immobiliser, ultrasonic intrusion-sensing and passive sounder with battery back up	S
(1) Only available with headlight powerwash.
(2) Only available with heated front seats.
(3) Only available with heated front seats.
(4) Not available with electric console or bench rear seats.
(5) Only available with Premium sound system, 16-way electrically-adjustable seats and rear sunblinds.

	3.0 V6
ENGINE
Cylinders/valves per cylinder	6/4
Bore/stroke – mm	89.0/79.5
Capacity – cc	2967
Maximum power – DIN kW	179
@ rev/min	6800
Maximum torque – DIN Nm	300
@rev/min	4100
Compression ratio:1	10.5
Transmission	6-speed automatic
PERFORMANCE
Acceleration 0-100 km/h - sec	8.1
Top speed – km/h	233
FUEL CONSUMPTION (1)
Urban – l/100km	15.3
Extra urban – l/100km	7.7
Combined – l/100km	10.5
Carbon dioxide emissions – g/km	249
Tank capacity – ltr approx.	85
Including reserve	5.8 ltr res
WEIGHT (2)
Kerb weight – kg	1545
Gross vehicle weight – kg	2170
WHEELS/TYRES
Wheel type	Luxury Alloy
	8.0" x 18"
Tyre size	235/50 ZR18
Turning circle – m	11.7
Boot volume – litres - VDA	470
(1) The fuel consumption figures were obtained in tests carried out in line with Australian ADR 79/00 and ADR 79/01 test procedures. These figures were correct at the time of going to print.
(2) Please consult your dealer for charges associated with option fitment. Kerb weights reflect vehicles to standard specifications. Optional extras increase weight.