Jaguar today announces the detail of the new XJ saloon - and why it is the most advanced production Jaguar ever.

On sale from spring 2003, the all-new XJ - already acclaimed for its stunning appearances in polished aluminium at the recent Paris and British motor shows - provides the blueprint for future intelligent manufacturing of large saloon cars.

With an aluminium monocoque structure that brings outstanding weight savings compared to conventional steel cars, the new XJ is lighter than the outgoing model by up to 200 kg. This brings marked improvements in fuel economy and emissions and also provides excellent safety and crash protection. In addition, the lighter vehicle weight allows for increased performance across the board and great agility.

"Using aluminium throughout, we have created a car that takes
technology - and the application of technology - to new heights. The new XJ is without doubt the most advanced Jaguar ever."
Mike Beasley, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

The XJ saloon is the bedrock on which the Jaguar of today is based. Seven generations of XJ - from the very first XJ6 unveiled by Sir William Lyons in 1968, to the all-new model that made its public debut in September 2002 - have taken the mantle of the definitive Jaguar saloon. Total production since the first XJ model in 1968 is now comfortably past 800,000 cars - more than half of all Jaguars ever built.

Representing contemporary British automotive luxury at its best, each generation of XJ has delivered the blend of attractions that Jaguar customers demand: elegance, style, comfort and spirited performance.

The all-new XJ has all this and much more besides. Not only is it the ultimate expression of Jaguar luxury saloon car engineering, it is also the most advanced Jaguar ever.

Jaguar has a well-documented history of working with aluminium, but with the new XJ the technologies used have moved to an altogether different level.

Pioneering a new 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 is larger in every respect than the model it replaces and has more features and driver-assisting technologies - and yet 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.

In the new XJ, Jaguar's engineers have created a vehicle that is very agile. It is also quicker and more economical than the outgoing generation. Comparing the new entry model, the 3.0 litre XJ6, with the previous 3.2 litre XJ8 reveals that the new XJ is 0.3 seconds quicker from standstill to 60 mph and almost 15% per cent more economical in the combined cycle. A more direct model for model comparison between XJRs shows that the new XJ is quicker to 60 mph (5.0 seconds versus 5.3 seconds) and yet returns average fuel economy in the combined cycle of 23.0 against 22.4 mpg. Top speed of both vehicles is the same electronically limited 155 mph.

These levels of customer gain in areas that are becoming ever more important, especially in the luxury sector, give the new Jaguar XJ significant advantages over its main competition. And that's without considering the driving experience, the traditional Jaguar attractions of craftsmanship, style and luxury, and the impressive array of driver-friendly technologies that make life behind the wheel of the new XJ more relaxing and enjoyable - and safer.

Four engines will be available and the full details of each can be found in the specifications section of this pack. Not all markets will take all engines, but the advanced six-speed ZF6HP automatic transmission - introduced in the spring of 2002 in the revised S-TYPE - is fitted to all models.

The weight of the new XJ has made it possible to bring back the famous XJ6 badge. It was an XJ6 that started the XJ story in September 1968, when the first generation of car was revealed at the British Motor Show.

The 240 bhp (DIN) 3.0-litre V6 engine in the new XJ is already familiar to S-TYPE and X-TYPE owners. A new 3.5-litre V8 with 262 bhp (DIN) becomes the entry point to eight-cylinder XJ motoring, while formidable 300 bhp (DIN) and 400 bhp (DIN) 4.2-litre V8 and 4.2-litre V8 supercharged engines power the top-of-the-range models.

Specification levels vary according to market, but in the UK trim levels run from V6 through Sport and SE to XJR and Super V8. It goes almost without saying that even the entry-level models have a very generous specification.

Designed to be engineered
Jaguar conducted extensive research programmes with existing customers and potential owners prior to commencing the new XJ programme.

The results of these identified that the XJ, the design of which originated in the 1960s, had to evolve to address the requirements of today's luxury saloon customers - including the demand for more interior space.

Addressing this without losing the distinctive proportions and character of the XJ was undeniably a challenge. Ian Callum, Jaguar Cars' Director of Design, worked with his team to deliver a car that is bigger in all respects than its predecessor with a more spacious interior. The exterior proportions are subtly transformed to reflect the added space for occupants and their luggage.

