Review: Jaguar X308 XJ (1997-03)

Review: Jaguar X308.I XJ8, Sovereign and XJR (1997-99)

Overview

Released in October 1997, the Jaguar X308 Series I (X308.I) XJ range consisted of the XJ8, Sovereign and XJR models. Manufactured in Coventry, England, the rear-wheel drive XJ range were powered by 3.2- and 4.0-litre V8 petrol engines mated to a five-speed automatic transmissions. The full XJ range is given in the table below.

AJ27 and AJ26S engines

Of the engines,

• the naturally aspirated 3.2- and 4.0-litre AJ27 V8 engines had aluminium blocks and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), variable cam phasing, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing; and,
• the supercharged 4.0-litre AJ26S V8 engine differed in that it was fitted with an Eaton M112 roots-type supercharger, twin intercoolers (air-to-liquid) and omitted variable valve timing. In October 1998, the AJ26S was upgraded with an improved engine management system and oil temperature sensor.

While the naturally aspirated engines were mated to five-speed ZF 5HP24 automatic transmissions, the supercharged engine used Mercedes-Benz’s five-speed W5A580 automatic transmission. 

Dimensions

The X308 XJ had the same dimensions as the X300 XJ , measuring 5024 mm long, 1798 mm wide, 1314 mm tall and with a 2870 mm long wheelbase. The long wheelbase models, however, were 125 mm longer (5149 mm length, 2995 mm wheelbase) and had a 19 mm higher roofline (1333 mm). The X308 XJ, however, had a stronger structure due to the introduction of ultra high strength boron steel. Visually, the X308 XJ could be identified by its shallower grille, oval-shaped front indicators, clear lens headlights with optic reflectors and clear rear indicator lenses. Inside, there was a more rounded dashboard design and circular instrument displays.

Suspension and CATS

The XJ’s front suspension used unequal length upper and lower wishbones, while the independent rear suspension featured double wishbones. Standard for the XJR and optional for other models, Jaguar’s Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) included uprated springs for increased roll stiffness and electronically-controlled, adaptive dampers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the XJ8 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. The Sovereign, XJR and 4.0-litre Sport variants were also fitted with traction control.

Features: XJ8, Sovereign and XJR

Standard features for the XJ8 included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a power adjustable steering column, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser. Inside, the XJ8 featured hued walnut veneers.

Compared to the standard XJ8, the XJ8 Sport was differentiated by its 17-inch alloy wheels with firmer suspension, front fog lamps, body-coloured grille surround and boot plinth and dark grey Birdseye Maple veneers.

The Sovereign was specified similarly to the standard XJ8, but featured 16-inch ‘Starburst’ alloy wheels, chrome highlights and burr walnut trim.

The XJR was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels with firmer suspension and CATS, embossed leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Review: Jaguar X308.II XJ8, Sovereign and XJR (1999-03)

Overview

Released in October 1999, the X308 Series II (X308.II) was a minor update on the X308.I. Inside, the XJ8 models adopted the interior styling which was previously reserved for the XJR and Sovereign; there was also a new analogue clock and re-styled sports seats for XJR and XJ Sport. Furthermore, security was upgraded with an encrypted key transponder for the immobiliser system.

Mechanical changes included a new electronic throttle body, electronically-activated cruise control (previously vacuum-operated) and exhaust gas recirculation for reduced emissions. The supercharged V8 engine also had a new engine management system and oil temperature sensor for improved performance and reduced emissions.

Safety equipment

Compared to their X308.I predecessors, standard safety equipment was improved with the introduction of Jaguar’s more advanced ‘ABS Plus’ system and traction control was made standard across the range (previously omitted from the 3.2-litre XJ8).

Features

Standard features for the XJ8 were extended to include twelve-way power adjustable front seats, rain-sensing wipers, chrome window surrounds and a rear cigar lighter; the standard (i.e. non-Sport) variants were also fitted with 16-inch ‘Corona’ alloy wheels. Jaguar’s CATS was also available as an option.

Beyond this, the Sovereign added 16-inch ‘Lunar’ alloy wheels, contrast seat piping, a wood/leather steering wheel and memory functions for the driver’s seat, steering column and mirrors. The XJR received 18-inch ‘Asteroid’ alloy wheels, carpet mats and a tool kit.

2001 Jaguar XJR 100

In August 2001, a ‘100’ edition of the XJR was released to commemorate the centenary of Sir William Lyons, Jaguar’s founder. The XJR 100 18-inch BBS nine-spoke ‘Montreal’ alloy wheels, cross-drilled Brembo brakes, Warm Charcoal leather upholstery, an ‘R Performance’ steering wheel and Momo gear knob, gray-stained birdseye maple trim, red interior stitching and Anthracite paint finish.

2002 Jaguar XJ8 Heritage

In February 2002, an XJ8 3.2 Heritage edition was released. Compared to the standard XJ8 3.2, the Heritage edition featured a wood/leather steering wheel, wooden gear knob, tool kit, carpet mats, burr walnut veneers and memory functions for the driver’s seat, steering column and mirrors.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Jaguar X308 XJ