THE EXPERIENCE (Powertrain)
“The all-new XJ has been engineered to engage the driver with exhilarating performance and surprising agility, but without sacrificing comfort or refinement. For a luxury saloon, the XJ really is as good as it gets.”
Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity
With a stiff, lightweight body structure, a new generation of ultra-efficient, high-performance powertrains and the latest chassis technologies, the all-new XJ is an outstanding premium sports saloon that delivers an exhilarating driving experience.
The primary objective while developing the new XJ was to provide a combination of focused and responsive sporting dynamics, allied to the suppleness and refinement of a luxury vehicle. The all-new XJ is very much a driver’s car and surprisingly agile for its size, but without any compromise to comfort.
At more relaxed cruising speeds the new XJ is blissfully silent. A full secondary bulkhead, laminated glass in all the main windows, streamlined aerodynamics and an optimised body structure help to reduce noise levels to an absolute minimum. When driven in a more spirited fashion, however, carefully tuned air intake systems deliver an inspiring engine soundtrack.
Giving even greater level of personal control, the XJ driver can tailor the driving experience to suit their mood or conditions. JaguarDrive ControlTM offers two different modes: Dynamic mode, for a more sporting and responsive character, and Winter mode, for greater confidence in low-grip conditions. Each mode changes the characteristics of engine mapping, transmission shifts, Adaptive Dynamics and Active Differential Control systems and DSC interventions.
In Dynamic mode gearshift changes are later, the suspension stiffens and even the presentation and colour of the main instrument dials changes. And in Winter mode, the transmission selects second gear to provide greater traction from standstill.
There are also interior passive safety technologies with active seat belts that draw you in to the seat under heavy braking or hard cornering, and when Dynamic Mode is activated.
Efficient, refined powertrains
The new XJ offers the choice of up to four powerful and refined engines, Heading the line-up is the supremely powerful new supercharged 5.0-litre V8, available with 510PS or 470PS, depending on model. Jaguar’s new flagship engine, the 510PS V8, is available only in the range-topping Supersport model. The other petrol option is the smooth and responsive 385PS naturally-aspirated V8, while completing the range is the formidable 3.0-litre 275PS AJ-V6D Gen III diesel. With twin sequential turbochargers, the V6 diesel marries tremendous drive with impressive fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The new direct-injection 5.0-litre AJ-V8 Gen III V8 petrol engines were introduced at the beginning of 2009. They were developed from the outset to deliver significantly increased power and torque, but with improved emissions and fuel efficiency. Particular emphasis was also placed on achieving a sporting character, combining responsive low-end torque with spirited top-end performance.
The new V8 has a compact and lightweight all-aluminium design, with class-leading low levels of internal friction. It features an industry-first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, which delivers fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar directly to the centre of the combustion chamber, maximising air-fuel mixing and improving combustion control.
Efficiency is further enhanced by an innovative new variable camshaft timing system (VCT), which is activated by the positive and negative torques generated by opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead of by oil pressure. This has allowed the engine oil pump to be reduced in size, saving energy and reducing fuel consumption.
The 510PS and 470PS supercharged engines are fitted with a sixth-generation, twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger. A compact Roots-type unit, it has a high-helix rotor design that increases supercharger thermodynamic efficiency by 16 percent and improves noise quality to the point where the unit is now virtually inaudible.
The naturally aspirated version is equipped with a new variable inlet manifold (VIM) and camshaft profile switching (CPS) on the inlet camshaft, which work together to optimise power and torque throughout the rev range.
The results are truly impressive. Compared to the 4.2-litre V8s in the previous XJ, power is increased by 29 percent on both the 510PS supercharged and naturally aspirated versions. The 470PS supercharged engine is 19 percent more powerful than the outgoing 4.2-litre engine.
Yet despite the significant performance increase, CO2 emissions and fuel economy are at the same competitive levels for both engines, which also meet stringent EU5 and US ULEV2 emissions regulations.
Advanced new V6 twin-turbocharged diesel engine
The new 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III diesel uses cutting-edge technologies to deliver seamless performance with exceptional efficiency, providing the all-new XJ with the ultimate in power, response and refinement in the premium diesel segment.
