Jaguar introduced a completely new XJ model in 1997, marking a solid comeback on the luxury sedan market.
When Ford bought Jaguar in 1990, it found a great car manufacturer in a bad financial shape. The Coventry-based carmaker had only old models, such as the XJS and the XJ flagship, which were not so young and appealing anymore. Moreover, its engines were outdated, and there was a risk they won’t get the Euro 3 emission test approval. So Ford stepped in and pumped the money needed to improve the lineup. In 1996, the British carmaker replaced the 25 years-old XJS with the XK and, in the following year, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it revealed the XJ8.

While the car was based on the same 1985 XJ40 platform, it featured a completely new design. Its quad, round headlights in individual clusters and the split-grille at the front made a clear distinction over its competitors. By 1997, none of its competitors made round headlights anymore. Another sign of recognition was the low greenhouse and the sloped-down trunk lid.

Inside, the carmaker installed a luxurious, hand-crafted interior with wood veneers and expensive leather. The instrument panel displayed three separate clusters for the speedometer, tachometer, and a third one for the coolant temperature and fuel level. On the center stack, the carmaker installed a new sound system carried over from Ford, while the center console hosted the gear-lever for the automatic transmission. But unlike its main competitors, the XJ didn’t provide too much room for the rear seat occupants.

Under the hood, Jaguar installed its new V-8 engines introduced on the XK8. It paired it with a five-speed automatic gearbox provided by ZF.