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V8-Powered Sedans Top Jaguar's 1998 Lineup

9 October 1997

V8-Powered Sedans Top Jaguar's 1998 Lineup

    MAHWAH, N.J., Oct. 9 -- Jaguar's new V-8 powered sedans,
along with its award-winning XK8 sports cars, go on sale today across the
United States.  The entire line is priced at 1997 levels despite increased
features and equipment.
    Jaguar's 4.0-liter AJ-V8 engine replaces its six-cylinder engine in all
four sedan models:  the standard-wheelbase XJ8, the long-wheelbase XJ8 L, the
luxuriously appointed Vanden Plas and the supercharged XJR.  Along with a
refined exterior appearance, all-new interior and powerful V8 engine, the
sedan range benefits from the addition of a five-speed automatic transmission,
standard Automatic Stability Control for improved traction, a new suspension
and side-impact air bags for the driver and front passenger.
    The supercharged version of the AJ-V8 is the most powerful engine Jaguar
has ever built for a production sedan, and its 370 horsepower and plentiful
torque propel the XJR from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds.
This kind of acceleration puts the luxury sedan in the performance company of
many sports cars.
    The XK8 coupe and convertible, all-new at introduction one year ago, are
upgraded for 1998 with the addition of automatic on/off headlamps, an engine
immobilizer feature for the anti-theft system, and sound system improvements
that include steering-wheel controls and integrated controls for the optional
voice-activated telephone.

    Product Improvements Foster Jaguar's Resurgence
    "Bringing in the XJ8 -- with its new powertrain, suspension and electrical
system -- at last year's pricing demonstrates just how far Jaguar has advanced
in development and production efficiency," said Michael H. Dale, president of
Jaguar Cars North America.  "Today, every Jaguar model represents world-class
value."
    Contributing to Jaguar's pricing competitiveness are the quality advances
which result from revitalized manufacturing techniques and facilities.
Warranty costs in the United States today are just 41 percent of 1990 levels,
according to Jaguar studies.  Ownership costs have been reduced, too.  Jaguar
claims that maintenance costs for the 1998 XJ sedans are down by more than
one-third over the first 50,000 miles of driving, compared to the previous
generation.
    Also aiding Jaguar's value position is the growing customer recognition of
the marque's resurgence, which has improved the trade-in values.  Jaguar
residuals are now fully competitive in the prestige-luxury class, according to
independent companies that forecast values.
    Jaguar's prices range from $54,750 for the XJ8 sedan to $69,900 for the
XK8 convertible.
    The company projects calendar 1998 North American sales of almost
7,000 XK8s and 16,000 sedans.  It forecasts sales of the new sedans will climb
20 percent overall and that XJR will double its current sales rate.

SOURCE  Jaguar Ltd.