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Jaguar For 1999 |
By Carey Russ |
The 1999 model year is one of refinement at Jaguar. The current offerings are the XK8 luxury sports car and XJ series of sedans, both of which have relatively few changes for 1999. All current Jaguars use versions of the 4.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam AJ-V8 engine. It has internal enhancements this year.
Great change is about to come to Jaguar, as the all-new S-Type sedan will debut as the company's first year 2000 model in Spring 1999.
S-Type
Named and styled in tribute to the high-performance version of the famous 3.8-liter sedan of the 1960s, the new S-Type is built on a completely new platform and will bring the Jaguar name into the heart of the luxury car marketplace. To be available in Spring, 1999, it will be offered with a 240-hp 3.0-liter V6 or a 281-hp version of the 4.0- liter AJ-V8. Both will be matched to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The Jaguar S-Type will have all of the equipment expected in a luxury sedan and a very British leather and wood interior. Chest and head side-impact air bags are standard; modern safety, convenience, and performance amenities including an electronic navigation system, dynamic stability control, adaptive ride control, and voice-activated control of the audio and climate systems and cellular telephone will be available.
XJ Sedans
There are four variations of the latest evolution of the XJ sedan. The standard XJ8 and long-wheelbase XJ8 L, and the long- wheelbase, ultra-luxurious Vanden Plas use a 290-hp naturally- aspirated version of the Jaguar V8. The high-performance XJR has a supercharged engine, with 370 horsepower. All have five-speed automatic transmissions. For 1999, the XJR's brakes have been enlarged, and the interior trim wood has been changed from bird's-eye maple to burled walnut. New color choices are available for the other sedan models.
XK8
Jaguar's luxury sports car is available in coupe or convertible body styles. Both are powered by a 290-hp naturally-aspirated version of the AJ-V8, with a five-speed automatic transmission. There are some new color choices for 1999, and the convertible is available with a beige top.