"The new XJ is a dynamic looking car," says Callum. "And when you position it alongside major competitors, it is also clearly very elegant."

He continues: "This is a more modern car in terms of its proportions, and while for practical packaging reasons the boot and doors are larger, the slimmer glass-to-door ratio results in a truly contemporary design."

The new XJ design moves to a more cab-forward approach, positioning the front wheels closer to the corners, incorporating a shorter bonnet and a shallower rake angle for the larger windscreen.

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 XJ's dynamic design is also evident in its profile, says Callum. "It has a lot more of a 'wedge' now, starting dynamically at the front and powering toward the back. All the power is on the back wheels, something that has always been the case with a Jaguar."

The XJ design team succeeded in accommodating a higher decklid while retaining the classic Jaguar 'haunched' design, hinting at the new car's potential power and performance.

Precise weight-saving construction
With the basic design elements of a considerably larger car in place, the engineering team quickly realised that a breakthrough was needed to solve the weight dilemma. At the same time, the challenge was to enhance the performance capabilities and comprehensive list of luxury features the new XJ would offer its customers.

Compromise was unacceptable - and aluminium was the answer.

Intensive studies led by Jaguar engineers at the Whitley Engineering Centre in Coventry, UK had already exposed the potential value of an aluminium-intensive body structure joined in an innovative fashion using rivets and adhesives. It was soon very apparent that this was the direction to take.

"We chose the lightweight vehicle architecture for the new XJ not because it was something new," says XJ Chief Programme Engineer, 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. The choice was clear."

The new XJ's body structure comprises pressings of sheet aluminium combined with aluminium alloy extrusions and aluminium castings. Jaguar's engineers adopted the proven construction techniques of the aerospace industry to assemble this structure and in volume production, the new Jaguar XJ represents an industry-first use of rivet-bonding construction for an aluminium-intensive monocoque body.

Rivet-bonding uses self-piercing rivets and epoxy adhesives for strength, robustness and durability when joining aluminium pressings. The adhesives applied robotically during assembly, heat-cure to optimal strength during the vehicle painting process. Approaching 3,200 rivets are used in the construction of the new body.

The body of the new XJ is significantly stiffer - by 60 per cent - and lighter by 40 per cent than its predecessor. The strength of its architecture also represents a groundbreaking advance in crashworthiness.

In addition to the advanced nature of the body construction, the craftsmanship and precision evident in the new XJ are indicative of Jaguar's determination to ensure customers experience total satisfaction.

Panel gaps are smaller and even more precise than in the previous model. Door shut lines are designed with a uniform gap of 3.8 mm to the bumper, sill and an adjoining door. The doors open wide - front doors to 62 degrees, rear doors to 65 degrees - to assure ease of entry and exit for occupants.

The bonnet and boot lid both use four-bar-link hinges equipped with gas-assisted struts, and gaps on these major closures are also extremely precise at 3.5 mm from bonnet to bumper and bootlid to bumper. Extensive use of lightweight components in key areas of the structure ensured the new XJ met the weight targets set by the engineering team. These areas include:

· Bake-hardened aluminium sheet metal pressings for the new XJ's exterior panels, offering added resilience against dents and dings.

o High-pressure vacuum aluminium die castings for suspension and driveline component mounting points, which are both lightweight and highly resistant to bending and contribute to the precision and comfort of the XJ's steering, ride and handling.

· Aluminium alloy extrusions, utilised in the door structures for high strength against potential aerodynamic wind noise and for enhanced security, are also found in the front and rear bumper beams and used for floor and roof reinforcements.

In addition, magnesium - as strong as aluminium but 30 per cent lighter again - is used for the new XJ's seat frames and the cross-car beam that supports the dashboard, instrument panel and steering column.

The inside story
The new Jaguar XJ's luxurious interior has new levels of spaciousness, craftsmanship, ergonomic flexibility and seat comfort, complemented by entertainment, climate control and communications systems that reflect the needs of today's luxury car customers.

And yet alongside these practical considerations, the interior of the new XJ remains warm and inviting - a classic Jaguar interior. Despite the generous amount of space inside the cabin, the driver and passengers still feel cosseted, the ambience set off by real wood veneers and hand-stitched leather.

