2011 Jaguar XJ

(from Jaguar Press Release)  Jaguar Introduces All-New XJ Sedan Range for 2011

Jaguar has introduced an all-new XJ sedan range for 2011, blending the sleek lines of the brand’s new design language with its latest generation engines and chassis systems. Six model variants include standard and long-wheelbase (XJL) versions, the latter adding an additional five inches of rear legroom. The XJ’s interior is the most luxurious ever offered in a Jaguar, blending the latest infotainment technology and a wide choice of leather and wood finishes.

The all-new 2011 XJ is very much a driver’s car, agile and spirited, but without compromise to comfort. The model range includes the XJ with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8; the XJ Supercharged with a 470-hp supercharged version of the engine, and the limited-production XJ Supersport powered by a 510-hp supercharged version. An XJ Supersport can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds yet is not subject to the Federal “gas guzzler” tax.

The new XJ is based on the next-generation of Jaguar’s lightweight vehicle architecture. Primarily aluminum, but also utilizing magnesium and composite alloys, it yields a significantly lighter and stiffer body structure than one built from steel. The construction technique employs the same aerospace-based riveting and bonding processes refined by Jaguar on the XK models and previous-generation XJ sedans.

New for 2011, all Jaguar models come standard with Jaguar Platinum Coverage, which includes for 5 years or 50,000 miles (which ever comes first) complimentary scheduled maintenance, no-cost replacement of basic wear and tear items including: brake pads and discs, oil and brake fluid changes and wiper blade inserts, 5 year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance.

All-New Powertrains

All 2011 XJ models are powered by variants of the AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter V8 first introduced on the 2010 XF and XK models. The all-aluminum four-cam Jaguar V8 engines combine high power with high efficiency, thanks to such technologies as spray-guided direct fuel injection and dual independent variable cam timing, plus a variable inlet manifold on the naturally aspirated engine. On the XJ Supercharged and Supersport models, a twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger and twin water-cooled intercoolers are efficiently packaged in the engine’s V.

All XJ engines have 15,000-mile or one-year service intervals with free scheduled maintenance for the first 5 years or 50,000 miles courtesy of Jaguar Platinum Coverage.

All Jaguar XJ models employ an electronically controlled, fully adaptive six-speed automatic transmission with the unique cast-alloy JaguarDrive Selector™ as well as the Jaguar Sequential Shift™ function operated by steering-wheel paddles. The illuminated stop/start button pulsates like a heartbeat until pressed, when, as part of the XJ’s “handshake” sequence, the JaguarDrive Selector rises from the center console. The JaguarDrive Selector lowers automatically when the engine is stopped.

Bold, Confident Exterior; Architectural Interior Design

The nose of the XJ follows Jaguar’s new design language, with a powerful mesh grille and slim standard xenon headlights creating a strong road presence. The strong, muscular lower half of the car is contrasted with the slim and graceful quality of the roofline. The wrap-around rear window gives the impression of an exotic "floating" roof. A panoramic glass roof, standard on all XJ models, enhances the sense of light and space inside the all-new XJ.

Inside the XJ, the clean, simple form of the leather-wrapped instrument panel sitting low across the vehicle dominates. At the sides, bold architectural wood sweeps forward from the rear doors through the front doors, meeting at center of the upper dashboard. An analog clock inspired by luxury wristwatches is located in the center of the lower dashboard. The panoramic glass roof opening mechanism slides the front glass panel upwards and outwards, preserving headroom. The roof’s dark tint and reflective coating help limit heat gain, and twin electric blinds provide another level of privacy and sun screening.

A 12.3-inch high-definition screen displays “virtual gauges” to provide the functions of traditional instrument dials. The center dial houses a speedometer, flanked on either side by a tachometer, and an information window with fuel and temperature gauges. When required, the tachometer fades to temporarily display a required warning message or menu -- for example, if fuel is running low, or to operate the Interactive VoiceTM control. When the driver selects the XJ’s Dynamic mode, the dials change to a red hue and feature a bold gear position indicator that glows red as engine speed rises.

An 8-inch touch-screen display in the center console provides easy access to many of the XJ’s functions, including climate control, audio, communications and navigation. Jaguar's latest-generation Interactive VoiceTM control system provides easy control of the standard Bluetooth®, navigation or audio systems.

Jaguar Luxury

A full secondary bulkhead, laminated windshield and door glass, streamlined aerodynamics and an optimized body structure endow the 2011 XJ with a tranquil cabin. When driven enthusiastically, however, the XJ projects an inspiring engine soundtrack. Luxurious leather adorns all of the main interior surfaces, including the seats, the instrument panel, door tops, center console and armrests. Twin-needle stitching highlights seams on the seats, and each door panel integrates a storage compartment inspired by high-quality, hand-stitched designer briefcases. The limited-production XJ Supersport model features a leather headliner, semi-aniline leather seats and woods with laser-generated inlays.

The XJ’s range of daring color and trim selections, accented by elegant switchgear and soft blue lighting, offers increased interior personalization. Eight different mirror-matched woods are available, depending on model, and carbon fiber and piano black finishes are also available. The four spherical dash vents contrast a high-gloss piano black finish with chromed metal trim, a combination repeated on the center console.

