The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

Of all the cars in the world, Jaguar probably has the most exciting and promise-of-things-to-come name. There is a certain bite to the name that usually leaves a lasting impression.

The name is a vision of swiftness, agility and something wild. It is also a name that conjures up visions of money – lots of money. More than having a desire for this prestigious British car, is the ability to pay for it because these cats don’t come cheap.

The Jaguar test car was the new XJ6 Vanden Plas (supplied by J.H. Bennett Inc., 2300 Hanover Ave., Allentown) and carried a price tag of $47,950, including a destination and handling charge of $450). Before succumbing to severe sticker shock, it should be pointed out that this was for a fully equipped car and there was no need to buy any options.

Although the 1988 XJ6 bears a strong family resemblance to its predecessor, the XJ6 Series III (as well as other Jaguar sedans of the past), it has very little in common. In fact, according to Jaguar, only the names XJ6 and Vanden Plas have been retained; everything else about the vehicle is completely new.

A quick way to check this out is by consulting the EPA Gas Mileage Guide. The previous model was given a volume index of 98 cubic feet, 88 interior and 10 luggage, while the ’88 is rated at 106 cubic feet, 93 interior and 13 luggage. Even though the same engine configuration is used, there is quite a difference in fuel mileage: the previous model rated at 15 miles per gallon city/19 mpg highway and the new model at 18 city/25 highway. So right off, it is not too difficult to realize it is an entirely different car.

Styling, as mentioned, is traditional Jaguar and even though the design obviously has numerous changes they are very subtle. Although this is one sophisticated car, the design has been simplified. In fact, the number of panels needed to produce a complete car has been reduced by 25 percent in comparison with the previous model.

But enough comparisons, let’s just concentrate on the new XJ6. Basic dimensions include a wheelbase of 113 inches, length, 196.4 inches; width, 78.9 inches; height, 54.3 inches, and curb weight, 3,960 pounds. A rather heavy piece of machinery for its size, but then luxury cars usually aren’t lightweights.

The interior is almost sinfully luxurious with soft-to-the-touch and richly aromatic leather upholstery and almost enough walnut veneer to finish off a board room. The Vanden Plas model takes all of this a step further with its use of handcrafted burl walnut wood veneers, not only for fascia and door cappings, but for picnic tables on the back of each front seat. Also, there are reading lamps for rear seat passengers, heated front seats and passenger footwell rugs.

Driver and front seat passenger have all kinds of room and, if the front seats aren’t extended fully aft, those in the rear will have decent leg room. Even i f rear seat passengers are a little cramped (if they happen to be tall, big or both), there probably won’t be too many complaints. The 15-cubic-foot trunk is cut back to 12.7 cubic feet with the spare tire and there is still plenty of room for designer luggage.

The instrument panel is a blend of tradition and modern with large sweep speedometer and tachometer and electronic gauges. All are easy to read and interpret. The controls are a little much and will take either a check-out flight or a glance or two at the owner’s manual (another impressive item). The 80-watt power output, six-speaker stereo system, as with all such systems, will take a bit of studying.

Driving the XJ6 is not in the least bit tricky. It is responsive and it has a goodly amount of power and, if one does not get intimidated, it will do just what it is asked to do. The ZF four-speed automatic has a unique J-gate selector that allows the driver to operate the transmission in a manual mode (by moving the shift lever around the bottom of the J-shape) or allowing it to do all the thinking (by leaving it in drive). So, whether you are a sport who loves to downshift on cornering or just going along for the ride, the transmission is impressive. It also features a lock-up clutch in the torque converter for better highway fuel mileage.

The XJ6 is powered by a double overhead camshaft, in-line, six-cylinder engine. Many manufacturers now have double overhead camshaft, four-valve-per- cylinder engines but Jaguar first introduced this type of engine in its XK-120 sports car in 1949 and has been using it ever since. The latest version is called the AJ6. This all-aluminum alloy 3.6-liter (219 cubic inches) engine is more powerful, more economical and 25 percent lighter than the 4.2-liter (258 cubic inches) used in the previous model.

The 3.6 is rated at 181 brake horsepower at 4,750 rpm and 221 foot pounds torque at 3,750 rpm. Not surprisingly, performance is quite good. Just lay that pebble-grain wing tip on the accelerator and the XJ6 leaps into action. Acceleration is swift, smooth and straight, though somewhat deceiving because of the quietness of the car. However, a glance at the speedometer will tell you it is climbing and, depending on the driver’s mood or attitude, will hit those high numbers if the road is long enough and the radar traps aren’t out.

High speed in a country with a low speed limit may not seem to be a big priority to everyone. Somehow, those buying European luxury cars demand it, even if they drive within the limits.

Fuel mileage is very decent. The test car averaged 14 miles per gallon for city driving and 23 mpg over the highway. Unleaded premium should be used. With its large 23.2 gallon fuel tank, the Jaguar can cover a lot of distance between fill ups.

Along with performance, a Jaguar is also expected to be agile and good handling is required. No problem with thenew XJ6; it can handle with the best of them, which is saying quite a bit in an age when even economy cars act like sport sedans. Although it is doubtful if many owners of new Jaguar sedans (or, for that matter, owners of any new luxury/sport sedan) really put these cars to the limits, or anywhere near the limits of its potential, it is nice to be able to brag about having a big sedan that handles like a small sports car. If one has the ability, the XJ6 certainly has the capability.

The new four-wheel independent suspension system is completely new, though the design is similar to the Series III. According to Jaguar, the new system features a number of major changes ”enabling ride excellence to be combined with even more precise levels of handling and road holding.” Quite a mouthful but what it really means is that the XJ6 can be traveling fast and everyone will be comfortable.

One of the added refinements is a ride leveling system for the rear suspension w hich detects and compensates for differing vehicle loads. This will ensure that the car will remain level regardless of passenger or luggage load. Although not really a new innovation, ride leveling systems have became very popular over the past couple of years and are now used on almost every luxury car and some near-luxury cars.

Even more impressive than the new suspension is the new ABS (anti-lock brake system), standard on the Vanden Plas and XJ6. ABS could very well be the greatest safety device since brakes were invented, and very briefly, ABS helps the driver to retain steering control when braking hard to take evasive action on a slippery road. This system is generally thought of as a foul-weather (snow, ice, rain) friend, but it can go along way in preventing accidents on dry roads.

The XJ6 is protected by a three year/ 36,000 mile warranty on the complete car. There is also a free Roadside Assistance Plan.