With significantly more headroom, legroom, shoulder room and rear-seat knee room, the new XJ interior provides a comfortable and relaxing environment for five adults.

The new seat designs were rated in Jaguar customer research as the most comfortable in their class. The 12- or 16-way adjustable front seats with electrically adjustable headrests are complemented by standard-fit electrically adjustable pedals and steering column, allowing drivers of widely varying statures to find the ideal driving position.

The new electronic parking brake, which eliminates the need for a traditional handbrake lever and also features drive away release, is itself an elegant design detail. Situated just behind the J-gate transmission shift lever, the electronic 'switch' frees additional space for the comfort of front-seat occupants.

Depending on model and customer requirements, there is a choice of three different options for rear seating configurations: a fixed bench seat for three passengers; a twin electric bench seat that accommodates three passengers; or individual twin electrically adjustable seats with a fixed centre console.

Overall, interior volume has increased not only for occupants but also for luggage. At 470 litres, the boot is more than 25 per cent larger than the previous XJs - and even the glove box is bigger.

When XJ drivers and their passengers are comfortably settled in their seats, Jaguar's philosophy of incorporating relevant technologies quickly becomes evident. From the intuitive and relaxed interfaces between occupants and the vehicle systems - an approach that separates Jaguar from many of its competitors - to the electronic driver aids, the new XJ makes you feel instantly at home.

"You don't have to be a computer programmer to operate this car," comments David Scholes, XJ Chief Programme Engineer. "Our customers are emphatic in their opposition to gratuitous technology and unwanted features intruding on their driving experience; it should be there when you need it but should never impose itself."

The new Jaguar XJ'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 include a seven-inch
(178 mm) LCD touchscreen display that provides fingertip control of climate, audio and DVD navigation systems (featuring postcode programming) and, where fitted, TV tuner and front/rear fixed GSM phones.

In the rear of the new XJ, a multimedia system allows passengers to access audio, TV/video and telephone systems independently of the driver and front seat passenger. As an example, the front passenger could be watching a television broadcast when stationary, while one of the rear passengers is viewing a film on DVD and the other rear passenger plays a video game.

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. Rear-seat passengers use optional headphones to listen to the audio output in comfort.

JaguarVoice, an industry-first when introduced on S-TYPE in 1999, provides drivers and rear passengers with access to voice-activated control of compatible Jaguar systems, including primary audio functions, teletext, telephone, climate control, navigation systems and in-vehicle displays. Jaguar has made voice activation - a technology to reduce distraction when driving - an ongoing research priority.

High quality audio systems are another Jaguar trademark, and the new XJ is no exception. The eight-speaker sound system fitted to XJ6 and Sport models features a single-slot CD and radio, with the standard-fit six-disc CD autochanger located in the boot. The 320 watt Jaguar Premium sound system with 12 speakers, digital sound processing, power amplifier, subwoofers, as well as the remote six-disc CD changer and single-slot CD/radio, is fitted as standard on SE, XJR and Super V8 models.

Safety and crash repair
The new XJ features a comprehensive array of passive safety technologies, including Jaguar's sophisticated Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) but at its protective core is the strength of the aluminium body.

"Our target in developing the new Jaguar XJ was to produce one of the world's safest cars," explains David Scholes, XJ Chief Programme Engineer. "And the body structure is the foundation of its excellent safety performance."

The new XJ has excellent crash protection and repair credentials, the aluminium-intensive body structure having already proven its strength in Jaguar's own 'real-world' crash-test programmes. Prior to the first XJ prototype crashing into a barrier, Jaguar engineers performed more than 500 computer-simulated crash events using sophisticated crash-modelling software and this was followed up by physical tests.

Being lighter than the equivalent steel body, the XJ body structure carries significantly less kinetic energy into a collision, reducing the amount of energy that has to be absorbed by the body in an accident. Front and rear crush zones in the body structure absorb crash energy progressively while protecting the integrity of the cabin, and the 'tube-in-tube' propshaft features built-in crush properties to absorb collision energy.

In addition, the new XJ has excellent side impact protection, resulting from a very strong centre pillar with a wide, tapered base, extruded aluminium lateral floor reinforcements, and door beam extrusions.