A key feature of the new V6 diesel engine is the unique, ‘parallel sequential’ turbocharger system, the first of its type to be fitted to a V-engine anywhere in the world. Delivering high torque throughout the entire engine rev range, improved throttle response and low CO2 emissions, the twin-turbochargers work sequentially to deliver unrivalled response and torque at low engine speeds, while packing a huge punch at higher engine speeds.
For most day-to-day driving, including motorway cruising, a responsive, variable-geometry primary turbocharger does all the work, while the smaller, fixed-geometry, secondary turbo is dormant, saving energy and improving efficiency. When the engine revs climb above 2800rpm, the secondary turbo is brought on line within 300 milliseconds, smoothly and seamlessly boosting the engine output with no discernible turbo-lag or power-step.
Jaguar engineers have particularly focussed on the issue of turbocharger ‘lag’ at low engine speeds. The new AJ-V6D significantly out-performs its rivals in this respect by delivering 500Nm of torque in only 500 milliseconds from idle.
A new common rail fuel-injection system delivers up to five diesel injections on each cycle at a pressure of 2000bar, increasing power, improving economy and reducing both CO2 and particulate emissions. The system also minimises combustion noise, which, in combination with the compact graphite iron (CGI) cylinder block and comprehensive sound deadening measures, makes the new engine amongst the quietest premium diesels on the market today.
The outstanding emissions performance is achieved using conventional diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters (DPFs). NOx levels are reduced at source through the combustion system design, the common rail injection system and a fully optimised EGR system with by-pass. As a result, specialised NOx exhaust after-treatment is unnecessary, avoiding the need to use additional precious metals in the exhaust system.
Compared to the highly acclaimed 2.7-litre unit that accounted for up to 25 percent of XJ sales worldwide, the new V6 Diesel is 33 percent more powerful at 275PS, while torque rises by 38 percent to a substantial 600Nm.
When combined with the XJ’s lightweight structure, the performance gains are considerable. Acceleration to 60mph is accomplished in just 6.0 seconds, on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. Fuel economy and emissions are also impressive, with the diesel-powered XJ returning combined economy figures of 40.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km
Advanced six-speed automatic transmission
All the engines in the new XJ transmit power through an enhanced version of Jaguar’s acclaimed six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission has a fully-adaptive shift system which delivers extremely smooth gear changes and optimises performance and economy at all times. Shift patterns are continually adapted to suit the current driving style, with shift points varying according to whether the driver is using a more sporting or relaxed approach.
The high levels of torque produced by the new engines make it possible for the torque converter lock-up feature to be used even at low speeds, without slip, further improving CO2 emissions and fuel economy.
As befits a sports saloon, all XJ models are fitted with the Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM system for manual gear selection, with shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. The system has been tuned for quicker responses, resulting in a smoother, more powerful shift feel and an almost instantaneous shift.
The lifecycle of a vehicle
The all-new XJ takes a new approach to sustainable motoring, with its lightweight aluminium body structure and advanced powertrains. It backs this up by delivering outstanding quality and extremely low cost of ownership.
Jaguar has developed its approach to sustainability by focusing on the ‘lifecycle’ of a vehicle; a more stringent approach to sustainability than standalone measures like fuel consumption or CO2 emissions.
A lifecycle approach means minimising the amount of materials used, incorporating recycled material wherever possible, using low-energy manufacturing processes, maximising durability, and making the vehicle easy to recycle at the end of its life.
Jaguar’s aluminium architecture is a significant contributor to the sustainability of the new XJ. It uses around 50 percent recycled material in the body, and plans are in place to increase that figure to 75 percent. This alone creates a saving of three tonnes of CO2 per vehicle, compared to a bodyshell made from new aluminium.
The new Jaguar XJ still returns excellent figures when you consider more traditional measures of sustainability, such as CO2 emissions, where the 3.0-litre AJ-V6D produces just 184g/km.
“The outstanding responsiveness and efficiency of the latest Jaguar V6 diesel and V8 petrol engines make them ideally suited to the new XJ. When combined with the vehicle’s lightweight structure, the result is intoxicating performance and impressive fuel economy.”