The regular-wheelbase XJ model has a standard dual-zone automatic climate control system; all others have a four-zone system, with separate controls and ventilation outlets for the left and right rear seat passengers. All XJ models come standard with heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats and heated steering wheel. Massage front seats and cooled rear seats are also standard or available, depending on model.

Multimedia Capabilities

The all-new XJ comes standard with a CD/DVD player, HD radio, and a SIRIUSTM satellite radio receiver. In addition, the Media Hub provides flexible connectivity through two USB ports, Bluetooth v2.0 audio streaming and an auxiliary input jack, which all allow the user to connect iPods®, iPhonesTM and Blackberries®, for example. The audio unit utilizes a 30GB hard-disc-drive (HDD) system, so that music from CDs can be loaded onto the HDD for later listening. Gracenotes provides artist and track recognition.

A 7.1 surround sound system by the renowned British audio manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins is standard on Supercharged and Supersport models and optional on the naturally aspirated XJ and XJL. This 1,200-watt audio system combines 20 speakers powered through 15 channels and state-of-the-art sound processing technology. The first automotive application of the Audyssey MultEQ XT® audio tuning system – adapted from high-end home theater applications – digitally corrects imperfections to deliver accurate and distortion-free sound for all seating positions. In addition, the new XJ’s Bowers & Wilkins audio system marks the first automotive application of Dolby® Pro Logic IIx technology.

When the rear-seat entertainment package is ordered, passengers can view dual 8-inch LCD screens in the rear of the front headrests and listen using wireless digital headphones. A specially designed portable touch-screen controller allows passengers to select the entertainment source, with the two rear screens and all headphones controlled independently.

Advanced Chassis Dynamics

The XJ’s light but stiff structure provides a focused and responsive sporting character combined with the suppleness and refinement essential for a luxury sports sedan. The double-wishbone front suspension features weight-saving forged aluminum components and uses coil springs.
The front subframe is directly mounted to the body for enhanced steering response and handling precision. The subframe-mounted, multi-link rear suspension features lightweight cast aluminum links and air springs. Air suspension provides a level ride height regardless of load, along with a high degree of comfort, without compromising the car’s handling agility.

The new XJ also uses the advanced Adaptive Dynamics active damping system that was first employed on the XF and XK models. This system automatically tailors damper settings to suit both road conditions and the way the car is being driven. It provides a range of damping between a firmer “sport” setting and a softer setting for ride comfort, delivering an optimal balance of body control and ride quality.

XJ models are fitted with 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels in six designs, some with the additional option of a polished finish. For the first time on a Jaguar sedan, wider rear wheels with lower profile tires are fitted (compared to the front wheels and tires), optimizing grip and enhancing the vehicle’s sporting stance.

Personalized Driving Performance

On the XJ Supercharged and Supersport models, Active Differential Control optimizes available traction at each rear wheel, improving acceleration on low-grip surfaces while enhancing cornering ability. The clutch-type differential uses an internal electric motor and ball-and-ramp mechanism and transmits torque to the wheel with the most traction. This proactive system differs fundamentally from conventional traction control, which uses the brakes reactively to counteract slip after it has occurred.

To tailor the driving experience, JaguarDrive Control™ offers three transmission modes: Normal, for a comfortable, leisurely drive; Dynamic, for a more sporting and responsive character, and Winter, for greater capability in low-grip conditions. Each mode changes the characteristics of engine response, transmission shifts, Adaptive Dynamics systems and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) intervention (and Active Differential Control on Supercharged and Supersport). In Dynamic mode, gearshift points are raised, and the suspension stiffens. In Winter mode, the transmission selects second gear to help provide greater traction from a standstill and lowers engine rpm and shift points. Winter mode also modifies the traction and stability control systems to help give the driver assured progress regardless of the weather.

Safety Systems and Driver Aids

The all-new XJ provides a comprehensive set of active safety aids, including Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Understeer Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and Engine Drag Torque Control. On models equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the Advanced Emergency Brake Assist uses the ACC radar to help calculate distance from and speed of approach to the vehicle ahead. The system is designed to pre-charge brake-line pressure to help minimize impact speed if a collision is predicted, with an audible warning to the driver. Two-stage driver and front passenger airbags, front side and curtain side airbags are complemented by anti-whiplash front seat structures.

Enhanced Visibility

The standard xenon headlamps are available with a system that switches the high beams on and off automatically in response to oncoming traffic and the prevailing lighting conditions. This feature is combined with adaptive lighting, which swivels the headlamps to follow the road when cornering. A standard radar-based blind-spot monitoring system alerts the XJ driver to vehicles in close proximity on either side. Standard front and rear parking sensors, with visual indicators shown through the touch-screen, and a standard backup camera aid visibility when parking.

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From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in 1922, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world’s premier manufacturers of luxury sedans and sports cars and with that, one of the most recognized commercial brands. The company's vision is simple: To produce beautiful fast cars that are desired the world over. The company operates two manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom and is fully engaged in environmental programs, community work and brand awareness exercises such as motorsports.