Sunday, July 24, 2011

Jaguar


Archive for the ‘Jaguar’ Category

Jaguar XJ-Series 2008

Jaguar XJ-Series 2008


Jaguar XJ-Series 2008
Jaguar XJ-Series 2008

Jaguar XJ-Series 2008

Jaguar XJ-Series 2008

Jaguar XJ-Series 2008
Jaguar XJ-Series 2008

Jaguar XJ-Series 2008

Jaguar XJ-Series 2008

Jaguar XJ-Series 2008
Jaguar XJ-Series 2008




In the rarefied air of the ultraluxury sedan, the Jaguar XJ-Series 2008  takes a slightly different tack than the flagships offered by its peers. Rather than emphasizing that the XJ can accelerate as effortlessly as its feline namesake, Jaguar seems to take equal pride in its stately sedan’s often quirky English heritage. The sumptuous cabin that’s as elegant as a parlor, the decidedly unconventional layout of some controls and the classic hunkered-down body shape fly in the face of the colder, modernistic design edicts of the Jag’s chief rivals.Jaguar XJ-Series 2008
But that’s not to say the Jaguar XJ-Series 2008 is a complete anachronism. There are plenty of high-tech features under that traditional Jaguar skin, such as a lightweight, all-aluminum architecture and a refined 4.2-liter, 32-valve V8 that can be had in either naturally aspirated or supercharged form.Jaguar XJ-Series 2008
This year brings some styling updates inspired by the XK sport coupe, such as side fender vents and a “growler” badge for the grille. The latter replaces the cat frozen in midleap atop the hood, but if you simply can’t have your XJ without the “leaper,” rest assured that it’s still available as an option. A new grille, new mirrors (with signal indicators), new wheel designs and new bumpers, along with a subtle rear spoiler and revised model script further freshen this XJ generation that bowed in 2004.Jaguar XJ-Series 2008
The handsome cabin also gets a few new features for 2008, namely the availability of cooled seats and high-definition radio, as well as redesigned front seatbacks that provide more legroom for those in back.Jaguar XJ-Series 2008
A few of the Jaguar XJ-Series 2008 , um, let’s say “charming” idiosyncrasies remain, including ventilation controls that would baffle a cryptologist and the “J-Gate” shifter which, should you choose to change gears manually, operates with all the precision of rebar stuck in half-dried cement. The majority of Jaguar drivers probably won’t notice, though, as they’re more apt to just leave it in Drive rather than do something as bourgeois as shift their own gears.
All in all, the XJ is pleasant to be around, with confident handling, a plush ride and cat-quick performance. No, it’s not the most rational car when all is considered, so if cold logic rules your purchase decision, buy German or Japanese. This car is, quite defiantly, not an Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus or Mercedes. And for those looking for something more classically distinguished and unusual than the status-quo picks in the ultraluxury sedan segment, the Jaguar XJ-Series 2008  is a tempting alternative, especially in the supercharged XJR and Super V8 flavors.Jaguar XJ-Series 2008

Jaguar XJ XJR 2009

Jaguar XJ XJR 2009
Jaguar XJ XJR 2009

Jaguar XJ XJR 2009
Jaguar XJ XJR 2009

Jaguar XJ XJR 2009






Jaguar XJ XJR 2009

Jaguar XJ XJR 2009
Jaguar XJ XJR 2009

Jaguar XJ XJR 2009


Jaguar XJ XJR 2009

Jaguar XJ XJR 2009
Jaguar XJ XJR 2009


Jaguar XJ XJR 2009
The Jaguar XJ XJR 2009  brims with style, character and tradition. While German rivals might boast precision, efficiency and a number of high-tech gizmos befitting a space shuttle, comparing the XJ to one of its Continental competitors would be like pitting an old comfy wingback against one of those stark leather and metal chairs from Mike Myers’ “Saturday Night Live” sketch “Sprockets.” Not that we’re condemning the XJ to a retirement community somewhere in Florida. On the contrary, this British sedan’s unique brand of old-world charm, new-world driving dynamics and relative simplicity has a special appeal to members of any generation.Jaguar XJ XJR 2009
It may look like Ye Olde Motorcar, but the Jag XJ drives like a thoroughly modern automobile. It strikes an ideal balance between driver involvement and luxurious comfort. And although the XJ will never be the best candidate for tackling a tight canyon road, its ability to handle around-town corners is a welcome surprise for a car that is mostly intended to ferry four passengers in opulent comfort at high speeds.Jaguar XJ XJR 2009
The long-wheelbase XJ, despite dimensions similar to those of the Audi A8 L, BMW 750Li and Mercedes S550, manages to feel a bit smaller than its competitors from behind the wheel. The wide, low-slung cabin may have something to do with that, but most of the credit should go to the XJ’s rigid aluminum chassis, which contributes to a curb weight that’s about 600 pounds lighter than its luxury-sedan competitors. The steering also helps in this perception, as its excellent feel and well-balanced weighting make you forget there are several feet of British saloon astern. We suggest opting for this longer body style (XJ8 L, Vanden Plas and Super V8), since we think the backseat is a bit cramped on standard-sized models.Jaguar XJ XJR 2009
The choice to buy a Jaguar XJ XJR 2009  cannot be made using logic; it’s more of an emotional decision. For those who find cars like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S550 too sterile and lacking in character, the XJ will fill that gap. Also, the fact it doesn’t have all the high-tech (and often confusing) gizmos of those German sedans or the Lexus LS 460 will appeal to some and turn others off. On the other hand, its weird ergonomics, several low-rent interior pieces and less interior space make the XJ feel decidedly behind the times. So for those looking for something decidedly different, the Jaguar XJ will definitely deliver — just make sure you truly like “different.”Jaguar XJ XJR 2009