2004 Jaguar Vanden Plas
HEATED STEERING,HEATED SEATS FRONT& REAR,MOONROOF ,SUNSHADE,NAVAGATION6 DISC CHANGER,THIS CAR IS LOADED.
|
 Looking back as well as at
the here and now, the 2004 Jaguar Vanden Plas is, as Mary Poppins would
say, practically perfect in every way. Except for one thing.
Where's the smell?
In days of yore, British luxury cars like Jaguar always exuded an interior
aroma, mostly of fine-tanned leather, that conjured images of country
estate tack rooms and Fifth Avenue luggage and handbag shops.
Even blindfolded, the average bloke could identify a Daimler, Jaguar,
Rolls-Royce or Bentley just by that marvelous odor.
Alas, it is no more, although the new Jag has a back-to-the-future look
about it. For many years, the XJ class of the very properly English Jaguar
fairly reeked of class and style. The cars were largely hand-built, with
swoops and curves of line that could not be readily duplicated on an
assembly line.
They were also notoriously cantankerous, which a lot of buyers forgave
simply because they were Jaguars, with all that upper-crust tradition. But
the powers at Jaguar decided to move into the modern era with better
production techniques, and the XJ styling changed to a sharper-edged look.
Later, Ford bought the venerable company and produced modern cars like the
S-Type Jaguar, which is based on the Lincoln LS platform, and the X-Type,
based on the European Ford Mondeo.
Now it has completed the cycle with a new XJ8 and its more luxurious - and
more expensive - sibling, the Vanden Plas. Best of all, this 21st-century
entry mimics the classic styling of yesteryear, but with all the modern
gizmos.
Even using modern production techniques and sporting a lightweight
aluminum body, the new Jag looks like its illustrious predecessors of more
than 20 years ago. Especially when viewed from the front, the curving
lines of the hood, grille and headlights identify it as a Jaguar and
nothing else.
Yet despite the fact that automobile manufacturers are paying increasing
attention to pheromones as yet another creative way to attract customers,
the tested Vanden Plas was practically odor free. What a disappointment.
But that was the only one. In virtually every other way, this new Jag
comported itself in a manner that makes it fully competitive with and even
superior to some other luxury cars in this class, including the Lexus
LS430, Infiniti Q45, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7-Series, the Audi A8L
and the new Volkswagen Phaeton.
There are three models: The XJ8, the tested Vanden Plas, and a Vanden Plas
with a turbocharged engine. None comes cheap. The test car had a base
sticker price of $68,995 and, with a single option of a navigation system,
topped out at $71,195.
It's a lot of bucks, but it's a lot of car. Inside, it has the cozy
ambience of a classic Jaguar, with surroundings of glove-soft leather and
burl walnut trim on the dash, doors, console and steering wheel. The big
difference between it and earlier XJ models is more passenger space,
especially in the headroom department. Now even a large person with a hat
can sit comfortably anywhere except in the center position in back, which
is deprived - as on most sedans - by the driveshaft tunnel and poor
seating.
Standard equipment is about what you'd expect in a luxury car in this
category, including lambs-wool carpeting, 16-way power seats up front,
heated front and rear seats, automatic load leveling, a backup warning
system, thermostatic climate control and automatic xenon headlights.
There's only a single CD player, but that's a minor shortcoming.
On the highway, which is where the Vanden Plas sparkles, the 4.2-liter
engine delivers an effortless 294 horsepower to the rear wheels through a
six-speed automatic transmission. In keeping with tradition, there's a
sort of wacky British shift gate that allows greasy-smooth manual shifts
if you so choose, but why bother?
Out front, that long hood stretches toward the horizon, and the driver can
glimpse just a small piece of the leaping Jaguar hood ornament. But you
know it's there, and it contributes to the emotional experience.
Surprisingly, the Jag's aluminum body covers a package that weighs 160
pounds short of two tons - a lean machine that's unheard of in luxury-car
territory, even on the all-aluminum Audi A8L.
