Aluminum Flyer

SEVILLE, Spain — It's a designer's most challenging task: Redesign your brand's icon, yet maintain the character traits buyers have come to expect.

While some advocate throwing caution to the wind and taking a radical departure from the past, there are the more conservative who suggest a little nip and tuck here and there.

When Jaguar's design team set out to redo the flagship XJ sedan, it opted to take the second course, making the sedan a little wider and taller than its predecessor, while keeping its overall shape intact. It's a move that could cause many Jaguar buyers and prospects to look at the new car and ask: “What's new?”

Sure, there are larger headlamps and a new grille up front, and let's not forget the new taillamp configuration. But is that truly enough? Even the folks within the executive ranks admit Jaguar should have been more aggressive on the styling front with this sixth-generation XJ.

Engineers and designers paid close attention to making the XJ a true flagship when it comes to accommodating larger (read: U.S.) drivers and passengers. The XJ has increased its size in every dimension over its predecessor. Overall length is up 2.6 ins. (6.6 cm) to 200.4 ins. (509 cm), and the wheelbase has increased 6.4 ins. (16.2 cm) to 119.4 ins. (303.3 cm). The '04 model also is 2.4 ins. (6.1 cm) wider, measuring in at 73.2 ins. (186 cm).

That translates into more room in the interior, a welcome departure from the previous XJ, which was criticized for its lack of headroom, both front and rear, and tight legroom in the rear. Most impressive: The rear seat can accommodate three occupants without forcing them to tilt their heads in an awkward position.

The added space is noticeable. The car feels much larger than the previous iteration, almost as if this British offering has been Americanized. While this could be a blessing, it seems to depart from some of Jag's individuality.

The XJ utilizes Jaguar's signature AJ-V8, which is shared with the XK and S-Type. The naturally aspirated 4.2L AJ-V8 finds itself under the hood of the XJ8 and Vanden Plas models, with the supercharged 4.2L AJ-V8 reserved for the performance-oriented XJR model.

The base 4.2L V-8 produces 294 hp at 6,000 rpm, and maximum torque is rated at 303 lb.-ft. (411 Nm) at 4,100 rpm. That's commendable, but the true driving pleasure comes from the supercharged AJ-V8, which racks up 390 hp at 6,100 rpm and has a peak torque of 399 lb.-ft. (541 Nm) at 3,500 rpm.

Both engines are mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission, also similar to the one used in the XK and S-Type.

The interior of the new XJ sees a number of refinements, while maintaining a look that is typical Jaguar. There's tasteful use of wood trim and leather throughout the plush cabin. Jaguar says it was going for an “inviting” theme: not too opulent or overly garish.

It's safe to say Jaguar's interior designers hit their mark. Unlike many luxury cars that have turned into rolling laptop computers, the XJ's interior is straightforward and simple. One concession is a 7-in. (18-cm) screen for the navigation system on the instrument panel, but it doesn't take away from the overall appeal of the interior.

While the interior and exterior designs may not break the mold, the '04 XJ's true innovation is its foundation. This new sedan is the first Jaguar production vehicle with an aluminum bodyshell. The use of aluminum makes the XJ significantly lighter than the previous model — the '04 body weighs just 485 lbs. (220 kg), while the old steel body weighed 794 lbs. (360 kg.) — which translates into better handling and performance, as well as better fuel economy. In fact, the XJ8 actually is 68 lbs. (31 kg) lighter than its little brother, the 4.2L V-8 S-Type.

Driving through southern Spain along the Atlantic coast, it is easy to see the marked differences between the XJ8 and the XJR. Although all XJs feature Jaguar's new air suspension system as standard equipment, tuning is differentiated to meet the driving characteristics between the XJ8 and XJR.

The '04 XJ8 is a little too soft in cornering and lofts over bumps like a Buick, which isn't something to brag about. There's little doubt the XJ8 can't be compared to a Mercedes S-Class, which has a tighter ride and feels more in tune with the road, but Jaguar insiders say they don't expect the XJ8 to compete with the S-Class.

Driving the '04 XJR is a much more pleasant experience. Here, it seems Jaguar has the mix just right. The added power from the supercharged V-8 provides more than enough performance to unleash the beast within the XJ. The specially tuned suspension and steering of the XJR provide additional enjoyment for those looking for more than a country club cruiser.

Yes, the XJ8 seems to have been injected with a little of Harley Earl's Dynaride — but there's little doubt the all-new '04 XJ will appeal to tried-and-true Jaguar aficionados, since it lacks any significant exterior styling changes from the previous model.

New customers, looking for more than just another Jag, may be disappointed, wondering what's new when the new XJ goes on sale in the U.S. in June.

'04 Jaguar XJ8

Vehicle type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, 5-passenger sedan

Engine: 4.2L (4,196 cc) DOHC V-8 aluminum block/aluminum heads

Power (SAE net): 294 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 303 lb.-ft. (411 Nm) @ 4,100 rpm

Compression ratio: 11:1

Bore × Stroke (mm): 86.1 × 90.4

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 119.4 ins. (303 cm)

Overall length: 200.4 ins. (509 cm)

Overall width: 73.2 ins. (186 cm)

Overall height: 57 ins. (145 cm)

Curb weight: 3,766 lbs. (1,709 kg)

Market competition: Audi A8; BMW 7-Series; Lexus LS 430; Mercedes S-Class