Jaguar XJ8 (project X308) is a full-size sedan, the third and latest generation of Jaguar executive cars developed on the XJ40 platform.

About Jaguar XJ X308

The main story behind the creation of the new luxury sedan is the new Jaguar AJ-V8 engine (originally the AJ26). Thanks to a new engine developed in Coventry by David Shchupak's team, the X308 project car received new equipment and became more comfortable than its predecessors.

Another significant feature in the history of the development of the Jaguar XJ8 (X308) sedan is that the car was developed as part of the global development program for the Ford Motor Co. model range.

Despite the fact that for Whitley's designers and technologists such a program meant greater dependence on the center in Dearborn (USA), which was responsible for the development of luxury cars, it became possible to use Ford's impressive resources.

First of all, the quality of cars assembled at the Brown's Lane plant has improved, thanks to new components and Ford standards. Costs for the production of body parts decreased, and the development of the new AJ26 engine turned out to be more than comfortable for D. Shchupak’s team.

The Jaguar XJ8 (X308) was first presented to the public on September 11, 1997 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it perfectly withstood the competition with the main characters of the showroom: BMW and Mercedes Benz.

New devices and units

First of all, the new 8-cylinder engine, the increasing use of electronics for driving. All models are required to be equipped with airbags, which allows them to meet new driving safety requirements.

• Jaguar AJ-V8 engines 3.2 and 4.0 liters and AJ-V8 Supercharge 4.0 liters
• General Engine Management System (GEMS)
• Nippon Denso Distributionless Ignition Unit (DIS)
• Climate control system optional
• On-Board-Diagnostics System optional
• SRS airbags in the front seats
• On-board computer optional
• ASC+T stability and traction control system
• Jaguar XJ8 X308 airbags

Jaguar XJ8 (X308) design

The body design of the XJ8 (X308) was no different from the design of its predecessor, the Jaguar XJ (X300). But a sophisticated and attentive observer noted the rounded edge of the radiator grille and the new design of its mesh. The bumpers of the new Jaguar model had less chrome trim, the direction indicators changed from rectangular to oval and became transparent.

It is worth noting that the decision to make minimal external changes to the new executive car was very successful. Considering the great success of the predecessor of the X300 project, this solution became optimal for the new model. 

New Jaguar AJ-V8 engine

Most of the innovations in the Jaguar XJ8 (X308) were found inside the car.

The interior no longer resembled the XJ40 and became truly luxurious. The dashboard, made of walnut or maple, occupied the entire width of the cabin. The small visor above the dials of the main instruments has disappeared, and the center consoles have become more rounded. The leather interior, leather-trimmed steering wheel and overall interior comfort of the XJ8 (X308) have changed a lot.

The main changes occurred in technical equipment. The new all-aluminum Jaguar AJ-V8 engine of 3.2 and 4.0 liters with four camshafts was superior in all respects to its predecessor, the Jaguar XJ16. For the first time, an engine developed at Wheatley was controlled by a Nippondenso microprocessor. Since 2000, a number of models have been equipped with a new modification of the Jaguar AJ-V8 Supercharged engine.

The engine turned out to be compact, which made it possible to reduce noise and vibration in the cabin and install some important parts of the car's electrical system behind the engine, where a safe place appeared.

Jaguar XJ X308 Overview

The Jaguar XJ8 model and its modifications were produced from 1997 to 2003. In total, from 1997 to 2003, 118,884 Jaguar XJ8 (X308) cars were produced in various modifications. Production ended in 2003 due to the development of a new executive sedan model called Project X350.

Jaguar XJ X308 Technical Specification

Engine: AJ V8 all aluminum in three versions

DOHC 3.2 liters (3248 hp, 240 hp, 176 kW) cylinder bore and stroke 86x70 mm, compression 10.5:1, aluminum combustion chamber, electronic injection, Nippondenso ignition.
DOHC 4.0 liters (3966 hp, 290 hp, 213 kW) cylinder bore and stroke 86x86 mm, compression 10.75:1, aluminum combustion chamber, electronic injection, Nippondenso ignition.
DOHC 4.0 liter Supercharged (3966 hp, 370 hp, 272 kW) cylinder bore and stroke 86x86 mm, compression 9.0:1, aluminum combustion chamber, electronic injection, Nippondenso ignition.

Body: Load-bearing four-door monocoque type with programmable deformation zones.

Transmission: Automatic five-speed ZF5HP24 and Mercedes-Benz W5A580 (for Jaguar with Supercharged engine).

Front suspension: Independent spring with two wishbones.

Rear suspension: Independent spring multi-link.

Control: Rack and pinion with ZF Servotronic hydraulic booster, starting from 1998 - ZF Servotronic II. The number of full rotations of the steering wheel is 2.8; turning circle 12.1 m, adjustable steering column, for Jaguar Sovereign version with electric drive. Four-spoke steering wheel. Airbags for the driver and passenger sitting next to them.

