Production years: 1997 - 2002

A new engine, new interior, styling changes, all took the next generation XJ into even more refined territory.

The very short production run of the previous XJ models (X-300) came about because they were merely a stop gap until Jaguar had developed its first production V8 engine, the AJ-V8 unit. First encountered in the new XK8 sports car in 1996, it was inevitable that it wouldn’t be long before it was fitted to the XJ saloons (now coded X-308) which happened in 1997.

The very refined V8 engines of 3.2 litre and 4.0 litre capacity produced up to 290bhp and were a snug fit into the XJ body shell. The basic shell structure of the body remained unchanged although some inner panels needed adjustment and to ‘show off’ the new models revised more sculptured bumper bars and a new interior dashboard layout were produced.

The range of models followed the previous cars but no longer with an XJ6, just XJ8, Sport, XJR and of course Daimler, now available in two forms, a normally aspirated 4.0 litre (Daimler Eight) and the supercharged model (Daimler Super V8), and both short and long wheelbase lengths were available. Many simple styling changes took place during the life of the cars and also models changes like the Sovereign changed to the SE and the standard model to Executive. A special edition XJR 100 was produced to commemorate the centenary of Sir William Lyons, the founder of the company.

Production of the X-308 models ceased early in 2002 to make way for another new XJ range of cars.

Model Summary

Model Type:

X308 (XJ8) Saloons

Production Dates:

1997 - 2002

Engine Range:

3.2 Litre

4.0 Litre

4.0 Litre supercharged

0 - 60 mph:

3.2 Litre - 8.1 seconds

4.0 Litre - 6.9 seconds

4.0 Litre supercharged - 5.3 seconds

Top Speed:

3.2 Litre - 140 mph

4.0 Litre - 150 mph

4.0 Litre supercharged - 155 mph

X308 (XJ8) Saloons Technical Specifications

Technical Information

Engine Statistics

  3.2 Litre
Engine (cc) 3248
Bore and Stroke (mm) 86 x 70
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
BHP 240
@ RPM 6350
Torque (lb ft) 233
@ RPM 4350
Fuelling Fuel-injection
  4.0 Litre
Engine (cc) 3996
Bore and Stroke (mm) 86 x 86
Compression Ratio 10.75:1
BHP 290
@ RPM 6100
Torque (lb ft) 290
@ RPM 4250
Fuelling Fuel-injection
  4.0 Litre supercharged
Engine (cc) 3996
Bore and Stroke (mm) 86 x 86
Compression Ratio 9:1
BHP 370
@ RPM 6150
Torque (lb ft) 387
@ RPM 3600
Fuelling Fuel-injection

Engine Performance

  3.2 Litre
Top Speed 140 mph
0 - 60 mph 8.1 seconds
Fuel Consumption 23.5 mpg
  4.0 Litre
Top Speed 150 mph
0 - 60 mph 6.9 seconds
Fuel Consumption 23.7 mpg
  4.0 Litre supercharged
Top Speed 155 mph
0 - 60 mph 5.3 seconds
Fuel Consumption 21.6 mpg

Model Specifications

  3.2 Litre
Transmission ZR 5-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 16, alloy
Suspension (Front) Ind unequal-length wishbones, anti-drive, coil springs
Suspension (Rear) Ind double wishbones, driveshafts as upper links, anti-squat, coil springs, CATS optional
Brakes 4-wheel disc, all ventilated
  4.0 Litre
Transmission ZF 5-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 17, alloy
Suspension (Front) Ind unequal-length wishbones, anti-drive, coil springs
Suspension (Rear) Ind double wishbones, driveshafts as upper links, anti-squat, coil springs, CATS optional
Brakes 4-wheel disc, all ventilated
  4.0 Litre supercharged
Transmission MB 5-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 18, alloy
Suspension (Front) Ind unequal-length wishbones, anti-drive, coil springs
Suspension (Rear) Ind double wishbones, driveshafts as upper links, anti-squat, coil springs, CATS optional
Brakes 4-wheel disc, all ventilated

