While a supercharged V-6 Range Rover Evoque R may or may not be in the works, on the other side of the Jaguar-Land Rover house, the changes for the 2013 XJ are confirmed: it will drop the base normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 model in favor of a supercharged V-6.

With 335 horsepower (340 metric horsepower) on tap, the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 is about 50 horsepower short of the 5.0-liter V-8 it replaces, but it will significantly improve gas mileage, raising the base U.S. XJ to 25 U.S. mpg combined (in European tests) from the current XJ's EPA-rated 19 mpg combined, a gain of nearly 33 percent. Maximum torque is generated between 3,500 rpm and 5,000 rpm, the plateau sitting at 332 pound-feet. All models of the XJ are also upgraded from a six-speed automatic to a new eight-speed automatic from ZF.

Jaguar says the new supercharged V-6 can get the XJ (both normal and long-wheelbase) to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Again, that's a tick off the current 5.0-liter model's 5.4-second time, but likely to be considered a fair trade for better mpgs by mileage-conscious buyers.

2013 Jaguar XJ

2013 Jaguar XJ

Other tweaks for the 2013 XJ include making the Meridian sound system, previously only available on the XJ Ultimate, available throughout the line. Revised infotainment systems add features and ease-of-use, including redesigned navigation, entertainment, and connectivity screens and features. A slightly revised suspension tune improves comfort across the XJ range. Most of these updates are also to be shared with the 2013 Jaguar XF.

While these changes have been announced by Jaguar's official global outlet, U.S.-market-specific changes haven't yet been released, so any of the above may be subject to change. The supercharged versions of the 5.0-liter V-8, however, remain unchanged for the 2013 model year even at the global level, so we expect them to stick around here as well.

For the full details, including a lot of diesel-flavored forbidden fruit, read on to page two for the official release.

2013MY XF and XJ: Powertrains

AT-A-GLANCE

  • Expanded engine choice sees two new highly efficient, forced induction petrol powerplants - 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged and 2.0-litre i4 Turbocharged units - join the existing line-up of 2.2-litre i4 Turbodiesel, 3.0-litre V6 Turbodiesel and both naturally-aspirated and Supercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrols.
  • Eight-speed automatic transmissions are now fitted to all petrol and diesel XJ and XF variants for greater efficiency and performance.
  • Jaguar's Intelligent Stop/Start system extended to all V6 and V8 petrol and all diesel engines across the XJ and XF ranges offering emissions and economy benefits.
  • 2.2-litre i4 Turbodiesel now offered in 163PS and 200PS versions for XF saloon and Sportbrake models, all with CO2 emissions from 135g/km and combined fuel economy from 55.4mpg (5.1l/100km).
  • Both 240 and 275PS versions of the 3.0-litre V6 Turbodiesel now achieve CO2 emissions of 159g/km in the XF saloon and 159g/km in the XJ (275PS only) with combined fuel economy of 47mpg (6.0l/100km) for each installation.
  • The supercharged V8 petrol engine has fuel economy gains of up to 11% with emissions reductions of more than 8%, while the naturally-aspirated V8 sees economy improvements of up to 8% with emissions down by more than 6%.

Powertrain introduction
Having introduced a host of new technologies for the 2012 Model Year and following the two new highly-efficient forced induction petrol engines announced earlier in the year, Jaguar is once again broadening its global product offering and improving customer choice with its 2013MY XF and XJ ranges.

The acclaimed eight-speed ZF automatic transmission first introduced to the XF range last year to complement its smooth, powerful turbocharged diesel engines is now made standard across the entire XJ and XF range for all petrol and diesel powerplants. The eight-speed transmission is allied to Jaguar's Intelligent Stop/Start system on all turbodiesel and V6 and V8 petrol engines (market dependent).

