Vehicle Story
The XJ8 (internal designation X350) was being developed alongside the X-type and despite its traditional, conservative styling, it boasted some quite radical tech. The main issue Jaguar faced with this new model was the weight, with customers demanding more interior space, the floorpan had to be stretched to 3034mm. This led Jaguar to execute a bold move using an aluminium instead of steel, with the aluminium being riveted and glued together, which due to its success for the firm is still a practice they use to this day.
The range was also to come with a new set of engines with this example having the 300bhp 4196cc V8. Rather than just plug a huge engine in an ungainly land yacht, Jaguar gave the car self-levelling air suspension, which coupled with the lower weight, actually made the XJ8 a more capable handling car than its vast size would suggest.
Since production ended in 2009, the XJ8 model range has a firm place in Jaguar fans' hearts with it being the last of the traditional looking Jags, as well as playing a significant role in the industry and the company.