Jaguar Expands the 2005 X-TYPE Range With Three New Models
 2005 Jaguar X-Type Sport Wagon |
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 6, 2004 -- Jaguar's best-selling, all-wheel- drive X-TYPE premium compact range will be poised to reach more diverse buyers with three new 2005 models -- Sportwagon, Sport and VDP Edition.
Style-conscious buyers with an active lifestyle and greater versatility needs will appreciate the new X-TYPE Sportwagon which offers enhanced functionality without compromising Jaguar style and driving dynamics. Those craving sporty performance and athletic style will prefer the X-TYPE Sport sedan, which features a more aggressive body style to match its performance- oriented features: sport-tuned suspension, deep front spoiler and optional sleek carbon fiber trim on fascia and gear surround, paired with contemporary Alcantara(TM) seating surfaces. The X-TYPE VDP Edition will appeal to those seeking enhanced luxury and technology with a premium sound system, dual stage heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rich burl walnut interior trim and more.
At-A-Glance Highlights:
* New functional and stylish X-TYPE 3.0 V6 Sportwagon on sale in
November 2004
* Dynamic new X-TYPE 3.0 V6 Sport with aggressive-looking body styling
and 18-inch wheels on sale in November 2004
* Luxurious X-TYPE 3.0 V6 VDP Edition features Jaguar craftsman interior
with burl walnut veneer, contrast piping on leather seating surfaces
on sale in October 2004
* X-TYPE continues to be the only compact luxury sedan in its class to
offer standard all-wheel drive on all models
* X-TYPE Sport available with new-for-2005 carbon fiber trim on fascia
and gear surround (if equipped with automatic transmission), replacing
the traditional wood trim and sports seats trimmed half in black
leather, half in Alcantara(TM), in place of leather seating surfaces
* Passenger seat cushion height rise added for enhanced safety
* More than 200,000 X-TYPEs sold worldwide since 2001 launch
* More than 1,000 component changes since its 2001 introduction aimed at
continuously improving quality
* Two engines available: X-TYPE 2.5 with 192bhp (SAE), 2.5-liter AJ-V6
and X-TYPE 3.0 with a 227bhp (SAE), 3.0-liter AJ-V6
LUXURY MEETS VERSATILITY -- X-TYPE 3.0 SPORTWAGON
Jaguar's first ever production wagon -- the X-TYPE 3.0 Sportwagon targets a new generation of sports wagon buyers who base their purchase decisions primarily on style, versatility and driving dynamics.
The X-TYPE 3.0 Sportwagon gives design-conscious consumers the perfect blend of functionality, style and performance to accommodate their active lifestyles without compromising their desire for sophistication. From family ski trips in Aspen to wine buying trips in Napa Valley, owners will have all the cargo area versatility and space to meet their needs.
"The sport wagon segment is new territory to Jaguar," explained CJ O'Donnell, executive vice president of sales, marketing and communications for Jaguar North America. "It's clear that the translation of Jaguar's design language into this format works brilliantly"
The cargo area of the Sportwagon is the key point of differentiation from the rest of the X-TYPE range. To keep luggage securely in place and hidden from view, there's a retractable cover, which rolls out over the load area. Items can also be secured by attaching the standard cargo net to the roof-lining to prevent smaller items like grocery bags from spilling their contents. Larger items can be secured by tie-down straps that hook onto the four strong D-rings incorporated in the luggage area floor. For added security, a large, molded tray below the rear floor contains two deep storage sections and is accessed by lifting the trunk floor on its hinges. This hidden compartment also incorporates a 12-volt power output socket, making it perfect for charging a laptop computer or digital camera while being discreetly concealed.
On the outside, fixed silver roof rails are fitted as standard, and a range of additional carrying systems will be available, from ski clamps to roof boxes, so buyers can select a system that works best for their individual needs.
LEAPING AHEAD IN QUALITY
To ensure that it stays at the very top of its class, more than 1,000 component changes have been made to Jaguar's best-selling X-TYPE sedan since its introduction in August 2001.
