XJR'S FORMULA FOR SUCCESS:
MAGNIFICENT MUSCLE

The XJR luxury sport sedan is a versatile automobile indeed. Jaguar engineered the five-passenger XJR to deliver a thrilling rush to autobahn velocity, yet remain unshakably docile at low speed; to instill sports-car confidence during high-g cornering, but iron out mean potholes with superb suspension compliance. Jaguar engineers' efforts were rewarded by enthusiastic demand for this exclusive, low-volume Jaguar at its 1995 model year introduction. No wonder the XJR rapidly became the emblem of Jaguar's dramatic resurgence as a builder of world-class luxury automobiles. Bettering that benchmark presented a challenge for the team engineering the 1998 edition. They responded with an extensive array of mechanicals: a 370-horsepower, supercharged and intercooled version of the AJ-V8 engine, backed by a robust five-speed automatic transmission and abetted by 18-inch Pirelli P Zero tires. The potency of this package can be summed up with a universally understood statistic: 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

SPECIAL INSIDE AND OUT - Buy The Jaguar XJR Here

Just as there is no mistaking the XJR, with its lithe profile, for anything but a Jaguar sedan, there are ample clues by which this very special model is distinguished from its siblings. Bold five-spoke wheels carry ultra-low-profile tires, while XJR's distinctive mesh radiator grille recalls celebrated Jaguars of the l93Os. Inside, the XJR is set apart b stained bird's-eye maple trim in place of the traditional walnut. Its amply bolstered seats are surfaced in embossed Connolly leather. A full complement of amenities, including a Harman Kardon 240-watt audio system with CD autochanger, come standard. Electronic traction control is also factory fitted.

AJ-V8: SOUL OF THE XJR - Buy The Jaguar XJR Here

Still, the most outstanding feature of the XJR is found under the hood. Numbers can't tell the whole story, but they go a long way. At 370 horsepower, the supercharged V8 makes the XJR the most powerful series production sedan Jaguar has ever made. The engine develops a breathtaking 387 pound-feet of torque, fully available from just 3600 rpm. At only 1600 rpm, the supercharged engine is already producing more torque than the naturally aspirated engine at its peak. Jaguar engineers chose supercharging rather than turbocharging because it provides immediate response to throttle openings and achieves high boost at low- to mid-engine speeds. Supercharging increases volumetric efficiency by pressurizing the air as it enters the cylinders. The experience gained earlier in re-engineering the six-cylinder AJ16 for a supercharger confirmed the wisdom of applying the same technology to the new V8 engine.

POWERPLANT - Buy The Jaguar XJR Here

The XJR powerplant was designed largely in parallel with the naturally aspirated unit, by the same design team, at Jaguar's engineering Centre at Whitley in Coventry, England. It shares that engine's lightweight, yet immensely stiff, cylinder block design and its clean, efficient operation, thanks to the innovative cooling system, advanced combustion design and close-coupled catalysts. A compact air-to-liquid intercooling system is again employed for the XJR. Rather than the single unit of the AJ16, there are two intercoolers, one for each cylinder bank of the V8. By cooling the pressurized intake air, the intercooler increases its density. This boosts torque delivery across the rev range, allowing for maximum torque at lower engine speeds. This and the supercharger's excellent boost allow outstanding performance under all driving conditions. Changes made to the AJ-V8 to accommodate supercharging include piston shape, stainless-steel head gaskets and a new intake system. The Eaton M l12 supercharger, evolved from that of the outgoing AJ16 engine, boasts 24 percent more capacity. New porting also increases efficiency, so that the charger has to be driven at only 1.9 times crank speed by its eight-rib poly-vee belt. This low drive ratio, combined with the automatically tensioned drive belt, enhances the supercharger's refinement and reliability.

A NEW TRANSMISSION - Buy The Jaguar XJR Here

Lightweight yet rigid, the Mercedes-Benz five-speed electronic automatic transmission is engineered to withstand the supercharged AJ-V8's high torque output. Jaguar engineers made key mechanical changes to the transmission to satisfy Jaguar's unique requirements. The combined weight of the AJ-V8 supercharged engine and the five-speed transmission is a full 20 percent less than that of the prior system.

Copyright © 1985-2001 AutoPricing / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 1993-2001 NABA/VIS. Auto Pricing a service of VIS. 561-394-0610