Sept. 10, 1975 : XJS is launched
1977 : GM400 replaces Borg Warner 12 transmission
1980: new Lucas/Bosh digital EFI
1981: introduction of the HE V12 with revised cylinder heads, Jetronics fuel injection, higher rear ratio, revised interior with burl elm veneer on dash, door trim, new switch gears and steering wheel (from XJ6), new chrome mirrors on both doors, revised bumpers and new Starfish Alloy wheels
1983 : 3.6L AJ16 engine introduced (except in the US), Cabriolet model
1986 : Hess & Eisenhardt XJS Convertible (US only)
1987 : powerseats
1988 : introduction of the XJS convertible antilock brakes, revised interior, optional sports suspension.
1989 : Le Mans XJR-S model (Europe only). New Marelli ignition system (except XJR-S)
1990 : XJS Rouge Coupe (US only)
1991 : Classic Collection XJS
May 1991 : introduction of facelift model with revised body, tail lights and rear windows, XJ40 based instrument pack, single piece Euro style headlights on US model
1992 : 4.0 AJ16 engine, new 5 speed Getrag manual gearbox and new dual mode automatic
May 1993 : new larger plastic bumpers, V12 enlarged to 6 litres, 4th gear overdrive equipped GM400 transmission, outboard rear brakes. New limited edition XJR-S available in the US
1994 : revised AJ16 engine with sequential fuel injection, new seats
1995 : Celebration model
1996 : XJS replaced by XK8, end of the line as well for Jaguar's legendary V12 replaced by the new AJ-V8
