New 2004 Jaguar XJ Sets the Pace on Pricing

NEW YORK, April 15 -- Jaguar is adding one more highly-desirable feature to its all-new 2004 XJ flagship's long list of credentials -- aggressive pricing.

Jaguar North America today announces that the MSRP of its new 4.2-liter XJ8 will be $59,995 inclusive of destination charge. That makes it $9,200 less expensive than BMW's 745i, and undercuts the Mercedes-Benz S430 by $13,325.

And the XJ8 sets the tone for other new XJ models, with highly competitive pricing for the lavishly-equipped XJ Vanden Plas at $68,995, and the 390bhp supercharged XJR at $74,995.

"The all-new XJ represents exceptional value in both pricing and specification. Not only is this the most technically advanced Jaguar ever built, it is also the best equipped," said George Ayres, Vice President, Marketing, Jaguar North America.

Due in showrooms June 1, the new XJ with its advanced lightweight aluminum monocoque construction, features significantly higher levels of standard equipment over the previous XJ.

The entry point XJ8, for example, comes equipped with self-leveling air suspension, C.A.T.S (computer active technology suspension) adaptive damping, traction control with dynamic stability control, electronic park brake, power-adjustable foot pedals, reverse parking aid, 12-way power driver and front passenger seats, burl walnut veneer, and leather seating surfaces.

In addition, Jaguar's ground-breaking A.R.T.S (Adaptive Restraint Technology System) is standard on all XJ models. The system features the world's most comprehensive and sophisticated sensing technologies to monitor the position of the front passenger before deploying the front passenger-side front airbag.

Even more lavishly equipped is the new XJ Vanden Plas. It features a level of craftsmanship that has been a Jaguar trademark for more than half a century. Features like a twin-stitched leatherette dash top, hand-laid burl walnut veneers, soft-grained ruched leather seating surfaces, wood and leather steering wheel, and deep-pile lambswool rugs. Vanden Plas owners will also enjoy 16-way power front seats, power folding door mirrors, electric rear sunblind, 18-inch wheels, heated front and rear seats, premium 320 watt sound system and extra chrome brightwork and powerful Xenon headlamps to light their way.

Both the XJ8 and XJ Vanden Plas are powered by a new 4.2-liter AJ-V8 developing an impressive 294bhp (SAE). Coupled to a six-speed ZF automatic, this all-aluminum V8 provides 0-to-60mph acceleration in just 6.3 seconds, and class-leading 22mpg average fuel economy.

For those demanding true high performance in a luxury sedan, the all-new XJR sets a standard matched only by its exceptional value. Priced at some $32,225 less than the rival Mercedes-Benz S55, the XJR with its supercharged 390bhp (SAE) AJ-V8 delivers 0-to-60mph sprinting in a supercar-like 5.0 seconds, but without incurring a Gas Guzzler tax.

And the XJR comes equipped as standard with R performance tuned suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers, 19-inch cast alloy wheels, and Xenon headlights. The performance-themed interior features body-hugging front sports seats with perforated leather center pads, and walnut burl veneer. Also standard is radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control, a feature that is a $2,950 option on the considerably more expensive Mercedes-Benz S55.

The new XJ is the seventh generation of the iconic XJ sedan, the car that has defined the Jaguar brand since its original launch in 1968.

Sizewise, the new XJ8 is longer, taller and wider than before. The increased dimensions result in a cabin that offers significantly more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. There is also more space for luggage in a trunk that is 25 percent bigger than the previous XJ's.

But most significant, this new Jaguar flagship features a lightweight aluminum monocoque construction with an industry-first use of rivet-bonded joining technology for the whole body structure. Self-pierce rivets are used in combination with epoxy adhesive to join the aluminum pressings, castings and extrusions.

The result; a body that is significantly stiffer -- by some 60 percent -- and lighter by 40 percent, than its steel equivalent. The strength of its architecture also ensures superb crashworthiness, while the aluminum sheet metal panels are bake-hardened offering added resilience against dings and dents.

"With this level of technical sophistication, this level of performance and refinement, and now this level of pricing, we feel the new XJ represents an unrivaled value for the luxury car driver," explained Ayres.

From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world's premier manufacturers of prestigious automobiles. The Jaguar marque continues to stand for an unparalleled heritage and a tradition of elegant style, luxurious comfort, and refined performance.

Today, Jaguar offers a four-model range of luxury sedans and sports cars. The 2003 Jaguar X-TYPE makes the marque accessible to a new segment of customers and is the company's first all-wheel drive model. The new X-TYPE sports sedan combines a fresh performance spirit with the luxury, craftsmanship and refinement for which Jaguar is renowned, and all for less than $30,000.

The stylish Jaguar S-TYPE debuted in 1999, and brought a mid-size sedan to Jaguar's model line for the first time in three decades. The full size XJ sedan has been the cornerstone of the marque since 1968 and is the definitive Jaguar. For 2004 the all-new XJ is the most technologically advanced car the company has ever built, using aircraft-style aluminum construction for lightness and strength. Finally, the XK series, including XK8 and XKR coupes and convertibles, provides sports car enthusiasts with luxurious sports cars that deliver exhilarating performance.

For further information, please contact: James Thomas, Jaguar Communications Manager, +1-949-341-6140, jthoma98@jaguar.com; or Anne Clinard, Media Communications Specialist, +1-949-341-6847, aclinard@jaguar.com; or Leticia Parquer, Media Communications Specialist, +1-201-818-8182, lparquer@jaguar.com, all of Jaguar.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A complete technical description of the all-new 2004 XJ is available at www.media.jaguar.com . Color photography can be retrieved in digital form by media without charge from either www.media.jaguar.com or Wieck Photo Database at http://media.wieck.com .