This series of continuous improvements has paid off. According to J.D. Power & Associates latest 2004 Initial Quality Study, the X-TYPE has improved in initial quality -- examined in the first 90 days of ownership -- by an impressive 32 percent since 2001. In the last year alone, the X-TYPE initial quality improved 13 percent over the previous year's model.
X-TYPE EXTERIOR DESIGN -- CREATING A TRUE JAGUAR
Introduced in August 2001, the X-TYPE was the first compact-sized Jaguar since the classic Mark II of the early 1960s. Seven inches shorter than the S-TYPE, the car demanded a whole new set of design parameters from the late Geoff Lawson, and present Jaguar Director of Design, Ian Callum. According to Callum, it was a deliberate move to pick-up styling cues from the previous XJ sedan, particularly what he calls the XJ 'face' -- quad headlamps, grille design and shape of the hood.
"Since Jaguar was entering into a sector of the market people didn't immediately identify us with -- the compact luxury market -- we had to enter with something people recognized," says Callum. "From whichever angle you view the X-TYPE, it has a strong, instantly recognizable Jaguar identity."
"The XJ-style grille is certainly more sympathetic to making the car look wider," says Wayne Burgess, the X-TYPE's principal designer. "That's why we went for the elliptical quad headlamp design instead of pure round lamps."
Burgess, who started his design career shaping new London taxis, says the shape of the headlamps was inspired by the jet intakes on the British De Havilland Comet airliner from the 1950s -- the world's first commercial jet.
"Just like the Comet's intakes, the inside headlamps are positioned slightly ahead of the outside ones," Burgess adds. "This gives a more thrusting look to the nose and the illusion that the nose is longer than it is."
INTERIOR -- SPACE AND LUXURY
"People buying this car are very selective. Much more so than someone buying, say, an XJ8 or XK. An X-TYPE is their primary vehicle. It will do the grocery runs, take the kids to school and definitely be used for vacations. Packaging was key," said Ian Callum, director of design, Jaguar Cars.
Callum explained that when an early pre-production X-TYPE was shown to potential buyers, styling was not their first consideration. They went straight for the doors.
"The first thing they did was sit in the back, fold down the rear seat and open the trunk. Yes, they loved the shape, but they were more interested in what the headroom was like or whether the trunk was big enough and most importantly, whether the car was practical," Callum comments.
Keeping that in mind, Callum's interior design team made it a priority to offer a rear seat back that splits 70/30 and folds flat when loaded to give even more luggage space -- plus the ability to carry long objects like skis. In addition, there are no fewer than 28 separate storage areas in the cabin.
That included creating stretch-out space for rear seat passengers by creating more space under the front seats. The backs of the front seats were also scooped out to give extra legroom. As similar to the exterior, the X-TYPE interior displays classic Jaguar themes with a contemporary twist to provide an intimate, comfortable and thoroughly functional cabin.
And for 2005 there's another twist. In the new X-TYPE 3.0 Sport, buyers can opt for a real carbon fiber fascia finish in place of traditional wood. And, instead of leather seating surfaces for the front and rear seat inserts, there's the option of sporty, suede-like Alcantara(TM) upholstery. (Package not available on Sportwagon)
AJ-V6 POWER FOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
The X-TYPE's 24-valve, four-cam 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter AJ-V6 engines are derived from the S-TYPE's proven AJ-V6 powertrain, and use a lightweight alloy cylinder block, alloy cylinder heads and a steel crankshaft. With advanced features, such as continuously variable cam phasing and advanced, 32-bit engine management system, both engines deliver spirited and athletic performance coupled with competitive fuel economy and low emissions.
The 192bhp (SAE) 2.5-liter and 227bhp (SAE) 3.0-liter engines are highly efficient, delivering superior power outputs. At 227bhp, the X-TYPE 3.0 offers more power than the BMW 330i (225bhp), the Mercedes C320 (215bhp) and Audi's A4 3.0 (220bhp). On both engines, there is a strong mid-range torque with more than 90 percent of peak torque available between 2,500 and 6,000 rpm, and more than 80 percent available from below 1,500 rpm through the maximum engine speed of 6,800 rpm.
