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Jaguar Debuts New XJ8 Sedan, Announces 1998 Pricing

9 September 1997

Jaguar Debuts New XJ8 Sedan, Announces 1998 Pricing

    MAHWAH, N.J., Sept. 9 -- Jaguar Cars today introduced its
XJ Series sedan range, comprehensively re-engineered for 1998, at the
Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany.  The XJ8 succeeds the current XJ6.  The
numeral "8" within the new model designation indicates that Jaguar's
award-winning 4.0-liter V8 engine will power the sedans.
    Jaguar also announced that pricing for all 1998 models sold in the United
States will remain exactly at 1997 levels.  In the case of the new XJ Series,
carryover prices come with major content upgrades: a new engine, new interior,
five-speed automatic transmission, standard Automatic Stability Control and
side-impact air bags for the driver and front passenger.
    The standard-wheelbase XJ8 and the long-wheelbase XJ8 L and Vanden Plas
utilize it 290-horsepower V8.  A supercharged version of the engine developed
for the XJR develops 370 horsepower, positioning this model among the world's
quickest production sedans, capable of reaching 60 miles per hour from
stand-still in 5.4 seconds.

                A Powerful Value Position in the Luxury Market

    "Considering the significant equipment upgrades, we believe the 1998
Jaguar sedans will represent an even stronger value than they have enjoyed
historically," said Michael H. Dale, president of Jaguar Cars North America.
"The elegant exterior style continues, but virtually every other system --
powertrain, suspension and electrical -- is new to the sedan."
    Further contributing to Jaguar's competitiveness is the growing customer
recognition of the marquee's resurgence, which has improved the retained value
of pre-owned vehicles.  Jaguar believes customers are responding to its
commitment to quality, which is demonstrated in its warranty claims:  The
number of warranty repairs per sedan has dropped 70 percent since 1989.  "With
our revitalized manufacturing techniques, arid facilities, Jaguar's quality
improvements continue to grow," Dale said.  "The reduction in warranty
expenditures created by those quality gains are contributing powerfully to our
pricing competitiveness."

                          Cost of Ownership Reduced

    Revised service schedules, which extend spark plug life to 100,000 miles
and oil change intervals to 10,000 miles, dramatically reduce the cost of
maintaining Jaguars powered by the naturally aspirated AJ-V8 engine.
Additionally, the ZF automatic transmission is factory-filled for the life of
the vehicle, the camshafts are driven by zero-maintenance chains and the
mechanical cam followers require no periodic lash adjustment.  Jaguar claims
that maintenance costs for the naturally aspirated 1998 XJ sedans are down by
one-third over the first 50,000 miles of driving.
    The 1998 XJ8 sedans and XK8 coupe and convertible go on sale October 9.

SOURCE  Jaguar Cars


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total MSRP, and dealer invoice cost, check out The Auto Channel's New Car
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