Jaguar Cars for 2008

As Jaguar represents the luxury market they must continually improve not only the looks of luxury cars but their performance as well. Jaguar has done this in the 2008 model year for their flagship model, the XJ.  Included in Jaguar's 2008 lineup are the long wheelbase, the special edition Portfolio, armored vehicle, and the long wheelbase diesel versions.   The 2008 model comes in four different trim packages. These are the XJ Executive, XJ Sovereign, XJ Sport Premium, and the XJR.  For other models in 2008, such as the X-Type, and the XKR, minor improvements were added, and for one model, the S-Type, this is its last year in production.

2008 Jaguar XJ Series

Jaguar's stately XJ flagship undergoes a handful of revisions to stay competitive for 2008. The biggest difference is the XJ's front bumper, which sports a deeper, narrower air dam. The interior gains some new options, including a Bluetooth system that's able to store information for up to five cell phones. As before, regular and extended-length versions are available.  The engines remain the same; the supercharged V-8 propels the high-performance XJR from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. Dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags are standard. Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are standard, as are traction control and an electronic stability system.

The XJ Executive is the entry level of the range. For this trim level, two engines are available - a 2.7 liter diesel engine and a 3.0 gasoline engine. The Executive trim is fitted with 19" ten spoke alloy Carelia wheels which are also found in the XK. The Executive features heated front screen in addition to the aforementioned revision to the whole range.

The second trim package is the XJ Sovereign. Three engines are available for this trim level. Consumers can choose from a 3.0 liter V6 gasoline engine, a 2.7 liter diesel engine, or a 4.2 liter V8 engine. The Sovereign will be equipped with 19" five-spoke Polaris wheels. Additional features that the Sovereign version offers are: 16-way electric heated front seats, soft-grain leather, satellite navigation system, and Bi-Xenon headlights.

The third trim level for the XJ is the Sport Premium. Only one engine is available for this sports version of the XJ. It is fitted with 20" alloy Cremona 20" wheels which add to the aesthetic value of the sports car. The Sport Premium version of the XJ features 'R' seats with leather seat facings, aluminum veneer, black side window surrounds and satellite navigation.

The fourth trim package of the XJ is the XJR. It is powered by a 4.2 supercharged V8 engine. The XJR features aluminum finish power vents, an 'R' logo gear knob, heated front seats, and black painted calipers just like some of the brake calipers which can be found at EBC Active Brakes Direct.

2008 Jaguar S-Type

The 2008 model year will be the last for the S-Type, as Jaguar plans to replace it with the XF in 2009. Jaguar left most of the S-Type unchanged for 2008.  Positioned between the company's compact X-Type and full-size XJ in size and price, the S-Type comes in three versions with distinct engines: a 3.0-liter V-6, a 4.2-liter V-8 and a supercharged V-8 for the S-Type R.  The V-6 achieves 17-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. The XJR achieves 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on all trims.  The MSRP for the 2008 XJ ranges from $48,335 - $64,335. Like other Jaguar models, the S-Type gets a chrome mesh grille. A Conti-Teves foundation braking system promises improved stopping distance and pedal feel. Bluetooth wireless technology is available. Traction control is standard.

2008 X-Type

The 2008 X-Type is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury wagon, available in two trims, the 3.0 and. The 2008 Jaguar X-Type gets more standard luxury features for the new model year and keeps its streamlined naming convention from 2007. The engine, drivetrain and many of the mechanical features remain unchanged from the previous year. All-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission are standard on all models. New standard equipment includes 10-way powered driver and passenger seats, memory settings for the driver's seat and side mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. An X-Type 3.0 Sportwagon joined the original four-door sedan for 2005, and is available for 2008.  Both models are equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6, 227-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.  On the wagon, the folding backseat is split 70/30. Four luggage tie-downs are installed in the rear cargo area, which includes a luggage cover and cargo net. A hidden storage compartment includes a 12-volt power outlet and detachable side doors. A cargo net is standard.  The 2008 Jaguar X-Type has an MSRP range of $35,060 - $39,330.

Jaguar XK Series

The 2008 Jaguar XK, now in its second year following a 2007 overhaul, is a high-priced two-door, luxury sports car that drives well, and looks great.  The XK has quick reflexes, and an exceptional automatic transmission. For more pictures and specifications, read another 2008 Jaguar XK review.   A convertible with a fabric roof and a higher-performance XKR version are also available. Changes are modest for 2008 and include four new soft-top colors and a limited-production Portfolio version of the XKR that adds exterior touches, including exclusive 20-inch wheels, and attempts to address complaints by adding some richer materials inside.

2008 XKR

Jaguar's XKR builds upon the XK with a supercharged version of the 4.2-liter V-8 that makes 420 hp, along with a modified suspension that firms up the ride but sharpens the handling. Other changes include a modified exterior with mesh grilles, modified fog lights, larger wheels, quad exhaust and dual hood louvers. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and Jaguar says the XKR accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the convertible). In addition to the exterior and interior upgrades for 2008, the XKR Portfolio trim adds Alcon-brand brakes, a Bowers & Wilkins premium stereo and exclusive black paint. Only 255 will be imported to the U.S. Want more about the XKR? Read a 2008 Jaguar XKR road test by Motor Trend.