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Jaguar Australia today launches its 2001 model year range of XJ Series, XK Series and S-TYPE models with enhanced safety features being the major improvements to the new XK Series and S-TYPE models. After three years of static pricing, Jaguar Australia will be increasing prices as of 16 November 2000 but only by less than 1 per cent. When asked about the price increase, Jaguar Australia's Managing Director, Mr Danny Rezek, said: "Since the launch of the XJ V8 Series in October 1997, Jaguar Australia has held prices steady with the exception of the price reduction which came into effect on 1 July 2000 as a result of the introduction of GST. "Exchange rate pressures have unfortunately meant that a small price rise across all Jaguar models has been inevitable. However, given that there has been such a significant depreciation of the Australian dollar, we are pleased that we've been able to keep all price increases to a bare minimum, with the average increase being one half of one per cent, " said Mr Rezek.
XK Series
Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.)
The all-new Adaptive Restraint Technology System, introduced as standard on all Jaguar XK Series models, uses ultrasonic sensing technology to monitor the position of the front passenger, while an array of other sensors detect the front passenger’s weight, the position of the driver in relation to the steering wheel, the usage of seat belts and, should a crash occur, the severity of the impact. Armed with this information, the inherent flexibility of Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) provides optimum protection, tailored to the individual needs of each front seat occupant and the specific characteristics of an impact. In particular, the system greatly reduces the risk of airbag-related injuries caused by inappropriate airbag deployments. It is especially beneficial for smaller front-seat occupants who, despite the generally high level of protection provided by airbags, tend to run a higher risk of airbag-related injury. A secondary benefit is the avoidance of repair costs and inconvenience associated with unnecessary airbag deployments, particularly when the passenger seat is unoccupied, and in low-impact collisions when the occupants are belted.
Interior Enhancements
1. World’s first dual-band, fixed in-car telephone
The world’s first dual-band, fixed in-car telephone is offered as an option on the XK Series. Dual-band technology offers the user a choice of networks and provides optimum phone performance and call quality by automatically and seamlessly selecting either the 900MHz or 1800MHz frequency bands, depending on local conditions. With 8 Watts of power, the new phone has a far stronger signal than the previous 2-Watt system, a particularly valuable feature in areas where network coverage is weak or at times when network congestion is high. When using an 8-Watt, fixed phone under these conditions, the call is far less likely to be lost. The telephone is fully integrated with the car’s audio system and multi-function steering wheel, so that it can be operated in a variety of ways. The handset is concealed neatly inside the centre console and the antenna is hidden within the rear bumper. In addition, customers may specify as an accessory, a charging port, located in the passenger glove box. This enables personal portable phones to be charged independently of the fixed phone system. 2. New seats with 12-way electrical adjustment and side airbags
All XK Series models receive new driver and passenger seats with 12-way electrical adjustment as standard. Additional functionality is provided in the seat cushion, which is now independently height - adjustable at front and rear, and in the head restraint, which is independently height-adjustable. As an added benefit, the head restraint automatically retracts when the driver or passenger seat is tilted forward, allowing easier access to the rear seat. It automatically resumes its memorised position when the seat is tilted forward again. The seat tilt lever mechanism itself is positioned higher for easier access. Each front seat incorporates a side airbag, offering supplemental protection for front occupants. The airbag is mounted in the outboard bolster of each front seat and, in the event of a severe side impact, will deploy helping to protect both the occupant's head and ribcage. The XK8 is specified with new unique ‘Classic Five Flute’ seats with leather facings, while the XKR has new embossed leather ‘Sport’ seats (also offered as an option on the XK8). 3. New ‘comfort system’ seat belts
Both front seat belts now include an electrically operated, dual - stage spring mechanism which reduces the amount of force exerted on the chest and shoulder under normal driving conditions. The mechanism contains a ‘comfort spring’ and a stronger ‘retraction spring’. When the seat belt webbing is pulled out prior to buckling the belt, the retraction spring is active. As soon as the buckle tongue is inserted into the buckle, an electrical circuit is completed and a solenoid switches operation to the comfort spring. This greatly reduces the amount of force on the webbing and allows the belt to lie comfortably across the chest and shoulder. When the buckle is released, the circuit is broken and the retraction spring comes into play once more. Additionally, on the XK Coupe, the front seat belt height adjusters are redesigned and repositioned for improved ergonomics. 4. New ‘Mood’ lighting
The new ‘Mood’ lighting emits a soft ambient light in the interior of the car at night, giving an enhanced view of the car’s interior, without detracting from exterior visibility.
