Was hoping someone could explain to me what CATs is on my XJR? I tried to search for info but since people also refer to catalytic converters as cats it keeps coming up with that. I checked under my hood and there are wires coming from my shocks so I am assuming I have that? I’m just wondering what it does and was 2003 the first year for it? I have my original window sticker and there’s no mention of it under options so I’m assuming it was standard equipment. Thanks in advance guys!

 

Short version, is they're electrically controlled shock absorbers that you'll hardly ever notice a difference in. I can't remember the exact everythings, but I believe they stiffen over 100 mph and what not. If you have the wires out of the shock tops, then yep, you've got them. I can't remember if they became fully standard at a point, but I think they did at least on the XJR's at some point. I know my 03 has them - though I've since swapped them out to regular shocks and mounts instead

 

 

 

as per Jaguar Training Guide................

CATS = Computer Active Technology Suspension

Computer Active Technology Suspension
(CATS), is offered as an optional fit to further
enhance the vehicle ride and handling quality.

bob

 

 

Here's an extract from the workshop manual concerning the operating conditions of C.A.T.S.:

The adaptive dampers:
​​​​Are installed in place of the normal dampers. Can be identified by the cable and connector at the top of the unit. Have two settings; firm and soft. Require no adjustment and are non-serviceable items.

Operation: The system selects the soft or firm damper setting according to the current road and driving conditions, to optimise vehicle ride and handling. With the vehicle stationary, the dampers are in the firm setting, but will normally switch to the soft setting when the vehicle exceeds 8 km/h (5 mile/h); all dampers are switched simultaneously. Sudden movement of the vehicle body, in response to road inputs, is detected by the vertical accelerometers, and the ADCM switches the dampers to the firm setting to give improved damping of the resultant oscillations. When cornering forces are detected by the lateral accelerometer, the ADCM switches the dampers to the firm setting to reduce the roll rate and improve wheel control. After the event has passed, the dampers revert to the soft setting. When the footbrake is applied, the ADCM receives a signal and calculates the rate of vehicle deceleration. If the deceleration rate is greater than a certain threshold, the dampers are switched to the firm setting to reduce the pitch rate and improve wheel control.

 

 

 

Sport button is gearbox only. As above the CATS system uses accelerometers to measure the roll and pitch and switches the shocks from soft to firm. In reality it gives the car a smooth wafty ride while cruising, but whenever you turn into a corner or brake sharply it all firms up to control the body movement. Works very well..