The architecture of the new XJ is engineered for ease of repairability, a key factor in the determination of insurance premiums. Engineering techniques used include a bolt-on front-end module - BOFE - that is designed to reduce the cost of
repairing front-end collision damage. This can withstand an impact of 10 mph
(15 km/h) without structural damage being inflicted, the assembly incorporating impact-absorbing properties between the front-end module and the body shell.

The exterior bumpers of the new XJ are designed to withstand a 5 mph (8 km/h) impact without structural damage. Made from injection-moulded plastic, they incorporate side markers, fog lamps, headlamp washer jets and parking aids.

In addition, 'lift-off' door hinges make removal simple if collision repair is needed, reducing time and cost, while the bolt-on front wings are easy to remove and replace - another labour cost saving for the owner.

The insurance industry in the UK and Germany has already recognised the value of these combined efforts, the new XJ having been given insurance group ratings better than direct competitors from Mercedes and Audi.

As with all new Jaguars sold in Europe, the new XJ comes with Total Care which incorporates a three-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty.

The right tools for the job
The Jaguar XJ was created digitally, a feat made possible by Jaguar's investment in state-of-the-art engineering technology and processes. Building on proven systems and methodologies, including knowledge-based engineering and rapid prototyping, the new systems gave Jaguar XJ engineers greater analytical power and flexibility than ever before but also allowed them to retain total control.

"Computers don't engineer cars, people do," says David Scholes, XJ Chief Programme Engineer. "Our tools are designed to enable every member of the engineering team to achieve the excellence that is the hallmark of Jaguar."

Over the past 10 years, Jaguar has transformed its approach to quality, introducing advanced quality tools and procedures. The key quality technique utilised today is called simply Advanced Quality Planning (AQP). This structured methodology optimises product quality by identifying potential problems and 'designing out' the issue so that it never arises. AQP covers all stages of development, from early Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) through to Statistical Process Control (SPC) of production processes. Anything that might eventually result in a potential problem - from a squeak or rattle to a major system failure - is identified and eradicated at a very early stage.

Any new Jaguar must be resilient to the widest extremes of climate, from the cold of an Alaskan winter to the heat of high summer in the Middle East - all the while performing at 100 per cent regardless of driving styles or conditions. At prototype stage all Jaguars are subject to rigorous testing in some of the world's most demanding conditions to verify robustness. One particularly demanding internal test simulates a vehicle lifetime through high-mileage accumulation over a wide variety of demanding and severe road conditions. Jaguar engineers were so confident that the new XJ would pass the lifespan test with flying colours - which it duly did - that they had already arranged for the same prototypes to undergo another full round of the test. The result? Another pass - so even before its public introduction, prototypes of the new XJ have already been driven over two normal lifespans!

Engines and powertrain
Optimised to complement the XJ's lightweight vehicle architecture and new powertrain and chassis technologies - including the state-of-the-art ZF six-speed automatic transmission - the four new engines offer effortless, refined performance and enhanced fuel economy and range.

The 3.0-litre AJ-V6 engine makes its debut in Jaguar's flagship saloon. Replacing the 3.2-litre V8, it has comparable levels of power and is the catalyst for the reintroduction of the legendary Jaguar XJ6, one of the most famous models in Jaguar's illustrious saloon heritage.

The 3.5-litre engine is the new member of the AJ-V8 engine family. An advanced evolution of the outgoing 3.2-litre engine, it offers a strong balance of performance and economy.

The XJ shares its larger 4.2-litre AJ-V8 engine with the recently launched new Jaguar S-TYPE and 2003 Jaguar XK. The increase in displacement from 4.0 to
4.2-litres delivers seven per cent more power and torque.

The supercharged 4.2-litre AJ-V8 continues - and extends - the Jaguar tradition of offering the breathtaking performance of a supercharged engine with the flagship of the range. The 400 bhp (DIN) supercharged 4.2-litre engine produces 33 per cent more power than the naturally aspirated version with which it shares its underlying technology.

Developed at Jaguar's Whitley Engineering Centre in Coventry, UK, all four new engines deliver refined performance and driveability in the Jaguar tradition.

A dynamic approach
Jaguar saloons have always had a sporting edge and the new XJ is no exception. In fact, the use of aluminium has allowed the engineering teams to develop a car that belies its size and is extremely agile.