The continuously variable valve timing and advanced engine management system help both X-TYPE models achieve improved fuel economy -- the 2.5 manual averages 28 mpg on the highway -- and both models are certified to the stringent California Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standard.
The five-speed manual transmission that's standard on the 2.5 and available on the 3.0 as a no cost option with the new 3.0 Sport, is geared to enhance the X-TYPE's performance feel, while the five-speed automatic -- controlled by Jaguar's unique J-gate shift lever -- offers the versatility of two driver-selectable shift modes, 'normal' and 'sport,' with the sport mode offering higher rpm shift points.
Against the stopwatch, the X-TYPE is an athletic performer. In benchmark 0-60 mph acceleration, the X-TYPE 3.0 manual covers the distance in just 6.6 seconds (7.1 sec for the five-speed automatic). The X-TYPE 2.5 manual can sprint to 60 mph from rest in 7.9 seconds (8.5 sec for the automatic).
AGILE HANDLING, REFINED RIDE
Jaguar developed the X-TYPE's driving dynamics to reward the driving enthusiast, providing nimble responses while delivering a traditional smooth, comfortable and quiet ride.
An exceptionally stiff body structure serves as the foundation of the X-TYPE's agile handling and compliant ride. The four-wheel independent suspension, employing a MacPherson strut layout at the front and a multi-link torsion control link system at the rear, delivers a high degree of inherent stability. The front struts are mounted at the top via a unique, twin-bearing system to reduce friction and enhance steering feel.
"With the X-TYPE, the steering feels entirely connected to the front wheels. It is never quick or nervous. It feels alive. I think we have found a great combination of agility and stability. The car has a unique feel," says Mike Cross, chief engineer of vehicle integrity, Jaguar Cars.
The X-TYPE's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which comes standard with the new Sport model or as a stand-alone option on the X-TYPE 3.0 (special order option for Sportwagon), reassures the driver -- especially in slippery driving conditions -- that the wheels and steering are under control. Using a variety of sensors, including steering angle, lateral-G and yaw, DSC can detect and minimize understeer and oversteer conditions that might result in a skid by controlling individual brakes and the electronic throttle. DSC also features Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) to provide full braking power in an emergency stop.
Jaguar also equips both 2.5 and 3.0 X-TYPE models with four-wheel disc braking featuring 11.8 x 0.95-inch vented rotors in front, and 11.0 x 0.5-inch rotors in the rear. The four-channel, anti-lock braking system includes Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) for improved control and stability in adverse conditions.
The X-TYPE 2.5 comes equipped with standard 16 x 6.5-inch alloy wheels, while the 3.0 features standard 17 x 7-inch alloys. For 2005, the new X-TYPE 3.0 Sport features 18 x 7.5-inch alloys with high-performance Pirelli PZero Nero 225/40 ZR-18 tires, plus unique spring and damper tuning.
TRACTION-4(TM) ALL-WHEEL DRIVE DELIVERS ALL WEATHER DRIVABILITY
With the X-TYPE, part of the car's great-driving character comes from its advanced all-wheel drive system -- Jaguar Traction-4(TM) -- the first all- wheel drive system in Jaguar's history and an innovation that sets the X-TYPE apart from the rest of the Jaguar model line.
"Traction-4 is all about the way the car performs on the road and its inherent stability. The simple explanation is that it makes the X-TYPE feel bolted to the road surface. It doesn't matter whether road conditions are wet, dry or snowy, the car feels stable," commented Phil Hodgkinson, director of Jaguar Product Development, Jaguar Cars.
It works like this: Traction-4(TM) automatically compensates for any difference in speed between the front and rear wheels. If the rear wheels start to slip -- as they would under hard acceleration on a patch of ice -- the engine's power is automatically, and seamlessly, directed to the front wheels. Vice-versa if the front wheels go slippery. Under normal conditions, 40 percent of the engine's power goes to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear.