"The engineering target in developing the 2013MY XF and XJ powertrain range was to optimise efficiency and enhance choice, while never compromising the effortless performance that is an inherent and vital characteristic in all our cars. Through intelligent use of forced induction, eight-speed transmissions and, where appropriate, Stop/Start technology, each derivative in the new XF and XJ ranges meets that enhanced efficiency goal while offering the performance thrill expected of a Jaguar."  Ron Lee, Group Chief Engineer, Powertrains, Jaguar Cars

Eight-speed transmission
Following its introduction on the 2.2-litre i4 and 3.0-litre V6 Turbodiesel engines for 2012MY XF saloons, the eight-speed ZF transmission is now extended across the entire XF and XJ ranges for the 2013MY offering better economy, reduced emissions and smoother acceleration compared to the previous six-speed equipped models.

For all installations the transmission's operating software has been specifically tuned to ensure it perfectly matches the power delivery of the engines to which it is mated and offers the sporting feel, precision and smooth shifting expected of a Jaguar.

With both a wider spread of ratios and more even spacing between them, the gearbox provides more seamless acceleration both from rest and when overtaking, while fuel consumption at high speeds is reduced. Gearshifts are executed in just 200 milliseconds while driver intervention is possible through the use of steering wheel-mounted paddles which allow multiple downshifts, allowing the desired gear to be selected almost instantaneously.

The use of lightweight, compact components including a rear differential with an aluminium casing means there is no weight or packaging penalty when compared with the outgoing six-speed models, while efficiency is improved through the use of an improved pump design and greater control of the gear elements.

Intelligent Stop/Start
Offering further efficiency improvements is Jaguar's Intelligent Stop/Start system, which is now fitted - according to market - to all diesel engines and the V6 and V8 petrol units. The system is able to shut down the engine in just 300 milliseconds after the car has come to a halt, allowing for fuel consumption improvements of around 5%.

No driver intervention is necessary; a complex system of control algorithms govern when the Stop/Start should function according to a number of operational parameters including engine, ambient and cabin temperatures, whether the vehicle is fully at rest, vehicle power requirements and so on. A green 'ECO' symbol on the dashboard lights up when the engine is shut down by the system.

Having come to a halt and shut down the engine, the Intelligent Stop/Start system is able to restart smoothly in less time than it takes for the driver's foot to release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator. It does so by utilising a Twin Solenoid Starter (TSS) mechanism that features its own secondary battery to ensure that in-car systems requiring power are not affected. The unique advantage of the TSS system is that it is able to restart the engine even while it is still in its run-down phase, allowing for 'change of mind' functionality, for instance if the car is coming to a halt at a junction but then a gap in traffic appears.

2.0-litre i4 Turbocharged Petrol
Belying its compact dimensions and low weight of just 138kg, the new all-aluminium four-cylinder 2.0 i4 Ti engine has an astonishing specific output of 120PS-per-litre. It achieves this through a combination of innovative technologies which results in peak power of 240PS at 5500rpm and 340Nm of torque available between 2000 and 4000rpm.

Its low inertia turbocharger ensures smooth, lag-free power - seamlessly delivered via the eight-speed transmission - while integrating the turbine housing with the lightweight, thin-walled exhaust manifold shortens the engine and catalyst warm up times, reducing emissions. Chain-driven variable timing of both exhaust and intake valves maximises the spread of torque and optimises fuel consumption at part throttle while delivering maximum performance at high revs.

In the XF sports saloon this engine is capable of accelerating the car to 60mph in just 7.5 seconds and on to 150mph while at the same time achieving 8.9l/100km on the EU Combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 207g/km. In the all-aluminium XJ, this same engine accelerates the car to 60mph in 7.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 150mph while returning 30.4mpg (9.3l/100km) and 216g/km of CO2.

3.0-litre V6 Supercharged Petrol
Jaguar's latest supercharged petrol engine, the 3.0 V6 S/C, features new combinations of cutting-edge technology allowing it to deliver a smooth, refined and thrilling 340PS at 6500rpm and 450Nm of torque between 3500 and 5000rpm. Dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) and spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) is allied to new spark plug orientation that aligns the electrode precisely for enhanced combustion efficiency. These features, combined with a compression ratio of 10.5:1, optimise power, torque and economy throughout the rev range.

