Will be replacing my 2008 XK coupe with just 26k miles with a 08 - 09 XJ.
Why do some XJs have a leaper on the hood and some do not?
If you have a low mileage XJ and are thinking of selling -- feel free th contact me at donadog@aol.com.
Thanks

 

I've moved your question from Jaguar Forums Advice / Feedback & Suggestion Center to X351 forum. The Advice / Feedback & Suggestion Center is for posts about the forum and not for technical questions.

Graham

 

None of the X351's (2009 and onward) XJ's come from the factory with a leaper. However, a leaper is a dealer installable accessory for those who really would like one. All the North American destined XJ350's (2004-2008) included a factory installed leaper. European pedestrian safety laws have put an end to hood ornaments, except the grand fathered those companies like RR who have used hood ornaments continuously over the entire life in business.

 

Not quite that simple.

Rolls Royce, Bentley and Mercedes Benz have all had to redesign their bonnet mascots (hood ornaments) to retract or deflect on impact to avoid injuring pedestrians. Any other manufacturer is free to do the same.

In the UK, Jaguar ceased using mascots with the introduction of the XJ6 Series I in 1968 long before the UK Construction & Use and European regulations came in to force.

Many of us in Europe think this is OTT as the grille of each of these leviathans is likely to have diced a pedestrian before they even come into contact with the mascot.

Graham

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I hear RR's Spirit of Ecstasy will retract in a collision or vandal situation.

Cheers,
Wolfy

 

It will.

There is also an electric option to retract it beneath a cover as protection against vandalism or theft.

The last time I looked, this option cost around the same as buying a good used Jaguar!

Graham