16 September 2002: Jaguar will officially launch its latest XJ at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, 34 years to the day after the launch of the original XJ6. The car will go on sale in Ireland sometime in the spring.

The new car will use aluminium construction allowing a bodyshell that is 40 percent lighter than a traditional steel body. But the new body is also 60 percent stiffer than the old one.

A rivet-bonded joining technology is a first for the motor industry, with epoxy adhesive from the aerospace industry being used to join the aluminium pressings, castings and extrusions.

Magnesium is also being used for its lightness and strength, notably in a crossbeam that supports the fascia and instrument panel, and in the seat-frames.

Stylistically, the doors are deeper and the waistline higher in the new car, while shorter overhangs and a less-steeply raked windscreen are other details that make the latest car stand out from its predecessors. The core ‘cat’ style still remains.

The sharp-eyed will also spot the oval headlights and a new grille that takes its cues from the original 1968 XJ6.

The interior provides more space in every respect over the outgoing model, with headroom, legroom and shoulder room all improved. Adjustable pedal systems are available as an option, complementing the electrically-managed seat positions.

While the new XJ is available with the now-familiar voice-activated control of systems including audio controls, telephone, climate control and navigation, there’s also a multimedia entertainment system that allows simultaneous enjoyment of up to three different audio, video or games systems. Screens mounted in the rear of the front seat head restraints display television programmes or games, with headphone capability to avoid disturbing other occupants.

A range of styles is being offered, from a traditional burr walnut finish on Classic models to a warm charcoal fascia and grey-stained birdseye maple veneer combination on sportier versions of the car. An entirely new touch is Piano Black trim, a highly polished finish inspired by the deep, lustrous sheen of a concert grand piano. Piano Black features on the centre console and J-gate surround of the XJ.

The new XJ will be available with a choice of four engines, including two 4.2-litre V8 engines as recently included in the revised S-Type and XK with 300bhp and 400bhp on tap.

A new 3.5-litre V8 makes its debut outputting 262bhp, and a 240bhp 3-litre AJ-V6 will allow the return of the XJ6 badge.

All four engines will have the six-speed automatic transmission that Jaguar first introduced earlier this year in the revised S-TYPE.

The suspension is also a derivative of the new systems that underpin the latest S-Type, and self-levelling air suspension is fitted as standard across the range, a first for Jaguar. Also standard is Jaguar’s CATS computer aided suspension control, and a dynamic stability control programme.

The new car also features an automatic parking brake, and adaptive cruise control.

More than 800,000 XJs have been built since the car was introduced.