Brakes: Disc, hydraulic dual-circuit with hydraulic booster, anti-lock braking system ABS and stability and traction control system (ASC+T).

Wheels: Wheel sizes 225/60 ZR16, 255/40 ZR18, 235/50 ZR17.

Interior and exterior: The body design of the Jaguar XJ8 has remained almost unchanged and retains the features of its predecessor XJ (X300) - smooth body lines, round double headlights and a trunk line characteristic of Jaguar cars.
The interior remains unchanged, with leather seats and a walnut-trimmed and picnic-style dashboard.
Electric steering column, windows, mirrors and antenna, heated glass, front window and headlight washer. Central locking and remote control for trunk and gas tank lock. On-board computer, electronic adjustment of both front and rear seats, airbags, remote-controlled alarm system. Coded ignition key, steering wheel-mounted audio system, immobilizer.

Optional: Cruise control, CD Hartman Kardon audio, hand-grained leather seats and door trim, wood steering wheel and maple instrument panel.

Electronics: In addition to the standard set of electronics mentioned above, the on-board computer diagnostic system On-Board-Diagnostics System should be noted.

Dimensions: Wheelbase on SWB cars – 2870 mm, on LWB cars – 2995 mm. Length – 5024 mm and width – 1800 mm for SWB, for LWB – 5149 mm and 1800 mm, respectively. Height 1339 mm for SWB and 1351 mm for LWB.

Weight: XJ8 SWB – 1786 kg, XJ8 LWB – 1799 kg.

Jaguar XJ X308 Models

Jaguar XJ8 (X308)

The main (basic) version of the X308 project cars was produced with a modification of the Jaguar AJ-V8 engine with a power of 240 hp, engine displacement of 3.2 liters.

Traditional Jaguar rear-wheel drive, ZF electronic automatic 5-speed transmission, ITT Automotive ventilated disc brakes with hydraulic booster. Anti-lock braking system (ABS), adjustable steering column, ZF Servotronic steering system.

Electronic vehicle stability system (ESP). Engine traction control system for XJ8 models with 3.2 liter engine. Two front and side SRS airbags, adaptive headlights. Fully independent multi-link Touring suspension.

Jaguar XJ8 Sport (X308)

The XJ8 Sport was equipped with both new 8-cylinder engines from Jaguar, 3.2 and 4.0 liters. In addition, there is an increased rigidity suspension, a monocoque 4-door welded monocoque body, sports seats and wider wheels.

Matte black windshield and rear window surrounds, metallic gray vertical grilles and body-color radiator surrounds. The Sport emblem was attached to the rear panel of the body. The dashboard is finished in maple.

Jaguar Sovereign (X308)

A luxurious variant of the Jaguar XJ8 with expensive and sophisticated walnut veneer trim not only on the dashboard but throughout the cabin, including the glove box and ashtray. Premium leather seating and walnut veneer picnic table.

Adaptive suspension Computer Active Technology System (CATS) is optional. High profile tires and 16 or 17 inch wheels.
To finish the body, unlike the XJ8 model, chrome-plated steel and a polished radiator grille and trunk panel were used.
Sovereign marking on the rear panel without the "XJ" abbreviation.

In 1988, the Sovereign was released on a long wheelbase, which provided a high body profile and, accordingly, additional headroom for the passenger.

 

Jaguar XJR (X308)

Model equipped with a new version of the supercharged 4.0-liter AJ-V8 engine, which increased power to 370 hp. and increased compression.

Sports suspension, matt black windshield, rear and side windows for UK and European markets. Chrome trim for US-sourced XJRs.

Stainless steel radiator grille in body color. XJR emblem on the rear panel, enlarged exhaust pipes.
Brembo disc brakes, Computer Active Technology System (CATS) automatic adaptive suspension and large 18-inch low-profile wheels. The transmission is automatic, manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. Choice of interior and exterior trim.

Jaguar XJR100 (X308)

In 2001, a memorial Jaguar XJR100 was released in honor of the 100th anniversary of the founder of Jaguar Cars, William Lyons. The body is anthracite, the interior is upholstered in dark gray leather with a contrasting red thread trim. Bird’s eye maple dash and steering wheel.

A sports steering wheel made of genuine leather, a MOMO gear shift knob, Brembo brakes and 19-inch Montreal wheels.

Jaguar Vanden Plas (X308)

A model under this name was produced for the US market. Like the Jaguar, the XJR was equipped with a 4.0-liter AJ-V8 engine. For models launched in 2002–2003, an AJ-V8 Supercharge engine model with the same displacement of 4.0 liters was offered. Jaguar Vanden Plas extended wheelbase, Computer Active Technology System (CATS) adaptive suspension, parking sensors, enhanced sound insulation.

Jaguar XJ X308 Photogallery