Jaguar XJ upgrades

Jaguar may be up for sale, but that hasn't stopped the Ford-owned British prestige car maker introducing an XJ sedan update for 2008.

The upgraded models go on sale this month with cosmetic changes and a redesigned interior. Jaguar has also revised the 3.5-litre V8 engine and dropped the petrol XJ6.

The 3.5-litre XJ8 is thus the new entry-level V8 model, but with the XJ6 diesel slotting in underneath. Power and torque figures are actually reduced from the previous year's outputs and are now 190kW and 335Nm (formerly 196kW and 345Nm).

As explained by Tim Krieger, Jaguar Australia's Marketing and Public Affairs Manager: "The previous 3.5 engine was not Euro IV-compliant. The new one is, so as such it has new power and torque figures for that particular engine."

Starting the ball rolling with the cosmetic changes, the XJ now features a new bumper with revised upper and lower mesh grilles, a new Jaguar Growler badge, new quarter panel vents as per the XK, lower body sills, rear spoiler, badging and tailpipe extensions.

Door mirrors have been upgraded with the introduction of integrated side indicators. The side vents for the XJR are presented in an aluminium finish and the car boasts black-painted brake calipers.

All models other than the XJR and Super V8 are now fitted with 19-inch 'Polaris' alloy wheels. The XJR is fitted with 20-inch 'Cremona' and the Super V8 has 20-inch 'Calisto' style wheels.

Inside, the front seats have been redesigned to provide improved comfort and support, as well as making available additional rear seat legroom.

Bluetooth connectivity has been improved and now supports connection for up to five approved mobile phones.

Prices haven't changed and are as follows:

XJ6 D SWB $154,900
XJ8 3.5 SWB $159,900
XJ8 4.2 SWB $174,900
XJ8 4.2 LWB $179,900
XJR SWB $219,900
Super V8 SWB $229,900
Super V8 LWB $234,900

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