XJ Diesel next starter

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media bulletin – Jaguar

XJ Diesel next starter

3 November 2006

Jaguar's entry into the diesel luxury car market will gain momentum with the launch of the XJ Diesel sedan early in 2007.

Diesel is seen as the cornerstone of the marque's development in New Zealand, complemented by the high performance ‘R’ models.

The Jaguar diesel assault on New Zealand's luxury car market started with the S-Type in October, available in standard and sport specifications.

The XJ Diesel, with the benefit of Car of the Year awards in Britain and Europe in its class will be launched in March/April for $159,990 in New Zealand. The price continues the value for money pricing in the luxury segment initiated with the introduction of the S-Type Diesel.

"We have received factory support for the pricing," said Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Motorcorp Distributors Ltd, the local importer and distributor for Jaguar.

"They want to help us grow the brand and we are offering a performance diesel alternative below the pricing of our rivals."

The diesel engine, aluminium bodied Jaguar XJ will be powered by the same twin turbo, 2.7 litre V6 motor that is used in the S-Type Diesel.

It produces 153 kWs, but more importantly it has 435 Nm of torque, which is more torque than what is available from the 4.2 litre V8 petrol engine used in the XJ range.

The lashings of torque available over a wide rev range from 1500 rpm to 4000 rpm provide the XJ with instant acceleration on the open road to provide the kind of performance Jaguar is known for.

While the XJ Diesel and the XJR will become the main models in the XJ range, other aluminium bodied petrol engine models will still be available to special order for Jaguar enthusiasts.

"The diesels and ‘R’ specification Jaguar cars are our future," said Mr Dumper. "We have to offer something different from the German luxury brands and these cars provide that opportunity."

"Jaguar in Britain has recognised our efforts to turn the corner with the marque in New Zealand and wants us to grow the customer base as new models appear over the next few years," said Mr Dumper.

"Our pricing of the S-Type has already pleasantly surprised many who traditionally stack us up against German rivals. The cars are comprehensively equipped without the need to tick all the options boxes."

Embracing diesel in the XJ is a natural progression for Jaguar, with diesel engines now able to deliver the refined performance customers of the marque demand. The all-new AJD-V6 is a superb example of a state-of-the-art diesel engine and complements perfectly the advanced technical attributes and sporting character of the XJ.

This combination of substantial power and torque gives the new XJ Diesel huge mid-range flexibility and refinement. True to Jaguar tradition, it is relaxed when cruising, yet pleasingly rapid cross-country - characteristics which are accentuated by a six-speed automatic transmission. The XJ Diesel also addresses environmental challenges; its CO2 emissions of 208g/km with automatic transmission. Combined fuel efficiency is 7.8L/100km, while in the highway cycle it achieves 6.2L/100km. The model-year 2007 XJ Diesel is Euro Stage IV emission compliant.

The 2.7-litre diesel engine is also used in other applications, in line with the co-operative agreement on diesel technologies and development between Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroën. However, XJ owners will benefit particularly from the exceptional Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) performance resulting from the efforts of Jaguar's UK engineers at Whitley.

Achieving an engine installation that satisfies or exceeds all engineering requirements is easier if the engine itself is exemplary and the all-new 2.7-litre AJD-V6 can lay claim to that accolade. Not only does it have class-leading specific power outputs, but the use of compacted graphite iron (CGI) in the engine structure ensures outstanding strength, durability and - of particular relevance in a diesel engine - low weight.

Because less material is needed to construct a CGI block than a conventional cast iron block, the engine can be both lighter and shorter. The result is that the engine in the new XJ Diesel is the lightest unit of its type and size. It weighs just 202kg - only 15kg more than the equivalent petrol V6 engine.

The introduction of the 2.7 litre twin-turbo Diesel to the XJ range marks a significant development for Jaguar’s flagship model.

The XJ was the first production Jaguar to be constructed with a lightweight aluminium monocoque structure; a unique feature that gives the XJ significant competitive advantages over its rivals.

A lighter car means faster acceleration and shorter stopping distances, as well as frugal fuel economy and range, particularly when combined with the latest fuel-efficient diesel engine. The aluminium monocoque design of the XJ offers improved stiffness and safety performance over the conventional steel body of the previous model, meaning the customer not only benefits from the weight saving associated with aluminium, but gets the added benefit of exceptional ride and handling as well as being extremely quiet and safe.

That’s why the addition of the 2.7 twin-turbo Diesel to the XJ range complements the underlying package so well. Lightweight aluminium construction allied with a modern twin-turbo diesel produces dynamic performance with precise handling and exceptional refinement.

With the addition of a Catalysed Diesel Particulate Filter (CDPF), the advanced design of the V6 engine ensures it also exceeds Euro Stage IV emissions requirements.

The all-new diesel model is a logical and welcome addition to the new 2007 XJ range in New Zealand.

"The new XJ Diesel delivers on all levels. Not only does it have the performance and dynamic abilities for which Jaguars are renowned, it also offers exceptional refinement and flexibility. This is a great engine in a great car which is now truly affordable for the luxury European kiwi buyer," said Mr Dumper.

As with the rest of the range, the new XJ Diesel boasts attractive costs of ownership to appeal to the premium segment buyer who expects strong value for money as well as style and performance - even from a luxury marque.

But perhaps most crucially, XJ Diesel retains its unique Jaguar personality: a combination of bold, athletic styling, driver-focused performance, outstanding comfort and refinement, and unrivalled emotional appeal underpinned by outstanding driving dynamics.

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Jaguar XJ Diesel at a Glance

* Jaguar's all-new state-of-the-art AJD-V6 Diesel engine extends the XJ choice in the premium performance sedan market segment in New Zealand

* All-new AJD-V6 engine is light, weighing just 202kg - only 15kg more than the equivalent petrol V6

* The engine structure and combustion process were subject to detailed optimisation. Second-generation, high-pressure, common-rail direct-injection technology, including 'multiple pilot' injection with piezo-electric control, ensures maximum efficiency

* Compact, lightweight 2.7-litre engine uses innovative compacted graphite iron (CGI) block structure, two electronically controlled variable geometry turbochargers, four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable swirl intake technology for refinement, minimum noise, low fuel consumption and low emissions

* The diesel-engine XJ is offered with six-speed automatic transmission in New Zealand

* Maximum power of 153kW and maximum torque of 435Nm make this a diesel Jaguar with real performance and exceptional in-gear acceleration

* Combination of cylinder head design and toroidal combustion chambers in the piston crowns produces highly efficient combustion with quieter running. The new engine includes a port de-activation (or variable swirl) intake system, further improving combustion efficiency

* Jaguar's 2.7-litre V6 diesel engine complies with Euro Stage IV emission standards

* Comprehensive safety features include front, side and side-curtain airbags, and Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.).

ENDS

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