Jaguar

Jaguar XJ6

1991

At the beginning of the '90s, one of Jaguar's 4-door sedans, the XJ6, was available as either a base, Sovereign, or Vanden Plas model.

1992

A limited-edition Majestic sedan was added for this year.

1993

The Majestic and Sovereign sedans were never seen again as of 1993.

1995

The XJ sedans were restyled and re-engineered for 1995. They were made to look more like the traditional XJ sedans, with four round headlamps that flow into hood and fender bulges, a softer grille and body-color bumpers. Trapezoidal taillights evoked previous Jaguar sedans, too. The line has grown into a 4-model series.

The 6-cylinder XJ6 competed with the BMW 5-series, Lexus LS 400, Infiniti Q45 and Mercedes E320 and E420, Cadillac Seville and Lincoln Continental. It was also available as the upgraded Vanden Plas, with a fancier interior, more luxury touches and chrome trim.

1997

A new XJ6L was introduced for this model year, again for a limited time only before the XJ6 was completely dropped. However, the Vanden Plas survived to the next model year.

1995 Jaguar XJ6 4-door sedan

1995 Jaguar Vanden Plas 4-door sedan

1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas 4-door sedan

Interior of the Jaguar XJ6

Another interior view of the XJ6

Jaguar XJ12

1994

A new XJ12, introduced this year, was basically the same machine as the XJ6 Vanden Plas, but with a silky-smooth 313-hp V12 engine. It competed with the big BMW 750iL and Mercedes S500 and S600.

1996

This was the last model year for the XJ12.

1995 Jaguar XJ12 4-door sedan

1996 Jaguar XJ12 4-door sedan

Interior of the Jaguar XJ12

The back seat of the Jaguar XJ12

Another interior view of the XJ12

Jaguar XJS

1991

Anglophiles extolled the swoopy, long-hooded good looks of this consummate Grand Touring car, the only Jaguar that was still in production and designed under the personal guidance of Jaguar's founder, Sir William Lyons. They also praised its genuine 150-mph performance, smooth acceleration and viceless handling.

Competition for the Coupe came from the Lexus SC 400 (since 1992), Mercedes-Benz E320 (since 1994), S500 and S600, and BMW 850Ci. The only comparable convertibles were Mercedes' E320 cabriolet and SL-Class 2-seaters.

1995

The major changes for 1995 took place under the hood, where both the 4.0-liter dohc Six and the 6.0-liter sohc V12 have been extensively revised. The Six got new pistons, cylinder head and engine management system, as well as lighter valves and individual ignition coils for each spark plug. Horsepower was up from 219 to 237. The 6.0-liter V12 had similarly improved power, with 301 hp versus last year's 278. The Six was mated to a German ZF 4-speed automatic, while the V12 used an excellent 4-speed automatic that Jaguar bought from General Motors.

Other enhancements for '95 included variable assist power steering on the Six. V12s got a 6-disc CD changer, heated seats, an engine block heater, headlamp washers, new 20-spoke aluminum wheels, and a rear spoiler with built-in brakelight. The rear seats on all Coupes have been redesigned to provide more space and were now similar to those on the Convertibles.

With wood and leather interiors as tasteful as they were traditional, the XJS was truly a contemporary classic.

1996

No more 2-door convertibles or coupes were made for the rest of the '90s after the XJS was discontinued.

Jaguar XJR

1995

Jaguar's first supercharged engine, a 322-hp version of the Six, powered the XJR model, giving it a 0-to-60 time of 6.7 seconds. It was distinguished by a body-color grille and leather sports seats. It competed with the BMW M5 and Mercedes E500.

Both this car and XJ12 used a General Motors electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission in place of the German ZF automatic in the XJ6 and Vanden Plas. Of course, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and dual airbags were included on every Jaguar sedan as well as impeccable race-bred handling, genuinely high performance and a traditional interior with all the wood and leather ambiance of a private Pall Mall men's club.

Jaguar XJ8

1998

The XJ6 got replaced by a brand-new XJ8, also known as the X308. The XJ8 remained unchanged in 1999.