The Spies favorite Jaguar ever-Part 3

DYNAMIC BRILLIANCE – THE PART THAT DOESN’T CHANGE
'The Super V8 Portfolio offers Jaguar's expected combination of style, space and dynamic sporting luxury. It's got all the essential XJ character but with added contemporary highlights - I guess you could sum it up as one absolutely sophisticated car for today's discerning individual!'
Bibiana Boerio, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

While the Super V8 Portfolio changes dramatically in styling, interior design and equipment detail from the XJ Long Wheelbase, what doesn’t change is the outstanding technical specification. And that includes everything from the XJ’s industry-leading aluminum monocoque construction to its powerful and supremely refined supercharged V8 powertrain.

Unlike other aluminum-bodied cars, the XJ family, including the Super V8 Portfolio, uses full stressed-skin monocoque construction. The complete body structure, including all the outer panels, is manufactured from aluminum. As well as sheet material, it uses components produced by the latest forming, casting, extrusion and machining processes, including some magnesium components in specific areas. And it uses very advanced assembly techniques adopted from the aerospace industry.
With that starting point, the XJ sedan, in either wheelbase option, is around 200kg lighter than the equivalent model from the previous, steel-shelled generation. The XJ is by far the lightest car in the premium large saloon segment, and offers consequently huge benefits in performance, safety, economy and emissions performance. This type of construction also offers exceptional corrosion resistance, enhanced repairability following minor impacts, and the associated benefits in lower insurance ratings that that brings.
In one area, the Super V8 Portfolio actually exceeds the Concept Eight’s specification, with a power output of 400bhp (SAE) compared to the design study’s 390bhp (SAE). In the Super V8 Portfolio, that comes from Jaguar’s now familiar and highly regarded supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine, which also has a hugely flexible 408lb ft of torque at only 3,500 rpm – with at least 86 per cent of that peak torque figure produced across a wide range from only 2,000 rpm to well beyond the peak torque point.

This excellent engine is matched by the superb six-speed automatic transmission already used in the XJ Long Wheelbase. Like the engine, it is notably light and compact and features an electro-hydraulic shift mechanism whose adaptive shift strategy – controlled by the engine management – responds to both road conditions and the way the car is being driven, to give the smoothest shifts with optimum performance.
The Super V8 Portfolio retains all the XJ Long Wheelbase’s agile driving dynamics and class-leading ride-comfort. Both front and rear suspension use what are essentially double wishbone layouts, with lightweight alloy components to reduce unsprung weight, to the benefit of both comfort and control. Like other XJ Long Wheelbase models, the Super V8 Portfolio uses air suspension, and Jaguar’s Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) system. That electronic control system continuously adjusts the XJ’s damping characteristics, from firm to soft in milliseconds, to suit the driving conditions, optimizing both ride and handling.
The Super V8 Portfolio uses the supercharged XJ Long Wheelbase’s high performance brake system that features four-channel ABS anti-lock brakes and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Electronic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are also standard.

Like other XJs, the Super V8 Portfolio features Jaguar’s industry leading Adaptive Restraint Technology System, A.R.T.S., combining dual-stage front airbags, ultrasonic front passenger sensing, an energy absorbing seating system incorporating an anti-whiplash mechanism in the front seats, and pyrotechnic pre-tensioners for all seat belts. Safety equipment also includes chest airbags in the driver and front passenger seat bolsters, side air curtains over front and rear doors, and LATCH rear child-seat attachment points.

From XJ Long Wheelbase to Concept Eight to Super V8 Portfolio, the underlying superb technical sophistication and refined character of the XJ range remains.

Click here to view part four