Overview of the the Jaguar XJS - Part 2

An automatic gearbox became available for the 6 cylinder XJS in 1987 in the form of a ZF 4 speed box with lock-up torque converter, and in 1988 Anti-lock braking was introduced on all models (though not on the XJ12 saloon until 1991).

A full convertible was available on V12 models in 1989 using a semi-automatic electro-hydraulic system. The body had been modified with frameless door windows and substantial strengthening to make up for the loss of the steel roof.

A substantially revised coupé body was introduced in May 1991 referred to as facelift or part-facelift. This had fully glassed rear side windows, much-revised rear lamps and boot, and a different grille - amongst many other minor changes. The bumpers were still rubber mouldings over metal beams, topped with chrome finishers. The engine was much modernised and enlarged to 4 litres. The new body became available as a convertible for the 6 cylinder cars in 1992.

More demanding emissions regulations world-wide had sapped the power of the V12 with the fitting of restrictive catalytic converters up to this point. Jaguar responded in 1993 by developing the V12 from 5.3 to 6.0 litres, mated to an electronically controlled 4 speed automatic gearbox which hugely improved the responsiveness of the cars and opened up the gap again between the 6 and 12 cylinder cars. Also at this time the body was revised with full plastic bumper skirts front and rear, and the convertible gained two seats in the rear.

In 1994 the "AJ6" 4.0 litre 6 cylinder engine was revised to become the "AJ16" with better electronic management and breathing, raising power from 225bhp to 250 - closing the gap once more with the V12.

Alongside these mainstream XJS models, a more sporting variant, the XJRS, was brought in initially in 1988 with TWR-designed suspension improvements and bodykit, but the same 5.3 litre engine. Then in 1989 the TWR-Jaguar joint venture, JaguarSport, developed a much modified engine of 6 litres (not the same as the later, mainstream Jaguar 6 litre) with sequential injection and digital ignition which developed 318bhp. In 1991 the further revised XJRS used the facelift body with different bodykit mouldings and boot spoiler. When the 1993 Jaguar XJS 6 litre was introduced, demand for the XJRS with its more expensive and more difficult to repair engine declined and few more were produced.