The 1990s
Throughout the 1990s, the company, led by Ford specialists, carried out a modernization program, launched new assembly lines and introduced new production technology. At the beginning of the decade, the world's first Jaguar XJ220 hypercar was released, once again ahead of its time. In the middle of the decade, the company introduces a new development: the AJ-V8, the fourth in-house production engine in the history of the company, which replaced the V12 and became the basis for many Jaguar models for the coming decades. The company is introducing new XJ sedans, the XK8 sports coupe, and the S-type midsize sports sedan, bringing Jaguar into the new century with record-breaking production levels and a wide range of new models.
After winning Le-man in 1988, Walkinshaw conceived a new sports car concept that resulted in the Jaguar XJR-15. Its official premiere took place at Silverstone in early 1991. The XJR-15 was a rear-wheel drive sports car equipped with a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 450 hp. The chassis and bodywork of the XJR-15 was made from carbon fiber and Kevlar, and was the first road car to be built entirely from composites. It was designed to comply with the 1990 Group C racing rules. In the road version of the car, the suspension was set up more comfortably, and the car earned positive reviews from journalists. A special sports series of the 1991 Jaguar Sport Intercontinental Challenge was created for the XJR-15. This is a competition in three racing series, were held during 1991 as support for the Formula One Grand Prix at Monaco, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. The car was produced by the Jaguar Sport division in Bloxham (UK) from 1990 to 1992, with a total of 50 Jaguar XJR-15s produced, selling for US$960,165 each.
As early as 1984, a small team of enthusiastic engineers at Jaguar Cars were contemplating a four-wheel drive car that would lead the company to victory at Le Mans. At first it was an informal project, the development of the so-called "Saturday Club", a group of engineers and designers from the center in Whitley, volunteering on weekends and after hours, albeit under the direction of technical director Jim Randle. The prototype was presented on October 22, 1988 at the International Motor Show in Birmingham and aroused great interest, the car literally gathered crowds around it. In early 1992, it was officially announced that the Jaguar XJ220 would go on sale in about sixteen months, at a price of £360,000. The serial version was presented to the public at the Tokyo Auto Show on October 25, 1991. The production Jaguar XJ220 used a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. As standard equipment, the car was equipped with electric windows, mirrors and seats, air conditioning, an audio system with a CD player, and aluminum wheels. Serially installed alarm and immobilizer. The salon was made of leather of any color at the choice of the buyer. The price has also changed, in total for each Jaguar XJ220 you had to pay 403,000 pounds in Britain, or $540,000 in America.
The world debut of the new XJ took place at the Paris Motor Show in October 1994, and the launch of the brand's new flagship became Jaguar's highlight of the year. For the first time, the company launched a new car, manufactured according to international quality standards, simultaneously in all markets of the globe. During development, the new XJ was indexed internally as the X300, and over £200 million was invested in it., and it was the first model introduced by Jaguar since its acquisition by Ford. The most striking aspect of the new series was the combination of traditional and modern features, resulting in a new elegant body design. Every outer body panel has been redesigned from the XJ40. Engineers have made the new XJ quieter, smoother, more comfortable, faster, more economical, safer, more reliable and stronger. New 4.0-liter engine with 326 hp with a compressor, a first for production luxury sedans, also ensured that the new XJ became more attractive to customers. The car was a resounding success and earned praise from Jaguar dealers, the press and customers around the world.
In 1996, the XK8 made its debut at the Geneva and New York auto shows, causing a wave of approval. The powerful, flowing lines of the XK8 were reminiscent of the great Jaguar sports cars. The XK8 was Jaguar's first new sports car, belonging to the latest generation of Jaguar's long-term production strategy. Built on Jaguar heritage, the XK8 is a unique combination of style, luxury, refinement and craftsmanship, while setting new standards in the sports car market for performance, advanced technology, quality and reliability. Jaguar engineers have created a completely new body design and a new interior. The new suspension, steering and braking system also confirms the XK8's reputation for best-in-class ride and handling balance. The heart of the XK8 was the all-new AJ-V8 engine. Designed and engineered in Whitley, the 4.0-liter 32-valve V8 with a four-barrel carburetor produces 290 hp. set new performance standards for the Jaguar brand. Since its introduction at the Geneva Motor Show where it was voted the best car, the XK8 has won awards and rave reviews all over the world for its style, beauty, speed, handling and even sex appeal!
Jaguar introduced the new XJ8 sedan at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 11, 1997. The car has been extensively modified to improve quality, durability and structural performance. Torsional rigidity has also been increased, putting Jaguar in line with the leaders. The interior of the XJ8 was a modern evolution of Jaguar's style, combining traditional materials and craftsmanship with high technology. Increased passenger comfort, improved ergonomics and more legroom, while at the same time improving safety. Widespread changes included the front suspension, braking system and wireless throttle control. All XK8 and XJ8 hulls were painted at Castle Bromwich using the new equipment. The car was equipped with all-aluminum V8 engines with four camshafts of 3.2 liters with a capacity of 237 hp. and 4.0 liters with a capacity of 284 hp, later a version with a 4.0 liter compressor with a capacity of 363 hp appeared.
In early 1998, Jaguar announced that the midsize S-type sports sedan (in-house designation X200) would debut in October at the Birmingham International Motor Show. Full production of the S-type will be in place by 1999, guaranteeing Jaguar's entry into a new century with record production levels and the widest range of products in the company's history. The new model was developed at Jaguar's Whitley Technical Center, built at Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant and went on sale in March 1999. The S-type was hailed as a completely new, more affordable, compact, luxury sports sedan that complemented and expanded Jaguar's existing lineup. Positioned lower than the XJ in terms of size and cost, the S-type embodied the brand's core values of unconventional styling, high power, easy operation and unsurpassed comfort. The S-type was powered by either a 3-litre V6 or a 4-litre V8. The powerful V6, the company's first V6 engine, was perfectly matched to a chassis that combined unsurpassed performance and ease of handling. In addition, innovative technologies were used in the production of the car, including voice control of the audio system, telephone and climate control, which was first used on mass-produced cars, which ensured safe and easy use of these systems. which combines unsurpassed performance and ease of operation. In addition, innovative technologies were used in the production of the car, including voice control of the audio system, telephone and climate control, which was first used on mass-produced cars, which ensured safe and easy use of these systems. which combines unsurpassed performance and ease of operation. In addition, innovative technologies were used in the production of the car, including voice control of the audio system, telephone and climate control, which was first used on mass-produced cars, which ensured safe and easy use of these systems.