New front and rear suspension systems - with the refinement of standard air suspension and enhanced Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) adaptive damping - take ride comfort and vehicle handling to new levels.

The suspensions incorporate extensive lightweight materials and are designed to complement the lightweight but stiff aluminium body structure that provides a rigid foundation for handling, steering and braking performance.

Fitting air suspension across the whole XJ range delivers major advantages over traditional coil-spring suspension systems in terms of comfort and refinement, providing optimum ride quality 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 XJ's air suspension system uses air spring/damper units in lieu of the coil-spring/damper units of a traditional system. Height sensors at the four corners of the car feed vehicle height data to an electronic control module in the boot and on de-restricted roads, the system automatically lowers the XJ's ride height by 15 mm at 160 km/h (100 mph). This improves aerodynamic efficiency, vehicle stability and fuel economy during high-speed cruising.

The new XJ's suspension system also features the latest version of Jaguar's sophisticated CATS system as standard on all models. This optimises ride refinement under all conditions with two-stage adaptive damping under electronic control, but is so refined that the driver is unaware that damping conditions are changing.

The new XJ also features an impressive array of electronic driver aids, including four-channel anti-lock braking (ABS) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), the former a latest generation system that operates in a more refined manner than previously.

EBA helps the driver in an emergency when maximum power isn't being applied, assessing the urgency with which the driver hits the brake pedal and instantly applying maximum available braking power if it is needed.

A new Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system reacts to and controls both understeer and oversteer, while Traction Control helps provide optimum tractive power under acceleration by preventing the drive wheels from spinning when pulling away or cornering.

Jaguar's innovative and award-winning Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system offers major advantages over conventional cruise control systems. Using microwave radar technology to overcome the need for the driver to adjust speed - either by disengaging cruise control manually or applying the brakes - when approaching slower traffic on the road ahead, ACC automatically adjusts the throttle (and may also apply limited braking) to reach a speed that is compatible with traffic ahead.

ACC now also features Forward Alert, which provides an audible warning of slowing traffic ahead but does not intervene by adjusting the throttle or applying the brakes.

The plant that Jaguar built
A new, dedicated aluminium pressing facility and a redeveloped body assembly facility were constructed at Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant to produce the new XJ. After assembly, the bodies are shipped by road to the Browns Lane plant for final build.

Many of the new manufacturing techniques used in XJ construction were honed by the aerospace industry. Instead of the conventional spot welding used on a steel body structure, the new Jaguar XJ uses structural adhesives and rivets to assemble
the unibody structure of aluminium pressings, extrusions and castings which form the foundation of the vehicle.

Each Jaguar XJ contains 3,180 rivets and more than 120 metres of adhesives. The combination of rivets and adhesives, which cure in the heat of the subsequent paint process, results in a body structure that is extremely strong and stiff but light in weight.

The new Jaguar XJ bodyshop facility makes extensive use of automation - not unusual in modern vehicle construction, but in this case very much state-of-the-art. Eighty-eight robots apply structural adhesives and install the self-piercing rivets in the vehicle structure. Extensive simulation work using powerful computer modelling tools, combined with prototype prove-out, has ensured uncompromising Jaguar quality in each step of the assembly process.

The body assembly operation is surprisingly clean and quiet. Gone are the sights, sounds, sparks and residue of a spot-welding process. Decibel levels have been significantly reduced throughout the assembly hall.

The lean manufacturing ethic of the new Jaguar XJ assembly process is configured for highly efficient movement of parts and components ensuring that each workstation is supplied efficiently with stock. The need for parts stores adjacent to each workstation has been cut dramatically, reducing the need for costly in-plant inventory.

Two in-house parts stores hold enough stock for approximately eight hours of assembly operation. Just-In-Time delivery from suppliers keeps these stores at their optimum fill rate.

Working together in virtual reality
The new XJ assembly facility was designed simultaneously with the engineering of the new vehicle itself - in virtual reality. This gave manufacturing engineers the opportunity to configure an assembly plant before anything was actually built, so that the XJ's entire body shop existed on computer prior to its installation. Every step of the production process, down to each movement of an individual robot, was modelled in this fashion.