Exterior Enhancements
The XK Series receives a package of subtle exterior design changes, the first since the debut of XK8 to critical acclaim at the Geneva and New York auto shows in 1996. 1. Jewel-effect tail lamps with chrome surrounds
The XK Series now boasts all-new, high-tech tail lamps with a jewel-like appearance – similar to those of the S-TYPE – and with a new chrome surround. 2. Redesigned rear bumper cover
The new rear bumper cover, which conceals a much greater proportion of the boot floor, significantly neatening the car’s appearance from behind. A new, screw-in towing eye, concealed beneath the bumper cover, is accessible through a lift-off flap. 3. New chrome boot lid plinth
The XK Series has a new, chrome boot lid plinth, similar to that of the XJ Series and S-TYPE. The plinth is embossed with the name ‘JAGUAR’ and incorporates an integral, electric boot release button at the centre, in the form of the Jaguar ‘growler’ emblem. 4. Larger tail pipe finishers on XKR
The supercharged XKR is now specified with larger tailpipe finishers, bringing it into line with its saloon stablemate, the XJR and providing visual differentiation from the XK8. 5. Flusher-fitting front fog lamps
At the front, the XK Series is designed with flusher-fitting front fog lamps, noticeably different from the original, deeply recessed design. There is also a new front bumper cover on both the XK8 and XKR, as well as a new splitter bar on the XK8, subtly differentiating the new model year. 6. Two new body colours
Two new paint colours are introduced for 2001. White Onyx (solid) replaces Spindrift and Roman Bronze (metallic) replaces Alpine Green. 7. New 18-inch Impeller wheel on XK8
The new 18-inch Impeller wheel is fitted as standard on the XK8 coupe and as an option on the XK8 convertible. These wheels are also fitted to the XK8 convertible when Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) is selected as an option. The Impeller is strikingly designed with seven double-edged spokes. The standard wheel for the XK8 convertible is the 17-inch Lamina, while the XKR is fitted with the 18-inch Double Five. 8. Reverse parking aid now a line-fit option
Previously available as a dealer-fit accessory on the XK Series only, the reverse parking aid is now offered as a line-fit option on both the XK and XJ Series. (The system is already available as a line-fit option on the S-TYPE). This extremely useful system operates via four ultrasonic sensors, fitted across the rear bumper. When reverse gear is selected, the sensors are activated and information is sent to a small control module (not much larger than a cigarette packet) in the boot of the car. When an obstacle is approximately 1.5-1.8m (5-6ft) away, an intermittent signal is emitted from a speaker, hidden behind the rear seat back in the XK Series and beneath the rear parcel shelf in the XJ Series. The intermittent ‘beep’ becomes gradually more frequent as the car approaches an obstacle until, when it is 0.2m (8 inches) away, the beep becomes a continuous tone.
S-TYPE New ZF power steering – improved feel and refinement
All S-TYPE models are now fitted with a new ZF power steering system which gives improved steering feel and minimises both noise from the power-assisted steering pump and steering wheel vibration. The ZF steering system is an electronically controlled, speed proportional design combining ease of low speed manoeuvrability with excellent feel at higher speeds. New integrated phone keypad
The S-TYPE phone system now incorporates a new keypad in the facia in place of the coin tray to assist with digit dialing. The keypad comes as standard fit with all telephone systems ordered as a factory fit option or as an accessory. For those customers who already have the phone fitted the keypad will be available as a separate option. The optional CD- autochanger is repositioned to the boot of the S-TYPE, giving more stowage space in the glove box. All S-TYPE models also receive a new storage module beneath the floor of the boot. The module, which fits snugly within the spare wheel, provides tidy stowage of the jack, wheel brace and other tools. At the same time, all S-TYPE models receive a new boot lid liner incorporating a pull-down handle. Additional Refinements
Rear chrome tread plates with 'Jaguar' inscription are added for 2001 as standard, providing enhanced sill protection and complementing the existing front tread plates. All 2001 model year S-TYPEs also feature a foot rest.
On the exterior bodywork, the body side mouldings are removed, giving a cleaner side profile. Two new paint colours are also introduced. White Onyx (solid) replaces Spindrift, while Roman Bronze (metallic) replaces Alpine Green.
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