AUTO
aguar XJ12: something old, something new

Meticulously-built, highly-refined sedan combines tradition with innovation

OVERDRIVE

THINGS LIKE antique
cameras, vintage
automobiles, coliectors’
paintings and handcrafted
artwork are not bound by
the same pricing rules as
computers, TVs, and new
cars — they come from two
different worlds.

The worlds of history and art
are at opposite ends of the spec-
trum from the worlds of high
technology and science. But wait,
are arts and science really
mutually exclusive?

Not according to Jaguar — a
company that’s been building both

history and science for the
years.

At first, Jaguar's meticu-
lously-built, highly-refined XJ12
sedan seems to belong to the
world of history and art — the
hand-finished burl-walnut panels,
hand-stitched Connolly leather
seats, and classic, elegant lines
recalling classic sculpture. .

The XJ12’s uncluttered looks
and simple, yet attractive, shape
seem to defy the existence of time.

But careful examination reveals
that there is much more to this
automobile dian just its historical
significance and artistic appeal:
state-of-the-art 6.0-litre V-12
engine with advanced fucl-
management controls;
sophisticated computer-controlled
transmission; dual airbags; anti-
lock brakes; and countless other
high-tech features.

Take note of this —- even the
front windshield has a powerful
electric defroster like the rear’s,
except that the grid lines have
been made thin-as-hair so that the
wiggly lines won’t affect front vi-
sion.

Jaguar, while keeping one foot
in the past, has stretched its other
foot to the future by incorporating
all the expected technically ad-
vanced features in the XJ12.

The $92,500 flagship Jaguar
sedan is neither cheap nor perfect,
especially when compared to cars
like $70,000 Lexus LS400, which
was designed from scratch using

past 58

NEWS photo Nell Luconte

CELICA GT and GT-S models offer a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine
with 135 horsepower, the same engine as last year.

ABS available as option

From page 29

with variable power assist is very
quick and precise, and the manual
five-speed shifter is direct and
easy to change. Clutch action is
light, and outward visibility is
good.

The Celica’s handling, in par-
ticular, is flat and grippy with
very high cornering limits.

A new interior desizn featuring
a large console that wraps around
and towards the driver puts most
controls within easy reach,

The front, racing-style sport
seats with height adjusunent offer

excellent support during cornering,
while two rear bucket-type seats
offer occasional seating for rear
passengers on short drives.

Split, folding rear seats and
cargo-area tonneau cover are
standard equipment,

Anti-lock brakes are available
as an option, but like many op-
tions these days, they must be
purchased as part of an aption
package which includes such
things as cruise contro) and
four-spoke steering wheel.

My fully equipped Celica GT-S
came to $27,323.

the latest technology.

However, the NJ12's ability to
sonichow ipture both the old and
the new ina unique way allows it
to be in its own class. Here's the
proof,

Say names like Lexus, Infiniti
or even BMW, and you get posi-
tive but not emotional responses
from friends: They're great
cars.””

Now quietly whisper the word
Jaguar, and just about everyone
smiles and says, “Oh! | love
Jaguars,..they're so classy."

Sure, many competitors from
Ciermany and Japan may be able
to offer more peformance or

IBRAKES, SHOCKS, EXHAUST, bx
| TUNE: “UPS, MAINTENANCE,

features for the dollar, but no
other luxury car evokes emotion
and stirs up feelings like a Jaguar.

Yes, the Jaguar XJ12 is expen-
sive, especially when compared to
the more affordable competitive
models.

And yes, the NJ12 has some
strange ergonomic designs, like the
difficult-to-reach power seat con-
trols, hard-to-see computer swit-
ches, and a cluttered dash layout.

But to those who value such
things as handcrafted work, tradi-
tion, and image, many of the
faults we find as automotive ex-
perts may not be at all that
significant.

During my recent test drive of
the XJ12, | was reminded that
people don’t spend $1,000 on an
antique chair or $1 million ona
famous painting because they pro-
vide the most confortable seat or
most durable paint finish.

Rather, they spend more money
— sometimes much more than we
can ever understand — on artistic
work because these things are
judged from a completely dif-
ferent set of rules.

Likewise, Jaguar's classy
automobiles shouldn’t be com-
pared feature-for-feature,

See Heavy page 34

EXTENDED TO DEC. i7 BY
POPULAR REMAND.

ela iets

Discount applies to regular retail prices — not applicable to existing specials. May not be combined with any other discount, no rainchecks
or r toke outs, Sublet work and tire purchases excluded.

Entry level 5 spd., full logic 6 speaker stereo, multi-port fuel | LEASE

injection, double overhead cam engine & driver's airbag

*& AVAILABLE OPTIONS *

‘eather interior & mag wheels

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