The production of the new Jaguar XJ required a new, dedicated aluminium pressing facility. Designed, engineered and constructed by Jaguar Cars, the new 9600 sq m. pressing plant is operated and managed by a technical partner consortium, Polynorm Stadco, under a long-term operating contract.

Another key partner in the new XJ programme is Alcan, the supplier of all the aluminium used in the car. Supplying the pressing facility via local warehouses capable of storing up to 20 days' supply of raw material, Alcan was instrumental in the development of the construction techniques used in the new XJ, and served as the primary technical resource in early feasibility studies.

The end result
When the all-new XJ goes on sale in spring 2003, Jaguar customers will be buying not only the most advanced Jaguar ever, but also one of the most important ever. As an all-new, world-class luxury saloon, the XJ pioneers a lightweight vehicle architecture that represents a major step forward in aluminium-intensive automotive body structures.

There can be no argument that in designing, engineering and constructing the new XJ, Jaguar has moved both itself and the wider automotive industry forward in the drive to reduce weight and enjoy the resulting benefits in terms of performance, fuel economy, emissions, crash safety, vehicle dynamics and recyclability.

The new technologies and pioneering techniques not only make the XJ the car it is, they also reinforce Jaguar's standing as a world leader in advanced vehicle design and relevant, user-friendly driver aids.

THE NEW XJ AT A GLANCE

· The new XJ is the most advanced production Jaguar ever.

· It is the seventh generation of the car recognised as the definitive Jaguar saloon.

· An aluminium monocoque body replaces traditional steel construction.

· Longer, taller and wider than its predecessor - but up to 200 kg lighter.

· Constructed using rivet bonding and adhesives - state-of-the-art techniques learned from the aerospace industry.

· The new XJ's body is 40 per cent lighter and 60 per cent stiffer.

· Extensive use of aluminium has assured the return of the XJ6 badge, the car powered by a 240 bhp, 3.0-litre V6 engine.

· The XJ6 weighs from just 1545 kg - an advantage of around 200 kg over some bulkier competitors.

· Other engine options are a new 3.5-litre V8, a 4.2-litre V8 and a 4.2-litre V8 supercharged, the last of these producing 400 bhp (DIN).

· All models feature an advanced six-speed ZF automatic transmission. There is no manual gearbox option.

· The new XJ is both quicker and more economical across the board than the outgoing generation - and many of its competitors. As an example, the quickest model in the new XJ range, the XJR, dispatches the 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.0 seconds (5.3 seconds 0-100 km/h) and has a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). The XJ6 records respectively 7.8 seconds
0-60 mph (8.1 seconds 0-100 km/h) and 145 mph (233 km/h).

· The new XJ is among the safest cars in its class, with ground-breaking technologies such as Jaguar's innovative A.R.T.S. Adaptive Restraint Technology System providing advanced protection at all times. It is also one of the first vehicles to meet the new FMVSS208 US crash standard.

· The new XJ is engineered for repairability. The unique Bolt-On-Front-End (BOFE) is designed to allow 10 mph (15 km/h) frontal impact without the car suffering structural damage. The assembly has impact-absorbing properties including extruded aluminium 'crash cans' that channel impact energy onward from the bumper beam in a controlled path. The class-leading 15E insurance group of the XJ6 3.0 Classic is made possible because of this technology.

· In line with Jaguar's continuing determination to offer relevant driver-assisting technologies, features of the new XJ include Dynamic Stability Control, Adaptive Cruise Control (with new Forward Alert function) Emergency Brake Assist and JaguarVoice.

· All new XJs have air suspension and a new generation of Jaguar's sophisticated Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) as standard.

· The fuel economy of the new XJ6 for the combined official cycle is
27.0 mpg/10.5 l/100 km. The same figures for other XJ models are
26.5 mpg/10.7 l/100 km (3.5-litre V8) 26.0 mpg/10.9 l/100 km (4.2-litre V8) and 23.0 mpg/12.3 l/100 km (4.2-litre V8 supercharged).

· Carbon dioxide emissions for the new XJ range start at 249 g/km - the same figure as an automatic 3.0-litre X-TYPE. The range-topping, 400 bhp (DIN) XJR and Super V8 models produce an equally impressive 299 g/km.

· Prices will be announced just prior to the new XJ going on sale next spring.