The light weight contributes both to relatively high fuel economy and
rapid transit. Zero to 60 miles an hour acceleration happens in a short
breath over six seconds, with a governed top speed of more than 120 miles
an hour. EPA fuel consumption is a remarkable 18 miles per gallon city, 28
highway - nowhere near gas guzzler territory.
So the Jaguar Vanden Plas delivers that rare combination of posh luxury
with a modicum of economy. It validates the old notion that rich people
are rich precisely because they pinch pennies.
Regardless, Ford should bring back the smell.
By Frank Aukofer
|
 Jaguar
Vanden Plas |
2004 |
Silver |
$49,988 |
6,389M |
| |
|
| XJ 4dr Sedan
Vanden Plas |
| |
|
Jaguar XJ: Engines
|
|
294-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 |
Standard |
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Jaguar XJ8: Transmissions
|
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6-speed automatic w/OD |
Standard |
|
| |
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Jaguar Vanden Plas:
Available Body Colors
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Zircon |
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White Onyx |
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Topaz |
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Slate |
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Seafrost |
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Radiance |
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Quartz |
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Platinum Silver |
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Pacific Blue |
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Midnight |
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Ebony |
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British Racing Green |
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2004 Jaguar XJ8:
Available Interior Colors
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Sand |
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Ivory |
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Dove |
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Charcoal |
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Jaguar XJ8 part:
Powertrain
|
|
130-amp. alternator
|
Standard |
|
Battery amp hours
|
(90Ah) |
|
Battery-rundown protection
|
Standard |
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Dual stainless steel exhaust
|
Standard |
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Chrome tailpipe
|
Standard |
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Mode select transmission
|
Standard |
|
Jaguar XJ series:
6-spd automatic w/OD
|
|
Overdrive
|
Standard |
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Transmission electronic control
|
Standard |
Coleman Jaguar Jim
series XJ: Powertrain
|
|
Axle ratio |
2.87 |
|
Rear-wheel drive |
Standard |
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Overdrive
|
Standard |
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| |
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Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas:
Suspension/Handling
|
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Adaptive suspension |
Standard |
|
Auto-leveling suspension |
4-corner |
|
Independent front double wishbone
suspension w/anti-roll bar |
Standard |
|
Touring suspension |
Standard |
|
Ride control |
automatic |
|
Front air springs |
Standard |
|
Bilstein brand name front shocks |
Standard |
|
Independent rear double wishbone
suspension w/anti-roll bar |
Standard |
|
Rear air springs |
Standard |
|
Bilstein brand name rear shocks |
Standard |
|
Height-adjustable shocks |
automatic |
|
Speed-sensing hydraulic power-assist
rack-pinion steering |
Standard |
|
P235/50ZR18.0 BSW AS tires |
Standard |
|
Alloy spare wheel |
Standard |
|
18" wheels |
Standard |
|
Jaguar XJ 8: Body
Exterior Features
|
|
4 doors |
Standard |
|
Auto dimming power remote heated
folding side-view door mirrors |
Standard |
|
Chrome door handles |
Standard |
|
Body-colored front and rear bumpers
|
Standard |
|
Chrome front bumper insert |
Standard |