2005 STANDARD FEATURES
X-TYPE 2.5
Key standard features:
* Traction-4(TM) all-wheel drive
* 2.5-liter, 192bhp (SAE) AJ-V6
* Five-speed manual transmission (optional five-speed automatic)
* Variable ratio steering
* 16 x 6.5-inch seven-spoke cast 'Tobago' alloy wheels with
all-season tires
* Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution
* Side curtain airbags
* Leather seating surfaces
* Bronze Sapele wood veneer
* Automatic climate control
* Six-speaker, 120-watt AM/FM audio system with CD player
* Power door locks; power heated side mirrors; power windows with one
touch up/down; eight-way power driver's seat
* Leather trimmed steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise
controls
* Front sliding armrest
* Rear center armrest with cupholders
X-TYPE 3.0
Key standard features (in addition to 2.5):
* 3.0-liter, 227bhp(SAE) AJ-V6
* Five-speed automatic transmission
* 17 x 7-inch 'Cayman' alloy wheels with all season tires
* One touch power tilt/slide moonroof
* Split/fold rear seat
* Auto-headlamps
* Wood and leather steering wheel
* Bronze Sapele wood interior on gear surround
* Electrochromatic interior mirror
X-TYPE 3.0 SPORT
Key standard features (in addition to 3.0):
* 18 x 7.5-inch 'Aruba' alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero 'Nero'
performance tires
* Deeper front spoiler
* Black upper mesh grille and lower infill mesh grille
* Lower side sills
* Sport-tuned suspension
* Five-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option
* Sports seats with perforated leather center sections
* Full leather steering wheel
* Trunk lid spoiler
* Dynamic Stability Control with Emergency Brake Assist
* Optional carbon fiber trim on fascia and gear surround (if equipped
with automatic transmission) with sporty Alcantara(TM) seating
surfaces and door panels
X-TYPE 3.0 SPORTWAGON
Key standard features (in addition to 3.0):
* 17 x 7-inch 'Cayman' wheels with all season tires
* Tailgate with independently opening rear window
* Four spring-loaded D-ring luggage tie-downs in rear load area
* Silver roof rails fitted for adjustable carrying systems
* Luggage cover
* Cargo compartment net
* Hidden storage compartment with 12-volt power supply and detachable
side storage doors
X-TYPE 3.0 VDP EDITION
Key standard features (in addition to 3.0):
* 17 x 7 10-spoke 'Andros' wheels with all season tires
* Chrome door mirror caps
* Memory function on driver's seat and door mirrors
* Rain sensing wipers
* 320-watt Alpine Premium sound system with 10 speakers, in-dash CD
player
* Burl walnut veneer trim
* Leather seats with color-contrasting piping
* Heated front seats
* 10x10-way driver and passenger seat
* Garage door opener
* Message Center and Trip Computer
X(1) Optional Premium Package available on 3.0 includes:
* Eight-way front driver and passenger seat
* Two-way power lumbar support on both front seats
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers
* Message center and trip computer
* Programmable garage door opener
* Memory function on driver's seat and door mirrors
From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in 1922, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world's premier manufacturers of luxury sedans and sports cars and with that, one of the most recognized commercial brands. The company's vision is simple: To produce beautiful fast cars that are desired the world over. The company operates three manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom and is fully engaged in environmental programs, community work and brand awareness exercises such as motor sport.
Jaguar offers a four-model range of luxury sedans and sports cars packed with fully competitive technology and safety systems wrapped up in stylish bodies. The X-TYPE premium compact sedan is the company's first all-wheel drive model combining unmistakable Jaguar looks in an affordable, sporting package. Entry to the Jaguar range via the X-TYPE starts around $30,000.
Jaguar's mid-size luxury sedan is the S-TYPE distinguished by styling reminiscent of the original Mark 2 and S-type sedans. Positioned above the X-Type in size and price S-TYPE ownership begins at less than $45,000. The flagship XJ sedan has been the cornerstone of the marque since 1968 and is the definitive Jaguar. The 2005 XJ is the most technologically advanced car the company has ever built, using aircraft-style aluminum construction for lightness and strength. It is also the longest and most spacious Jaguar offering a selection of long wheelbase derivatives in the range. The XJ range starts at less than $62,000. The XK series, including the XK8 and XKR coupes and convertibles are Jaguar's sports cars. They combine high performance with luxurious interiors and grand touring capability. Pricing begins at just over $70,000.
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