Overview
The Jaguar XJ-S (later the Jaguar XJS), a luxury grand tourer, was produced from 1975 to 1996. The XJ-S replaced the E-Type in September 1975, and was based on the XJ saloon. Although it never had quite the same sporting image, the XJ-S was a competent grand tourer, and more aerodynamic than the E-Type. The last XJS was produced on 4 April 1996, by then 115,413 had been produced during a 21-year production life.
XJR-S
From 1988, a special XJR-S version of the V12 5.3-litre car was produced by JaguarSport, a separate company owned 50:50 by Jaguar and TWR. This car had a distinctive body kit, special alloy wheels and suspension and handling improvements. After September 1989 the change was made to a special 6.0-litre engine with a Zytec engine management system (234 kW (314 hp), later 245 kW (329 hp)). This was different from the standard 6.0-litre engine used in the late XJS models. The XJR-S stayed in the line until 1993; a total of 1,130 cars were built.
Facelift
1991 would see the final major cosmetic update to the XJS with what is known as the facelift model launched as a 1992 model. Outside, the slightly softer lines were only the tip of the iceberg as the bodyshell was now build from far fewer panels than the earlier version with additional rust proofing treatment. While the front end was for the most part unchanged, it is the rear which underwent the most changes with revised quarter windows, a new rear window and all new tail lights. Inside, the instrument panel was all new, loosing the drum styled engine gauges replaced by conventional dials flanking the two primary instruments, identical to the XJ40 panel. Extra veneer in the instrument cluster added a touch of luxury along with a new steering wheel and center console. The V12's capacity was enlarged to 6.0 litres in May 1992.
Why this exact modification and year?
Nearly every mechanical part was unique in XJR-S, based around a 6.0-liter version of Jaguar's V-12, an engine which was not available in any other production Jaguar. Each car left the factory as a hand-built unit from JaguarSport's manufacturing facility at Bloxham, which would be unheard of had it not also been the place where JaguarSport built the world's fastest--at the time--production automobile, the XJ220. Power went up in 1992 to 329hp.
Behind the engine, XJR-S models featured a GM400 transmission with a recalibrated valve body with significantly higher shift speeds, and a rear accumulator spring designed to take full advantage of the XJR-S power and torque increase. The suspension also received a full working over at TWR. Coil spring rates increased and Bilstein shocks front and rear were specially tuned for the XJR-S. Externally, the cars were modified with an aggressive body kit. A host of modifications inside included a Connolly Autolux leather interior with contrasting stitching and walnut sapwood details.
Late models like this one may wear modern alloys and have big bumpers but they have as much heritage as the E-type or XJ6 S1.
Specifications:
Layout - FR; Cylinders - V12; Aspiration - N/A; Displacement - 5993 cc; Max. power - 329 hp; Max. torque - 495 Nm; Transmission - auto; Weight - 1824 kg.
0-100km/h - 6.50 s; Max. speed - 254 km/h (158 mph).
Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_XJS
http://www.jag-lovers.org/modern/mguides/jl0206.html
http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2009/07/01/hmn_feature11.html
Another Jaguar you may be interested in:
XKR (X100), the successor of XJS, in its final modification - Victory Edition.
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