Got a few rookie questions I'm hoping you all can help me with.

1. Is the VDP as long as the XJ8-L, or just the standard XJ8?

2. Silly question, but how is Vanden plas pronounced? VANden PLOSS?

3. What exactly makes it a VDP? I do not have navigation (which I actually prefer not having). Is it all those cool sunshades on the back windows and the tray tables (which my daughter loved)? Also, maybe the contrasting interior piping, which I totally love, as do many other people. Part b of this question is What the hell does one use the tray tables for, anyway? So far, she uses them to color on. : )

4. What type of wheels do I have? Unfortunately I tried a dozen times to attach a photo & cannot, but it's the 18" wheels (235-50-18 tires) with 20 "spokes" if you will. What are the so-called Sepang wheels I've read about?

5. I see several of you have K&N filters, or cold air intake systems. I had one a lifetime ago on an Acura Integra (was 25 at the time) and absolutely loved it, primarily for the sound; worth it on an XJ8? Where do you purchase parts?

That's all for now; as always, many thanks for your replies.

-Anxious Jim, but less so now.

 

1. The "L" stands for Long wheel base - The VDP is a long wheel base XJ8. You can tell as they drive by you - the rear door is as large as the front. (almost)



2. Not sure myself.

3. This link will answer all of this question: (If you have side window shades they were part of an option package)

XJ8/L/XJ VDP/XJR/SUPER V8 (2005), JAGUAR

This is a great review of your car from 2005: (Note - prices in this article are in Canadian dollars)

http://www.auto123.com/en/jaguar/xj-...00&artid=43300

4. Not sure the name, but in my opinion the best factory wheels for the X350.



5. - I'll leave this to others...

 

Hello Jim! I have a few comments about the "Van den Plah", as I've been instructed to say it by my dealer.
I have an '04 VDP which is not the long wheel base unit, does not have the tray tables (which are for writing a check for service), but DOES have the upgrade grille, the rear shades, and the eight spoke wheels which I really like, and of course the VDP badge on the tail section.
Sepang wheels are pretty cool looking: 15 spokes with bolts between each and a white cat on a red background hub cover. 255/35 ZR 20's with Sepang rims can be found on the R model.

 

Rapier.

 

For Big Cat,

The 04, 350, VDP came in short wheel base. Only for this year, if I"m not mistaken. You have a rare and good looking bird.

I know this because one of out local indie serv. shops got badly fooled in trying to order parts for it.

 

After looking at my own picture, I went out and measured the length of the doors. If you measure the length at the door handle the front door is 44" and the rear is 45", so at least in one measure the rear doors are actually longer then the front.

 

Thanks Tar Heal! I did not know about this rare aspect to the machine. Now I'm really stoked about it! These cars are all rare beauties in my book. What's cooler than a Jaguar? Answer: nothing. These cars are the coolest cars on the road (or in the shop) for some reason I don't fully understand. Could someone shed some light on this?

 

Hello the Vanden Plas came in short wheelbase in 2004 after that ,your right it was in the 2004 ,then after that the Vanden Plas came as a long wheelbase..it is pronounced Vanden-pla...means coach builder....its French...the things that seperates the Vanden Plas is the comfort ride shocks,the piping in the seat stritching,and the Buck Pinstripe inlay in the wood grain...and ofcourse the lamb skin floormatts and available options..

 

Rapiers, hey? Is that what they're called. My wife's VDP has those wheels and they are a B*TCH to clean (not insinuating anything else here).

TIP: Get some german spray on brake dust remover and it's AWESOME. And don't let it cake on.

 

Or get plenga rotors n akebono ceramic pads, and you will never see any dust ever again, I did a test, for 3k miles I didn't wash the car n the rims were shiny like they were just washed.