The latest twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger is mounted in the 'V' of the engine and features electronically managed boost control which offers operating efficiencies of up to 20%. The engine features an innovative system of counter-rotating front and rear balancer weights devised by Jaguar's engineers in order to ensure its refinement matches that of the V8.

The 3.0 V6 S/C is capable of accelerating both the XF sports saloon and XJ limousine to 60mph in 5.7 seconds and on to limited top speeds of 155mph. Both cars also return identical fuel economy figures of 30mpg (9.4l/100km) on the combined cycle and emit 224g/km of CO2.

2.2-litre i4 Turbodiesel
The highly regarded 2.2 i4 Td launched in the 2012 model year XF is now available in two forms, both of which offer a smooth, refined and muscular power delivery ideally suited to Jaguar's sporting saloon, along with reducing emissions and improving fuel economy.

The entry-level variant offers 163PS and 400Nm of torque while the higher-powered version has been uprated from 190PS to 200PS with torque remaining at 450Nm, with both versions also benefiting from engine management refinements. In the XF saloon this means emissions have been reduced to as low as 135g/km CO2, with combined fuel economy now at 55.4mpg (5.1l/100km).*

Both 163PS and 200PS variants of the 2.2 i4 Td are also available in the new XF Sportbrake where, thanks to aerodynamics the match of the saloon, Jaguar's most versatile model to date also boasts the same emissions and combined fuel economy figures: from 135g/km CO2 and 55.4mpg (5.1l/100km).*

*When fitted with 17-inch wheels. Figures for larger wheel sizes are 5.4l/100km | 52mpg and 139g/km of CO2

3.0-litre V6 Turbodiesel
Both the 240PS and 275PS versions of the 3.0 V6 Td fitted to the XF received the eight-speed gearbox for the 2012MY, but now also gain Intelligent Stop/Start for the 2013MY. This, coupled with recent efficiency gains implemented by Jaguar's engineers have seen the XF saloon's emissions fall to 159g/km CO2 with combined fuel economy improved to 47mpg (6.0l/100km). Corresponding figures for both versions of the engine in the XF Sportbrake are 46mpg (6.2l/100km) and 163g/km CO2.

The 275PS version of the 3.0 V6 Td fitted to the XJ also benefits from the introduction of the eight-speed gearbox and Intelligent Stop/Start technology. This has seen a reduction in CO2 emissions to 159g/km and an improvement in combined fuel economy to 47mpg (6.0l/100km), while at the same time in-gear acceleration has been improved.

5.0-litre V8 Petrol
Now in its third generation, Jaguar's powerful and charismatic 5.0 V8 petrol has won plaudits across the globe in both naturally-aspirated and supercharged variants. This all-alloy engine features a host of technologies that allow it to generate its power in a highly efficient manner, including direct injection, dual independent variable cam timing and, in the range-topping forced-induction variants, a Roots-type twin-vortex, intercooled supercharger.

In the XJ flagship, both the naturally-aspirated and supercharged V8s lend the car performance that creates a new facet to its personality. This is now extended through the fitment of the eight-speed gearbox for even smoother and more impressive acceleration, while the broader spread of ratios and Intelligent Stop/Start improve economy and emissions.

The naturally-aspirated engine sees a fuel economy gain of 8% over the EU combined cycle while its emissions are reduced by more than 6%. The supercharged range-topper achieves a fuel economy improvement in excess of 6% while CO2 emissions reduce by more than 7%.

The 510PS XFR sports saloon benefits from the same combination of eight-speed automatic gearbox and Intelligent Stop/Start allowing it to offer an unrivalled blend of efficiency and excitement. The EU Combined cycle improves by 11% with its emissions reduced by more than 8%.

N.B.  All quoted fuel economy figures are EU mpg and EU l/100km.
For full UK, US and EU economy and performance data see technical specification tables.

