Jaguar XJ8

Jaguar XJ8 Models

Five versions of the Jaguar XJ8 are available: XJ8, XJ8 L, Vanden Plas, Vanden Plas Supercharged, and the XJR Supercharged.

As the XJ8 designation suggests, these are a V8-powered Jags. Two wheelbase lengths are available. The standard XJ8 and the XJR ride on a 113-inch wheelbase. Vanden Plas shares the longer wheelbase with the XJ8L, which is 117.9 inches.

Driving the Jaguar XJ8

The XJR version transforms the platform, and makes the XJ8 seem sedate by comparison. The XJR is the one with the mesh grille and less trim, suiting its macho personality. The twin-cam 32-valve 4.0-liter alloy V8 is fitted with a supercharger, which boosts the horsepower from 290 to 370. The belt-driven blower is nestled between the 90-degree cylinder banks, forcefully pumping air to the intake system to increase combustion. Intercoolers chill the air to increase its density and thus oxygen content-call it O2 concentrate. The upshot is powerful and immediate throttle response, and the setup blows the XJR's torque all the way up to 387 foot-pounds at 3600 rpm. At a mere 1600 rpm, the XJR has as much torque as the normally aspirated XJ8 at its peak. Zero-to-60 time is 5.4 seconds, and the quarter-mile comes in the high 13s.

A bonus to the hot-rod performance is the very cool hot-rod sound: the whine of the supercharger when you're working it. Our test model was black, and it's the only color we can imagine for the XJR. In one package, you have elegance, brawn and, when you stand on the gas, outlaw aura. It may sound like the combination could be schizophrenic, but it's actually wonderfully symbiotic.

The XJR's shocks and springs are tuned for its role. But it isn't a car you flick, it's a car you bend. And when you bend it into the corners with respect, it responds with dignity. Its grip, measured by others on a skid pad, yields an impressive g force figure, and the Pirelli 255/40 ZR18 tires certainly contribute a lot-they are a two-inch jump from the XJ8's 16-inchers. But they also deliver an ever so smooth ride, which takes an extreme road surface or overly aggressive driver to upset. If it weren't for the fact that you'd have to be lacking a pulse to fall asleep behind the wheel of the XJR, we would say the ride and engine are so smooth they could lull you to sleep.

Imagine how much fun this car could occasionally be with a five- or six-speed gearbox. That's not to say that it needs one, because the five-speed automatic transmission is perfectly suited to the car's personality. It's another major thing that distinguishes the XJR from the XJ8. It uses the same transmission as used by the AMG Mercedes E55. In sport mode it has the capability to shift manually, after you slide out of Jaguar's traditional J-gate pattern.

The XJR also gets bigger brakes than the XJ8. The front rotors are 12.8 inches in diameter, up from the XJ8's 12.1, and the rear rotors are 8.0 inches vs. 7.2, yielding 16 percent more swept area. They'll certainly stop you quickly enough, but the pedal feel and travel is on the luxury side of sporty.

Basically, the XJR is the ultimate grownup's cruiser. It's hard not to compare it to the far less compromising BMW M5 in your head, but they're totally different beasts, and it makes you realize that "high-performance sedan" is an awfully broad description. The XJR may not be as quick as the M5 or AMG E55 on twisting road racing circuit, but the Jaguar would hold its own on banked oval like Michigan International Speedway or, better yet, the flatter Indy brickyard. At those faster circuits there would be some backing off the throttle and feeling that fantastic smooth engine roll up and down. Top speed is rated at 155 mph.

The standard Jaguar XJ8 has a driving experience that's distinctive from those of the German and Japanese luxury cars. Mercedes and BMW share a ride that is more on the firm side and generally feel tight and buttoned up. Lexus and Infiniti offer a softer ride and a more relaxed atmosphere. The XJ8 is wonderfully comfortable with an elegant feel.

Acceleration performance is startling with instant throttle response. On dry pavement, the XJ8 will light the rear tires up if the traction control is turned off. Jaguar says the XJ8 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, an impressive feat given its size and weight.

Shifting is silky smooth, even at full throttle. You can almost feel the transmission signaling the engine to reduce power slightly because a shift is coming. It's an almost imperceptible pause as the shift is made.

We had some fun with the manual shifting mode, but it seemed superfluous with a transmission that does such a great job on its own. The manual operation is electronically controlled to prevent downshifting at an inappropriate speed. The gear can be selected, but the shift won't be made until speed has dropped sufficiently.

Differences between Normal and Sport suspension modes are perceptible on rough surfaces and in hard cornering. The Sport setting lets a little more road roughness come through the steering, but gives the car a slightly flatter stance in cornering.