Malcolm Sandford, Engine Group Chief Engineer
DRIVER AIDS & SAFETY SYSTEMS
To complement its powerful engines and advanced driving dynamics, the new XJ provides a comprehensive set of active safety aids including: an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Understeer Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Engine Drag Torque Control and, for vehicles fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Electronic Brake Pre-fill.
A two-stage DSC system combines the normal on-off switchable DSC function, which reacts as soon as it detects slip, with Trac DSC – which allows more slip before intervening -for a more sporting driving experience. Pressing and holding the DSC button for 10 seconds fully disables electronic intervention, allowing an experienced driver to exploit fully the capability of the new XJ chassis as they choose, where conditions allow.
New XJs with either supercharged engine are fitted with the advanced new Active Differential Control (ADC) system that was introduced at the beginning of 2009 on the XKR and XFR models. This system uses a computer-controlled differential to distribute torque to the rear wheels in a much more sophisticated way than a conventional mechanical differential, improving both traction and dynamic stability and providing more sporting handling.
ADC uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the final drive to vary the degree of differential locking – and therefore the proportion of torque to each driven rear wheel – depending on surface conditions and power applied. Its control strategies optimise traction at each wheel, improving acceleration on low-grip surfaces and enhancing cornering ability, but with no adverse effect on either refinement or stability.
Drivers of the new XJ also benefit from a number of additional active safety features that provide enhanced confidence and security when on the road.
The xenon headlamps are available with an intelligent high beam system, which switches high beam on and off according to the presence of oncoming traffic and the prevailing lighting conditions. This feature is combined with adaptive lighting, which swivels the headlamps to follow the road when cornering, and also provides additional LED illumination when manoeuvring at low speeds.
Other technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control, which monitors the gap to traffic ahead and adjusts the cruise control system and speed accordingly; a radar-based blind-spot monitoring system that alerts the XJ driver to vehicles in close proximity on either side; and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System that continuously monitors pressure and temperature.
ADVANCED BODY ENGINEERING
The advanced lightweight body architecture of the all-new XJ is hugely impressive in its own right – but the technologies used in its engineering development are equally of note, Pioneered by Jaguar during the development of the XF, the Virtual Process (VP) and Virtual Series (VS) processes use massive computing power and sophisticated modelling programmes to create and refine components and systems in the virtual world, long before physical parts are produced.
Together, VP and VS significantly improve quality and manufacturing efficiency, benefitting craftsmanship, durability and reliability.
For the all-new XJ, this ground-breaking approach has been enhanced by the use of a state-of-the-art Jaguar Virtual Reality Centre, sited at Jaguar Land Rover’s Warwickshire headquarters.
The four-walled virtual reality ‘cave’ allows engineers to visualise CAD models of vehicles and components as full-size 3D images, using eight powerful, high-definition projectors to create photo-quality images. Wearing 3D glasses, engineers gain unprecedented access to their designs, viewing the virtual car from any angle, inside and out.
This technology has proved particularly effective at identifying potential conflicts with the routing of piping or wiring within the vehicle, allowing problems to be resolved very early in the design process.
Achieving class-leading quality was an obsession throughout the development process of the all-new XJ, with almost 40,000 specific quality-related assessments conducted at an early stage of the vehicle’s development. Exceeding customers’ expectations in terms of ‘perceived quality’ was a particular focus, with all components that a customer can see, touch or smell exhaustively analysed to ensure that they met or exceeded the challenging targets appropriate for a Jaguar.
The entire body of the all-new XJ – including the monocoque chassis structure and external body panels – is made from a combination of pressed, cast and extruded aluminium alloy components. The joints in the shell are riveted and bonded together using techniques originally developed in the aerospace industry and adapted for automotive use by Jaguar.
The advance in the new XJ is in the use of new materials such as aluminium ‘Fusion’ alloys and optimised body design. Together these deliver improved strength, enhanced refinement and superior safety performance.
“Jaguar is a world leader in lightweight aluminium body structures, and the all-new XJ builds on this experience by incorporating the latest materials and optimisation technologies. The result is a body which sets new standards for lightness, strength and durability,” says Mark White, Body Engineering Director.
