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Jaguar XJ
| Jaguar XJ |
| Description: |
Design and engineering
Like the Audi A8's, the X350's chassis and body are constructed from aluminium. While some steel is used in some places throughout the chassis, the X350 has an aluminium monocoque/chassis similar in general design to a conventional steel structure, but with two differences; its underbody components are bonded together with aerospace-grade epoxy adhesives while around 3,200 self-piercing rivets are used to create the new XJ's unibody. A conventional steel body would be spot-welded. Interestingly, the construction method of X350 is different to the one Audi employs for the A8, but both methods are considered advanced.
On its own, the current XJ's bodyshell weighs about the same as a contemporary BMW MINI. If the car were made of steel, it is estimated that it would weigh 40% more.
Some of the styling features that distinguish the X350 from the previous XJ include the outer headlights, which are larger than the inner headlights, and wheels which are pushed closer to the corners of the car (due to an increased wheelbase), both like the original Mark 1 XJ. Also, the X350 dispenses with the third side window of its predecessor, reverting back to two side windows like the Mark 1. Moreover, beginning in 2004, changes have been made to the distinctive chrome side window frames of the XJ, where the use of chrome in the areas in between the front and back doors has been discontinued. The curve in the rear door resembles that of the Jaguar saloons of the 1950s and 1960s. |
| Date: |
24.11.2006 03:28 |
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