1992: Flurry of new models and the Insignia range

February

A further model, in the shape of a 4.0 litre Convertible, was announced in February 1992. New features included a driver’s side airbag which became an option on all other XJS models and was designed for use in conjunction with the conventional three-point safety belts. It was standard on cars in the USA and Canada. The Convertible models, both the 4.0 litre and V12, were also fitted with a stainless steel cruciform strut assembly under the front end, this provided significant improvements in the ride quality and comfort.  The XJS 4.0 litre Convertible was seen as excellent value for money, with a UK price of £39,900.

Nick Scheele, Jaguar’s new Chairman and Chief Executive, at the time stated:

“The new XJS 4.0 litre Convertible is a very important addition to the XJ-S range. It offers outstanding value for money for luxury sports car buyers here and abroad. The new car delivers significant benefits in terms of improved ride quality, transmission flexibility and fuel economy. In addition, we are launching our new optional airbag system in the new Convertible model and in the rest of the XJS range. During the course of this year we shall be making this airbag system available in our XJ6 saloon range as well.”

September

A number of modifications were made for the 1993 model year XJS range from VIN 185820 to improve driving comfort and refinement. Cosmetic changes included: The driver’s side airbag, the same design as the steering wheel used in the USA from 1990 model year, now fitted as standard across the model range. A re-designed optional four-spoke non-air bag steering wheel was introduced as a styling enhancement and the steering wheel centre was filled with energy absorbing foam. A new sculptured velour trim fabric replaced the old cloth upholstery which greatly enhanced interior appearance.

Mechanical and electrical modifications included: The manual Getrag 290 five-speed gearbox became an option for the 4.0 litre Convertible models in the American and Canadian markets. In all other markets, the manual gearbox was standard, with automatic optional. On the 4.0 litre Coupé, the option of a slightly softer touring suspension was introduced. This suspension package was the standard for the 4.0 litre Convertible model and the firmer sports suspension remained the standard for the 4.0 litre Coupé.

October

The introduction of the 1993 model year XJS range was announced in Jaguar’s largest market, America. For the first time the six-cylinder XJ-S was sold in the USA. 

On the 7th October Jaguar announced the “Insignia” range. Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) offered a bespoke service whereby customers could choose a more distinctive Jaguar to suit their tastes and requirements. Customers who chose an Insignia Jaguar could select from a range of ten exterior paint colours at an additional cost of £1,900, together with the interior trimmed in a unique range of ten matching colours of hide, at an additional £3,000. These were complemented with a choice of natural or tinted wood veneers to enhance the paint and trim finish, at a cost of £350. Image of insignia colours? Specially designed road wheels were available to enhance the totally co-ordinated style, and a front wing badge was added to complete the look. The interior of the Insignia was trimmed in soft semi-aniline leather in a unique range of co-ordinating colours (shown above). The seats were re-designed and the piping for the seats and centre console could be specified in contrasting hides. Jaguar’s veneer buyers examined scores of different woods before they made their final selection. Complementing the interior was the introduction of a luxurious new range of deep pile wool carpeting, again, available in a unique range of colours. Even the protective binding around the carpet edge was colour-keyed to the interior colour scheme; this illustrated the meticulous attention to detail. The carpeting was extended to the boot and the customer had a wider choice of five-spoked alloy road wheels. Customers could specify other wheels available at the time and in some cases, the wheel centre was colour keyed to match the body colour. Roger Putnam, director of Sales and Marketing commented “An increasing number of our customers, now want a more individual approach. Insignia allows us to satisfy what is undoubtedly a growing demand for an elegant yet distinctive and personal style. To complete the final specification of the Insignia model range, an additional cost of between £5,500 and £6,000 was added to the base price of a car.

December

For the 1992 model year range, whilst preserving the unique characteristics of the original XJS design, the new car had a smoother more contemporary look and feel. Despite all of these modifications, sales still continued to fall, production dipping to 3650 cars in 1992.