Model Dimensions

  3.2 Litre
Length (in) 197 (201 Long-wheelbase)
Width (in) 69
Height (in) 51 (52 long-wheelbase)
Wheelbase (in) 112 (116 long-wheelbase)
Front Track (in) 57
Rear Track (in) 57
Weight (Cwt) 33.7
  4.0 Litre
Length (in) 197 (201 Long-wheelbase)
Width (in) 69
Height (in) 51 (52 long-wheelbase)
Wheelbase (in) 112 (116 long-wheelbase
Front Track (in) 57
Rear Track (in) 57
Weight (Cwt) 33.7
  4.0 Litre supercharged
Length (in) 197
Width (in) 69
Height (in) 51
Wheelbase (in) 112
Front Track (in) 57
Rear Track (in) 57
Weight (Cwt) 34.9

Optional Extras

  • Mud flaps
  • Cruise control (where not fitted as standard)
  • Tailored overmats
  • Headlight power-wash system
  • Premium hi-fi system with CD auto-changer in boot
  • Child's safety seat
  • Child's booster cushion
  • First-aid kit for boot area
  • Jaguar warning triangle
  • Headlamp converters
  • Headlamp safety covers
  • Mobile telephone kits
  • Snow chains
  • Luggage net for boot area
  • Witter tow bar kit
  • Cup-holder for forward centre console area
  • Heated windscreen
  • Ultrasonic intrusion security system
  • Additional zip-fastening tool kit
  • Heated front seats (where not fitted)
  • Jaguar 'growler' alloy wheel centre badges, various colours
  • Power-folding door mirrors
  • Chrome door mirror surrounds (where not fitted)
  • Bright rear-number plate surround (chrome)
  • Self-dipping rear-view mirror
  • Wood/leather steering wheel (where not fitted)
  • Foglamp protective covers
  • Tailored front seat covers
  • Boot cargo net
  • Boot luggage hooks
  • Luggage retainer clips and/or straps
  • Roof-mounted rack
  • Ski/cycle holders
  • Luggage frame for roof rack
  • Compact, sports or large roof box
  • Various options of fitted luggage for the boot
  • Round alloy gear knob
  • Satellite navigation system (later cars)
  • Reverse park aid (where not fitted)
  • Auxiliary power socket
  • Tracker security system
  • Aspheric door mirrors
  • Lockable boot-mounted security box
  • Xenon headlight units (where not fitted)
  • Air filtration system to air-conditioning
  • Engine block heater
  • Cold climate pack
  • Electric sunroof (where not fitted)
  • Rear window blinds
  • Deflector for sunroof
  • CATS suspension package (where not fitted)
  • Chromed grille surround (where not fitted)
  • Alternative woodwork veneers (according to model)
  • 16in 20-spoke alloy wheels (plastic centre caps)
  • 16in Dimple anthracite infill alloy wheels
  • 16in Dimple alloy wheels (plain)
  • 16in Crown alloy wheels (centre cap covers)
  • 16in Starburst alloy wheels
  • 16in Cosmic five double-spoke alloy wheels
  • 16in Lunar seven-spoke alloy wheels (later models)
  • 16in Eclipse five-spoke alloy wheels (later models)
  • 16in multi-spoke Corona alloy wheels (later models)
  • 17in XJR Sport alloy wheels (exposed wheel nuts)
  • 17in Celtic ten-spoke alloy wheels (later models)
  • 18in Penta five-spoke alloy wheels (later models)
  • 18in seven-flute alloy wheels
  • 18in Asteroid seven-spoke alloy wheels (later standard XJR model)
  • R-Performance Specifics
  • 18in Milan split-rim alloy wheels
  • 18in Winter alloy wheels
  • 19in Montreal alloy wheels (later models)
  • Brembo brakes
X308 6 Models Jec
X308 4 Models Jec

Model Contacts

Rob Jenner

Rob Jenner

Reproduction and remanufactured parts liaison

+44 01455 618511

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