New Jaguar XJ to Deliver Best-in-Class Fuel Economy

Jaguars all-new 2004 XJ will set a new benchmark in luxury sedan fuel economy when it goes on sale June 1.

According to the latest EPA government fuel figures, the 2004 4.2-liter XJ8 has a best-in-class Highway rating of 28 miles per gallon.

That gives the car an outstanding theoretical calculated range of 630 miles a one-tank trip from New York to Cincinnati, Denver to Kansas City, or a round trip from Chicago to Detroit.

With an EPA Combined rating of 22mpg another best in class figure the new XJ8 real-world touring range on a full tank is still a theoretical 495 miles, the approximate distance of a drive from San Francisco to San Diego.

"This is yet another, compelling example of the weight-saving benefits of the new XJ aluminum monocoque construction," said George Ayres, VP of Marketing at Jaguar.

Constructed using lightweight aluminum joined by self-pierce rivets and epoxy adhesive state-of-the-art techniques learned from the aerospace industry the new XJ body is some 60 percent stiffer yet 40 percent lighter than before. In the XJ8, that translates into an overall weight savings of almost 200 pounds.

Weight savings not only delivers exceptional fuel economy, it also results in lower emissions, more agile handling and truly athletic performance. The new XJ8, for example, accelerates from zero to 60mph in just 6.3 seconds compared to 6.9 seconds for the previous model.

In the new 2004 supercharged XJR the benefits are even more pronounced. Its 17mpg City/24mpg Highway EPA rating matches that of the previous, normally-aspirated 2003 XJ8 4.0 and provides exemption from gas guzzler taxation. Against the stopwatch, the XJR can accelerate from standstill to 60mph in a staggering 5.0 seconds.

Three versions of the 2004 Jaguar XJ will be offered in North America. The XJ8 and Vanden Plas models both feature a 4.2-liter 294bhp (SAE) AJ-V8, while the flagship XJR is powered by a 390bhp supercharged AJ-V8. Each engine benefits from being coupled to a new, highly-responsive six-speed ZF automatic transmission.

"With gas prices in the U.S. heading towards record levels, fuel economy even in luxury cars is becoming a key buying consideration," adds Ayres.

From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the worlds premier manufacturers of prestigious automobiles. The Jaguar marque continues to stand for an unparalleled heritage and a tradition of elegant style, luxurious comfort, and refined performance.

Today, Jaguar offers a four-model range of luxury sedans and sports cars. The 2003 Jaguar X-TYPE makes the marque accessible to a new segment of customers and is the companys first all-wheel drive model. The new X-TYPE sports sedan combines a fresh performance spirit with the luxury, craftsmanship and refinement for which Jaguar is renowned, and all for less than $30,000.

The stylish Jaguar S-TYPE debuted in 1999, and brought a mid-size sedan to Jaguars model line for the first time in three decades. The full size XJ sedan has been the cornerstone of the marque since 1968 and is the definitive Jaguar. For 2004 the all-new XJ is the most technologically advanced car the company has ever built, using aircraft-style aluminum construction for lightness and strength. Finally, the XK series, including XK8 and XKR coupes and convertibles, provides sports car enthusiasts with luxurious sports cars that deliver exhilarating performance.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com