The Jaguar AJ-V8 Gen III – Petrol is a 4,999 cc, V8 naturally aspirated engine produced between 2009 and 2015. It represents the final evolution of Jaguar's naturally aspirated V8 lineup, featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 32-valve configuration, and direct fuel injection. In standard tune it delivered 294 kW (400 PS) and 515 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end response and smooth high-RPM power delivery.
Fitted to models such as the XJ (X351), XF (X250), and XK (X150), the AJ-V8 Gen III was engineered for refined grand touring with a distinctive exhaust note and effortless acceleration. Emissions compliance was achieved through dual lambda sensors, close-coupled catalytic converters, and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts, enabling Euro 5 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, which can lead to lean running or misfires. This issue, referenced in Jaguar Service Bulletin XJSIB 45‑03‑09, stems from premature wear in the pump's internal cam lobes under sustained high-load conditions. Later production revisions included a redesigned pump with reinforced cam follower and revised ECU fuel pressure logic.
Jaguar
All production years (2009–2015) meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Jaguar AJ-V8 Gen III – Petrol is a 4,999 cc V8 naturally aspirated engine engineered for luxury sedan and grand tourer applications (2009–2015). It combines DOHC 32-valve architecture with direct fuel injection to deliver smooth power delivery and high-RPM refinement. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 294 kW (400 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 515 Nm @ 2,500–5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct fuel injection (Bosch HDEV5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double roller chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Jaguar Specification WSS-M2C947-A | |
| Dry weight | 202 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 provides linear throttle response ideal for relaxed driving but requires consistent inspection of the high-pressure fuel pump and direct injection system. Jaguar Specification WSS-M2C947-A oil is critical due to high thermal loads on the timing chain and valvetrain. Extended idling should be minimized to reduce heat soak in the intake manifold. The Bosch HDEV5 fuel system demands high-octane fuel (98 RON) to prevent knock and maintain injector cleanliness. Pre-2012 units should have the HPFP upgrade per Jaguar SIB XJSIB 45-03-09. Direct injectors require periodic cleaning to prevent lean misfires. ECU updates improve fuel pressure stability under sustained load.
Oil Specs: Requires Jaguar WSS-M2C947-A specification (Jaguar SIB XJSIB 45-03-09). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all model years 2009–2015 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across UK and EU markets (Jaguar TIS Doc. J47015).
Jaguar Technical Information System (TIS): Docs J45680, J46142, J46631, SIB XJSIB 45-03-09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Test method for the measurement of fuel consumption
The Jaguar AJ-V8 Gen III – Petrol was used across Jaguar's X351/X250 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared design principles with Land Rover for potential transverse adaptation studies. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the XF and revised exhaust manifolds in the XJ-and from 2013 the updated XJ models adopted supercharged variants with revised ECU mapping, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side cylinder block near the starter motor (Jaguar TIS J45890). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for AJ-V8 Gen III series). Pre-2012 models have silver cam covers with black plastic intake; post-2012 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from supercharged variants: AJ-V8 Gen III has naturally aspirated intake with throttle body, while supercharged versions use intercooler ducting and larger airbox. Service parts require production date verification - high-pressure fuel pumps for engines before 06/2012 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Jaguar SIB XJSIB 45-03-09).
The AJ-V8 Gen III’s primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained highway use. Internal Jaguar quality reports from 2014 indicated a notable share of pre-2012 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 130,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to direct injector coking in high-mileage vehicles. Extended idling and delayed oil changes increase chain and valvetrain stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Jaguar technical bulletins (2009-2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about JAGUAR AJV8GENIII.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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