Has anybody tried or thought about modify the area next to the acceleration pedal to have more room? That's one of the major things that seems to be bothering me about my 99 XJ8. The list is short, but that's definitely one of the top annoyances.

If you HAVE made this modification, how much did it cost you with re-appolstery (spelling) added in.

 

That was the first thing I noticed when I first drove the XJ8. The stupid pedal is all the way up against the side wall. My guess is they used the same pedals as in the British right side drive model and it just does not fit correctly, or the British all have small girly feet , just kidding. I hate the feeling of pushing the gas with only half my shoe. I have often thought about modifying the pedals to move them more to the left. In my Camaro I cut the pedals off and welded on cool new spiky brushed metal ones. I may do the same for my jag.

 

glad im not the only one this bothers.

 

I only wear size 8.5 US (No Comments Please), and I had issues with it. Eventually, I got used to it, but it does feel very cramped.

 

I've never noticed any problems (I wear 11 or 11.5 (US)). What does bother me is the lack of space for my left foot. I'm used to having a dead pedal, but my XJ8 doesn't seem to have anywhere for my left foot to rest.

 

To me, it feels like overall space is lacking at the foot well. I noticed it the first time I got into the car. Again, I did get used to it, but still would have appreciated a little more.

 

There is ... it's just very far away as compared to the gas pedal.

Look for the rubber pad that serves as a dead pedal. Maybe it's missing. In any case, it would have to be built up to reach without stretching once the seat is adjusted for the pedals.

If your right toe catches when moving from gas pedal to brake pedal, it might be the heating duct right over the gas pedal. Just cut away a few inches.

 

I'll take a look for the dead pedal, thanks.

Maybe the reason I don't have any problems is because I tend to drive with the seat back far enough to only use my toe and ball of my right foot for accel and braking. I can't stand driving too close to the steering wheel. With my seat that far back, maybe I can't reach the dead pedal, if it's even there.

 

Exactly. If the rubber is missing there will be an indent in the carpet. It's not like the one on the XK's.

The limitation for me is the limited reach of the steering wheel adjustment. Ideally, you should be able to rest your wrist on the top rim without lifting your shoulder blades from the seat back. Jaguar seems to have taken a page from the Italians.

 

I'm the same way. In every car I drive I have to put the seat all the way back or it feels like i'm in a go-cart and I'm only 5-10"! I think its because my first car was a camaro with seats really low to the floor. I like to have my legs completely extended. I hate having the steering wheel right in my chest too. I like to drive with my arms completely extended. The XJ8 is the first car I have owned that has a telescoping steering wheel and I must say I LOVE it. Key comes out and it gets out of my way so I can get out. Key goes in and it moves right back to where I like it. I love my XJ8.

 

Your description fits me to a tee!

 

So sounds like this is an issue that many folks notice. Anyone wanna speak up on any frankenstein ideas they tried to give more space in the foot area?

 

Well, there's always an orthopedic surgeon ... pretty dire though.

 

jokes...

 

Me too.

 

Of course it is your business, but that is the worst sitting position, if you have to change direction by the car momentarily.