Jaguar Engines

Geez Stu!! "There should only be one engine underneath a leaping cat - and its got

12 cylinders and runs on petrol."

Is the XJS a Jaguar??? Ironically, the XJS never came with a leaper and is the worst looking of the Jags to have one added -- Next to the XKE!!

In reality, Jags with a V-12 engine are in the minority of Jags ever produced. Most Jags have a 6 cylinder engine based on the XK engine until

1988 and then the AJ6/AJ16 engine from 1988-1994. In 1960, the V-8 was introduced to the Jaguar line through Daimler and then re-introduced in 1998.

To say that the only true Jaguar should have a V-12 does a terrible dis-service to the history of Jaguar. To make such a statement would mean one would have to dis-credit the XKE as well as the entire line of magnificent saloons built from the end of World War II to today. After all, it is an XKE that is on permanent display at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art -- not an XJS!!

In terms of speed and horsepower, my friend's 2000 Jaguar XJR will make the XJS V-12 look silly. In terms of pure class and design excellence - the

2004-2005 XJ8/XJR Series is unequalled!!

So where does this leave the discussion? The thrust here is toward the new variations of cars being sold under the Jaguar marquee. The idea that Ford has become involved with Jaguar is nothing new. Jaguar has had problems since the 70s and has had to merge with other entities on a number of occasions. In fact, your XJS was a product of that miserable period in time when Jaguar was owned by British Leyland. Aren't you glad Jag owners didn't have the same opinion back then as you do now about new designs and corporate change!!!

So if it takes a diesel car, or a car built on a Taurus or Mondeo frame or even an estate wagon as is now being sold -- then so be it. Like everything else, time changes all things and if Jaguar is to have a hope of survival, they must broaden their reach to grab the Beemer and upscale Ford owners. I can still drive my classic Jags from the 60s or by and XJ8 that still carries the traditions and standards that have made Jaguar the marquee it is today.

In terms of Jags being run only on petrol. Stay away from the UK. With petrol running $7-$8 per gallon, more and more of my UK friends have transformed their Jaguars into LP gas vehicles. The other day, one of my friends was complaining about the fact it cost him $120USD to fill the tank on his XJ40.

The times --- they are a changin'!!!

Webserve.

You know, Stu seems like an elitist. If you can't afford a XJ sedan with a v-12 engine, we should not own a Jag. My wife and I own 2 S-Type Jags. Stu-it does not hurt the product if more people own the product. Look at C-type Mercedes cars and lower level BMW cars. Is the problem that it is a Jag that is discounted so that normal people can buy the car? Perhaps you can drop the elite attitude and warry about saving the marque. Paul

I hope they still are...

but still the most beutiful cars out there!

...

I know - seems a shame doesn't it.

I disagree - quite strongly. The XK is, in my opinin at least, one of the most inportant engines in the history of the British automobile.

I, personally, can't think of a more special car to own than my '83 Daimler Sovereign. That's not to say I don't appreciate the range - my ideal stable would include a 420G and a Double-Six. What I'm trying to say is that Jaguar cars were and, at least to some extent are, special - truely the best! I hope Jaguar continue to make cars that we can feel passionate about.

Amen- I own an '82 XJ12- the car is a joy to drive, BUT the V12 has some serious maintenance issues that must be addressed by anyone who is considering owning one. The engine is very prone to oil leaks from a multitude of points. It is also shoe-horned into the space under the XJ12's hood (bonnet), making it very difficult to work on- not impossible at all, but time-consuming. If you have the time, the patience, the inclination, and the tools to work on it yourself you might consider what your time is worth unless of course you are like me and regard engine maintenance as a stress-relieving hobby after a hard day's work. You didn't say if you owned a Jag, were considering purchasing one or what- My XJ12 draws stares wherever we drive it, and it's 23 years old. If and when the time and money become available I will definitely buy a Series 3 XJ6- the XK engine is nearly indestructible and not one-quarter as problematic as the V12.

My $2 worth

Paul

2003 S-Type R. Bought it fresh out of the wrapper. Had it for 11 months now. Have never seen another one (lots of regular S-types I'll admit but no S-Type Rs). Oh, let's not forget about the many many horsepowers. Sweet. Need I say more?

And thats exactly my point, you see loads of S types, they are everywhere. Its like Ferrari making a company car.

Now, I've seen some interesting responses to this one. I suppose I can just about agree with 273 when he passes comment on his 83 Sovereign - This is an exceptional car and in my humble opinion (Which seems to be running away with itself) the last of the "Proper" jags (OK, I can maybe forgive the engine in this case).

The 2003 S-Type R does produce more horsepower, but its not all about horsepower. Its the sight and sound of that V12 when you put your foot down. I could fit a turbo charger to a sewing machine and it would go fast - But it wouldn't go fast with style.