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Chrome rear bumper insert |
Standard |
|
Alloy body material |
Standard |
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Chrome grille |
Standard |
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Chrome tip exhaust |
Standard |
|
| |
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used Jaguar XJ8:
Convenience Features
|
|
Automatic dual-zone front air
conditioning with air filter |
Standard |
|
Rear air conditioning with separate
controls |
Optional |
|
Console ducts |
Standard |
|
1st row express open/close sliding and
tilting glass sunroof |
Standard |
|
Sunshade |
Standard |
|
3 driver memory seat settings
(includes door mirrors, steering wheel, head restraints,
pedals,) |
Standard |
|
Cruise control with steering wheel
controls |
Standard |
|
Power trunk/hatch/door remote release
|
Standard |
|
Power fuel remote release |
Standard |
|
Power windows with front and rear
1-touch down |
Standard |
|
Power windows |
Optional |
|
Keyfob (all doors) remote keyless
entry |
Standard |
|
Illuminated entry |
Standard |
|
Integrated key/remote |
Standard |
|
Auto-locking doors |
Standard |
|
Valet key |
Standard |
|
Keyfob trunk/hatch/door release |
Standard |
|
Remote window controls |
Standard |
|
Remote sunroof/convertible roof
controls |
Standard |
|
Steering wheel with power tilting,
power telescoping, auto tilt-away |
Standard |
|
Heated steering wheel with power
tilting, power telescoping, auto tilt-away |
Optional |
|
Power adjustable pedals |
Standard |
|
Day-night rearview mirror |
Standard |
|
Auto-dimming rearview mirror |
Standard |
|
Illuminated driver and passenger-side
visor mirrors |
Standard |
|
Cell phone pre-wiring |
Standard |
|
Garage door transmitter |
HomeLink |
|
Navigation system |
Optional |
|
Front and rear cupholders |
Standard |
|
Full floor console with covered box
|
Standard |
|
Mini overhead console with storage
|
Standard |
|
Illuminated locking glove box |
Standard |
|
Driver and passenger door bins |
Standard |
|
Rear door bins |
Standard |
|
Seatback storage pockets |
2 |
|
Bin instrument-panel storage |
Standard |
|
Driver's footrest |
Standard |
|
Retained accessory power |
Standard |
|
3 12V DC power outlets |
Standard |
|
Ashtray |
Standard |
|
Front and rear lighter element(s)
location |
Standard |
|
2004 Jaguar used XJ:
Seats and Trim
|
|
Max. seating capacity of 5 |
Standard |
|
Front bucket seats |
Standard |
|
Driver and passenger heated-cushions
|
Standard |
|
Driver and passenger heated-seatbacks
|
Standard |
|
Heated rear seat |
Standard |
|
10-way driver and passenger seat
adjustments |
Standard |
|
Power reclining driver and passenger
seats |
Standard |
|
Power 4-way driver and passenger
lumbar support |
Standard |
|
Power height-adjustable driver and
passenger seats |
Standard |
|
Power driver and passenger thigh
support |
Standard |
|
Power driver and passenger fore/aft
adjustment |
Standard |
|
Power driver and passenger cushion
tilt |
Standard |
|
Front center armrest |
Standard |
|
Rear bench seat |
Standard |
|
Rear power reclining bench seat |
Optional |
|
Power 2-way rear seat lumbar |
Optional |
|
Rear seat center armrest with storage
|
Standard |
|
Leather front and rear seat upholstery
|
Standard |
|
Leather door panel trim |
Standard |
|
Carpet on lower door panel |
Standard |
|
Full cloth headliner |
Standard |
|
Carpet floor covering |
Standard |
|
Genuine wood instrument panel insert,
door panel insert |
Standard |
|
Leather/genuine wood console insert
|
Standard |
|
Genuine wood shift knob |
Standard |
|
Leather/genuine wood steering wheel
|
Standard |
|
Carpet front and rear floor mats |
Standard |
|
Chrome interior accents |
Standard |
|
Carpet cargo space |
Standard |
|
Cargo tie-downs |
Standard |
|
Cargo light |
Standard |
|
| |
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Jaguar or XJ or Saloon:
Entertainment Features
|
|
Radio grade AM/FM stereo with
seek-scan, single in-dash CD player |
Standard |
|
Trunk/cargo area 6-disc remote CD |
Standard |
|
Radio data system |
Standard |
|
Amplifier |
Standard |
|
Automatic equalizer |
Standard |
|
Digital signal processor |
Standard |
|
Speed-sensitive volume |