2013MY XF and XJ:   Meridian audio

AT-A-GLANCE

  • Optional sound systems developed by British ultra-premium specialist Meridian, a world leader in audio technologies and digital signal processing.
  • Available in two power outputs - 380W and 825W - both featuring multiple channel amplifiers and Digital Signal Processing software powering an array of loudspeakers.
  • Meridian audio systems are benchmarked against real instruments and voices rather than competitors.
  • Meridian apply Psychoacoustics research and experience to produce sounds so true to life that they are perceived as real by the listener.
  • Meridian Trifield technology, featured on the top-of-the-range 825W Meridian Surround Sound System, delivers perfect surround sound to every occupant of the vehicle. 

Meridian

The 2013 Model Year XF, XF Sportbrake and XJ mark the start of a new partnership - previewed in the flagship XJ Ultimate - for Jaguar with British audio experts Meridian. The company has been creating ultra-premium home sound systems for more than 35 years and worked closely with Jaguar's engineers to integrate this expertise seamlessly into the luxurious environs of the XJ and XF interiors.

"Our engineering teams work to exacting standards in order to create industry-leading technology, and the addition of Meridian audio systems to the 2013MY XF and XJ ranges perfectly complements those ideals. Precisely engineered for their specific installations, Meridian's systems effortlessly deliver the highest quality of audio reproduction, adding a welcome new experience for our customers." Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar Cars

The XJ and XF each offer two Meridian options. The 380W Meridian Sound System offers a 12-channel system which feeds 11 loudspeakers in the XF and 15 loudspeakers in the XJ. The top-of-the-range 825W Meridian Surround Sound System utilises 15 audio channels sending their information to 17 loudspeakers in the XF and 20 in the XJ.

Meridian has pioneered a number of technologies that deliver sound reproduction that is second to none and has won plaudits worldwide. The company considers the vehicle cabin environment as a unique opportunity to create and engineer audio solutions, making Meridian the ideal audio partner. Unlike other manufacturers which test their systems against competitors, Meridian benchmarks the fidelity of their audio reproduction against the original source of the sound itself, whether a real instrument such as a Steinway piano or a professional singer.

The basis of the Meridian philosophy is perfectly matching speakers and amplifiers, achieving premium sound quality without large power demands and avoiding overwhelming listeners with high volume. Meridian worked closely with both Jaguar and its suppliers to ensure that speaker construction utilises the latest techniques and materials and that they are perfectly placed within the cabin.

Meridian's proprietary Digital Signal Processing optimises the relationship between amplifier and speakers, with each receiving its own dedicated signal to achieve clear, distortion-free sound. The result is a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) - the measure of accuracy of sound reproduction - of just 0.2% which is 50 times greater than the outgoing systems. By comparison, a THD of less than 1% is regarded as inaudible to the human ear.

To optimise their sound systems to an automotive application in which the audio environment can change rapidly, Meridian refined their proprietary technologies and innovations specifically for automotive audio.

The two range-topping Meridian Surround Sound Systems feature the company's proprietary Trifield technology which creates an all-enveloping sound field, placing each listener at the centre of their own exclusive music experience, no matter where they are seated.

In order to account for resonances that occur within a vehicle, the company created a detailed acoustic analysis of both models' interiors to identify resonances and apply bespoke digital filters - Meridian Cabin Correction - to maximise definition.

The Meridian audio systems accept a number of digital inputs such as MP3 players, CDs, TV tuners, DAB radio and USB interfaces. As such, it was important that every source be accurately converted to maintain sound quality. Meridian's Digital Dither Shaping seamlessly processes each digital input to maximise detail and quality whatever the source media.

Dynamic Volume Control is also incorporated, which monitors extraneous noise levels within the cabin and smoothly and unobtrusively alters the system volume to account, for example, for an opened window or a rough road surface.

2013MY XF and XJ: Technology

AT-A-GLANCE

  • Infotainment system updates enhance the audio and navigation interfaces and usability.
  • Suspension enhancements to the XJ further optimise passenger comfort.

Infotainment upgrades
The intuitive, Jaguar Touchscreen infotainment system integrated into the XF and XJ receives an update for the 2013 model year, extending a number of its entertainment, navigation and connectivity functions.