Key features of the all-new XJ’s body architecture include:
* Optimised structure – the bodyshell has been designed to minimise the number of separate parts, thereby reducing the amount of joints and eliminating complex assemblies and as a result, improving structural integrity. Production processes have also been simplified. Compared to the outgoing XJ, the new model uses 12 percent fewer rivets, 25 percent less adhesive, and consumes less energy in manufacture.
* Advanced aluminium alloys -new, high-strength aluminium alloys have been applied in key locations throughout the structure, improving stiffness and durability while reducing the amount of material used. For example, a new Fusion alloy – essentially a high-strength aluminium ‘sandwich’ enables panel thickness to be reduced by 10 percent, and is applied on the fenders, roof panels and boot lid.
* The aluminium castings used in suspension and driveline mounting points use stronger materials which allow the wall thicknesses to be reduced by 20 percent.
* Magnesium components – the use of ultra-lightweight magnesium castings has been extended. The front-end carrier – which supports parts like the headlamps and grille – is also now a one-piece magnesium casting, reducing weight and complexity.
* Elegant engineering – to preserve the purity and style of the striking design that Ian Callum and his team demanded for the all-new XJ, elegant engineering solutions were employed to avoid any compromise to the appearance. For example, the impressive graphic created by the open glasshouse required a new structural approach for the roof and bodysides. A hydroformed aluminium tube section runs from the base of the A-pillar to the D-pillar, imparting tremendous strength and rigidity to the body shell.
SUSPENSION & STEERING
The superb torsional rigidity of the all-new XJ’s aluminium body structure provides the perfect platform for its suspension system. A further development of the design adopted by the XK sports car and XF sports saloon, the new XJ’s suspension is true to the modern Jaguar DNA, being developed to provide a focused and responsive sporting character allied to the suppleness and refinement essential for a luxury sports saloon.
The front-end suspension mirrors the new XF, featuring unequal length wishbones with weight-saving forged aluminium components, suspended by coil springs. The front subframe is directly mounted to the body for enhanced steering response and handling precision. The system is designed to deliver maximum control, providing excellent straight-line stability and strong anti-dive characteristics under heavy braking, with minimum road noise and vibration.
At the rear the subframe-mounted, multi-link rear suspension features lightweight cast aluminium links and shares the same sophisticated design as the new XK and XF. For the all-new XJ, however, air suspension is used.
Air suspension maintains an optimum ride height at all times and also helps to ensure that the new XJ retains a high level of refinement and rolling comfort without compromising its sporting driving characteristics.
To help achieve that highly desirable balance between impeccable high-speed handling and a cosseting ride, the XJ also uses the advanced new Adaptive Dynamics active damping system. Introduced at the beginning of 2009 on the new XK and XFR models, this system automatically optimises suspension damper settings to suit both road conditions and the way the car is being driven. It provides a continuously variable range of damping between a firmer sports setting and a softer setting for ride comfort, delivering optimum body control and vehicle ride whatever the circumstances.
The all-new XJ uses an enhanced variable ratio power-assisted steering system, tuned to deliver reduced parking effort at low speeds with greater precision and feedback at higher speeds, including the positive on-centre ‘feel’ that has become a Jaguar dynamic trademark.
BRAKES, WHEELS & TYRES
The all-new XJ benefits from the same powerful braking system that was developed for the new XK sports car. Diesel and naturally aspirated V8-engined XJs are fitted with 355mm front discs and 326mm discs at the rear. The powerful 470PS and 510PS V8 supercharged models feature 380mm front discs gripped by lightweight aluminium twin-piston floating callipers, with 376mm rear discs. All discs across the range are ventilated.
Jaguar’s Electric Parking Brake system, which automatically engages when the engine is turned off and is released when Drive is selected, has the option of manual operation if required, using a stylish chrome fingertip control in the centre console.
The majority of new XJ models will be fitted with 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, although an 18-inch design will be offered in some markets. There are six stunning designs, some with the additional option of polished or chrome finishes..
For the first time on a Jaguar saloon, wider wheels with lower profile tyres are fitted at the rear of the car, optimising grip and enhancing the vehicle’s sporting stance.