Stu

I don't like diesels but, I took a test drive in a new S type diesel and I almost bought it.

It's an absolutely terrific engine. It might be the best diesel available.

Torquey, responsive, really quiet and so, so smoooothh.

I definitely prefer it to the petrol V6.

Like I say I almost bought it, but there was this low mileage type R that had just come in and I couldn't resist it.

All the best, Tom

Sounds like you need a Landrover then my man. Top Gear rated the Landrover "Sub Zero" when assessed against the cool factor.

:-)

If any one wishes to put a smelly diesel in there Jag and has an XK in the way please drop me a line and I'll bung it in a cool car.

there,,, that should rattle a few cages ;-)

Lee D

If all you desire is a rare car consider the Ferrari or a Skoda or a Trabant, you do not see any around here.

MG

I would argue the S-Type R is rare, at least in the city I live which is one of the top five largest populated in the USA. True, it may look like a regular S-Type to the unsuspecting eye, but that makes it even more enjoyable for me knowing I have the special one. The S-Type R has a much better look with the 'R' wheels and tires, not to mention the interior extras. A true luxury sport sedan.

Regarding the engine, the sound of the supercharger is indeed a treat to hear. Purrs like a cat, a big cat.

Har !!! I think a bunch of folks would be quite happy if you say more.... :)

I just sold my 69 E-Type series-2 and am in the process of getting a 67 E-Type series-1 [yeah !!! covered headlights]. The last time I checked, they both have straight-6's....

Did they make a V12 for the XKs (120 - 150) ?

and, the ultimate Jaguar (IMHO), the C-Type.... also a straight-6

now if they only had a cup-holder...

Scott

It is interesting to see this debate being based upon solely the engine specification; I think that this runs much deeper.

In my opinion, Ford should have kept Jaguar as a 'Halo' brand and set out to make cars more along the lines of the XK and the XJ Series 3, however, the powers that be at PAG have decided to base their plans on mass production.

The re-badging of cars has happened throughout the years in almost all major car manufacturing circles, inlcuding Audi, who seem untouched by this fact and still maintain the 'Halo' appeal within the VW Group. Just ask an Audi TT driver where the top of the range engine for his car came from and enjoy his blushes as he tells you it came from the Skoda plant!

It appears to be an economic reality that PAG are going to press ahead with their plans, so why fight it? Wouldn't it be better to simply appreciate proper the Jag engines and body styles that do come out of the mix, like the newest LWB XJs?

Oh, and just to really annoy you, I drive a diesel X Type estate during the week! Though I obviously prefer to drive my XJ6 Series 3 at the weekend.

Regardless, noone could say that the X Type diesel engine is a bad one, though I can understand that the elitists among us Jag drivers will feel that the diamond mine is only producing paste at this point! However,it drives and performs like a petrol engine and can easily compete with Audi and Mercedes in the A4/C-Class arena.

In the days of ludicrous petrol prices, very few can afford to run a big engine every day and when you consider that you can get the horses, torque delivery and (almost) the right exhaust note from the new V6s and the like why bother with the additional complication of 12 pots anyway?

I think that I have finally developed schizophrenia - and so has Jaguar!

Cheers,

Nev

I own both an '88 XJS v12 and an '01 XJ-8 v8 and drive them both each week.

The v12 is superb and has an awsome sound and feel to be sure. The v8 in my XJ-8 is likewise an excellent power plant with excellent torque throughout the full range of my driving style (fairly agressive most times).

Which body style do I like more ... the one I'm driving at the moment of course. Certainly as you said in your original post, every eye turns when I take the XJ-S out - man, woman, children all turn their heads to see that beautiful big cat. But, the XJ-8 has one wonderful benefit ... 30 year old women always look twice - and since I'm 44 and single, 30 year old women looking at me a second time is a beautiful thing for sure.

I used to call the S-type a "jaguar taurus" until I spent some time near one ... Oh my gosh, I'd take one for sure ... and an S-type R I'd take in a heartbeat.

If you need that elite feeling, purchase the higher priced models for goodness sake! Sure there are lots of X & S's on the road - they're intended to introduce the masses to (IMHO) one of the greatest car manufacturer's products in the world ... Step up to an XJ-8 or better yet if you can live in 2 doors, an XK ... or dare I say it (be still my heart) an XKR. Elite? Sure, you just don't see many of them on the road (the XKR that is) ...

But, seriously, its not what car you drive that makes you "a cut above the norm" ... Jags are (all of them) a cut above the norm ... Who and what you are makes you "a cut above" ... not the car you drive. And certainly, not one component (the engine) ... the whole car is a beautiful thing regardless of which model, which production year, every Jag is a delight to the eye and a treat to the senses.

Rick

I feel that way about the X, but not the S. I purchased the S because it had retro beauty and because it was not the intro model. IMHO, of course.