Both the optional TV tuner and DAB receiver are upgraded with the former now capable of receiving both Mpeg4 as well as Mpeg2 encoded transmissions, dependent on market. The updated DAB system can now also receive the more efficient DAB+ signals and the new Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) standard. Upgrades have also enhanced the browsing functionality of the iPod interface.

The satellite-navigation system also offers a number of new features that extend its capabilities and user-friendliness. An important new addition is the 'ECO Route' option that optimises the roads used on a journey to minimise both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Making full use of the clarity of the central Touchscreen, the Dynamic Zoom feature automatically zooms in when the car approaches a junction, both on the motorway and more minor roads to make the upcoming route more obvious. Similarly, Visual Lane Guidance makes use of the split-screen function to highlight the route when the driver approaches a junction where directional arrows are painted on the road surface. Lastly, when the car is on a motorway, overhead sign information is duplicated within the satellite-navigation display.

In order to increase the usefulness of the navigation still further, Jaguar has developed a number of new features. The 'Avoid Area' function is now extended to the Stored Locations sub-menu to allow the system to remember it for future journeys, the area itself can be programmed using a variety of destination entry methods and the size of it can be decided by the driver. The Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) information now has a repeat function to allow the driver to make an informed decision about rerouting around delays.

The Points of Interest (POI) feature can be extended by downloading POIs from the internet and then stored on the in-car system via a USB memory stick. Additional enhancements to the infotainment system include Arabic route guidance, a Russian module added to the 'Say What You See' voice activation function and a full onscreen QWERTY keyboard for the search function on a paired phone.

XJ suspension enhancements
For the 2013MY, Jaguar has continued to improve suspension refinement and performance. All models in the range benefit from recalibrated spring and damper tunes offering enhanced ride isolation and occupant comfort on all road surfaces, with no impact on the model's acclaimed dynamic ability. The new suspension tune was first introduced on the range-topping XJ Ultimate.


2013MY Jaguar XJ (SWB) Technical Specifications 

 

2.0 i4 Ti

3.0 V6 S/C

5.0 V8 N/A 385PS

5.0 V8 S/C 470PS

5.0 V8 S/C 510PS

3.0D 275PS

Type

2.0-litre i4 turbocharged petrol

3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol

5.0-litre V8 petrol

5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol

5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol

3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel

Capacity (cc)

1999

2995

5000

5000

5000

2993

Bore/Stroke (mm)

87.5/83.1

84.5/89

92.5/93

92.5/93

92.5/93

84/90

Peak Power (PS@rpm)

240@5500

340@6500

385@6500

470@6000-6500

510@6000-6500

275@4000

Peak Power (kW@rpm)

177@5500

250@6500

283@6500

346@6000-6500

375@6000-6500

202@4000

Peak Torque (lb/ft@rpm)

251@2000-4000

332@3500-5000

380@3500

424@2000-5500

461@2500-5500

443@2000

Peak Torque (Nm@rpm)

340@2000-4000

450@3500-5000

515@3500

575@2000-5500

625@2500-5500

600@2000

Transmission

ZF Eight-speed automatic

Intelligent Stop/Start

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Final Drive Ratio

2.73:1

2.56:1

2.56:1

2.56:1

2.56:1

2.44:1

0-60mph (secs)

7.0

5.7

5.4

4.9

4.7

6.0

0-100km/h (secs)

7.5

5.9

5.7

5.2

4.9

6.4

Top Speed (mph | km/h)

150 | 241

155 | 250 (limited)

155 | 250 (limited)

155 | 250 (limited)

155 | 250 (limited)

155 | 250 (limited)

Combined Economy

(l/100km | EU mpg | US mpg)

9.3 | 30.4 | n/a

9.4 | 30 | 21

10.4 | n/a | 20

n/a | n/a | 18

11.3 | 25 | 18

6.0 | 47 | n/a

CO2 (g/km)

216

224

247

268

268

159

All figures are manufacturer's estimates and correct at time of going to press