Standard |
|
Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
|
Standard |
|
Dual media rear audio controls |
Optional |
|
12 Alpine speakers |
Standard |
|
Entertainment system with DVD |
Optional |
|
1 1st row LCD monitor |
Optional |
|
2 2nd row LCD monitor |
Optional |
|
Window grid antenna |
Standard |
|
Jaguar XJ8 road test:
Lighting, Visibility and Instrumentation Features
|
|
Delay-off aero-composite
high-intensity headlamps |
Standard |
|
Auto-leveling headlights |
Standard |
|
Headlight washer |
Optional |
|
Front fog lights |
Standard |
|
Rear fog lights |
Standard |
|
Variable intermittent rain detecting
wipers wipers with heating wiper park |
Standard |
|
Rear window defroster |
Standard |
|
Power rear window blind |
Standard |
|
Rear side blind |
Optional |
|
Light-tinted windows |
Standard |
|
Dome light with fade |
Standard |
|
Front and rear reading lights |
Standard |
|
4 door curb/courtesy lights |
Standard |
|
Variable instrument panel lighting
|
Standard |
|
Analog display |
Standard |
|
Tachometer |
Standard |
|
Compass |
Standard |
|
Outside-temperature display |
Standard |
|
Rear parking sensors |
Standard |
|
Front and rear parking sensors |
Optional |
|
Trip computer |
Standard |
|
Trip odometer |
Standard |
|
Water temp. gauge |
Standard |
|
Analog clock |
Standard |
|
Oil-pressure warning |
Standard |
|
Water-temp. warning |
Standard |
|
Battery warning |
Standard |
|
Low-coolant warning |
Standard |
|
Lights-on warning |
Standard |
|
Key-in-ignition warning |
Standard |
|
Low-fuel warning |
Standard |
|
Low-washer-fluid warning |
Standard |
|
Bulb-failure warning |
Standard |
|
Door-ajar warning |
Standard |
|
Trunk-ajar warning |
Standard |
|
Brake-fluid warning |
Standard |
|
Transmission-fluid-temperature warning
|
Standard |
|
| |
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Jaguar wheels XJ8: Safety
and Security
|
|
Four-wheel ABS brakes |
Standard |
|
4 ABS channels |
Standard |
|
Brake assist |
Standard |
|
Four-wheel disc brakes |
Standard |
|
Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
|
Standard |
|
Full-size spare tire |
Standard |
|
Spare tire mounted inside under cargo
|
Standard |
|
Driver and passenger front-impact
airbags |
Standard |
|
Seat-mounted driver and passenger
side-impact airbags |
Standard |
|
Curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead
airbag |
Standard |
|
Front passenger airbag occupancy
sensor |
Standard |
|
Height adjustable front seatbelts |
Standard |
|
Front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners
|
Standard |
|
3 point rear center seatbelt |
Standard |
|
Side-impact bars |
Standard |
|
Remote activated perimeter/approach
lights |
Standard |
|
Rear child safety locks |
Standard |
|
Ignition disable |
Standard |
|
Security system |
Standard |
|
Panic alarm |
Standard |
|
Stability control |
Standard |
|
ABS and driveline traction control
|
Standard |
|
Power adjustable front head restraints
with tilt |
Standard |
|
Anti-whiplash front head restraints
|
Standard |
|
2 manual adjustable rear head
restraints |
Standard |
|
2 power adjustable rear head
restraints |
Optional |
|
Jaguar Vanden: Standard
Specs and Dimensions
|
|
Engine type |
V-8 |
|
Engine displacement |
256 cu.in. |
|
Engine horsepower |
294-hp @ 6,000 rpm |
|
Engine torque |
303 lbs.-ft. @ 4,100 rpm |
|
Valvetrain |
DOHC |
|
Valves |
32 |
|
Engine bore x stroke |
3.4" x 3.6" |
|
Compression ratio |
11.00 to 1 |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
23 gal. |
|
Fuel economy city |
18 mpg |
|
Fuel economy highway |
28 mpg |
|
Drag coefficient |
.32 |
|
Curb weight |
3,819 lbs. |
|
Exterior length |
200.4" |
|
Exterior body width |
73.2" |
|
Exterior height |
57.0" |
|
Wheelbase |
119.4" |
|
Front tread |
61.3" |
|
Rear tread |
60.9" |
|
Turning radius |
19.2' |
|
Ground clearance (min.) |
5.1" |
|
Front legroom |
43.1" |
|
Rear legroom |
38.7" |
|
Front headroom |
38.4" |
|
Rear headroom |
38.6" |
|
Front shoulder room |
58.3" |
|
Rear shoulder room |
58.3" |
|
Interior cargo volume |
16.6 cu.ft. |
|
Maximum interior cargo volume |
16.6 cu.ft. |
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