The Jaguar Super V8 Portfolio
'The Super V8 Portfolio takes the Jaguar XJ LWB experience to new heights, reinforcing the contemporary luxury and technology credentials of our flagship sedan while adding even greater exclusivity. It's a car with a real sense of occasion and one that demonstrates perfectly just how capable the XJ is right across the board.'
Joe Greenwell, Chairman and CEO, Jaguar Cars
In April 2004, Jaguar presented the dynamic long wheelbase version of the XJ luxury sedan at the New York International Auto Show. Alongside it, Jaguar also unveiled the XJ LWB-based Concept Eight, a stunning show car which introduced new levels of luxury and several exciting styling cues.
Now, less than 12 months later, driven by the enthusiastic reaction to the show car, Jaguar arrives at the 2005 New York International Auto Show with the Super V8 Portfolio, a 400bhp production car inspired by the Concept Eight design study. Spectacularly defined by its muscular looks, powerful, modern character and unique interior and equipment features, the Super V8 Portfolio is the pinnacle of the Jaguar product range.
The Super V8 Portfolio underlines the acclaimed quality of the XJ’s engineering, rooted in its advanced aluminum construction. It builds on the XJ Long Wheelbase’s lightweight, strong dynamic performance, exceptional spaciousness and agile, sporty handling. It demonstrates Jaguar’s commitment to intelligent and uncomplicated use of technology. It shows, too, that there’s more to the XJ’s core character than space, elegance and luxury, and that Jaguar knows how contemporary British design can match XJ heritage with 21st century sporty appeal.
The Super V8 Portfolio also amply demonstrates Jaguar’s ability to respond positively and rapidly to market and media feedback, in moving from concept to production readiness within a year of the original unveil.
The Super V8 Portfolio will be built as a limited edition car, mainly for the US and Canada, but also for other key markets worldwide. Every car will be built to a single specification. Visually the look is distinguished by key design details including the sculpted aluminum power vents in the front wings, the distinctive mesh grille used on all Jaguar’s most powerful cars, its polished 20-inch alloy wheels, and two new exterior colors - either the stunning 'Black Cherry' metallic paint that first appeared on the Concept Eight show car or an alternative new metallic finish named 'Winter Gold'.
Inside, the Super V8 Portfolio is just as different - again closely based on the Concept Eight's design cues. It features leather and wood trim but with a very modern spin, individual power-adjustable rear seats separated by a large centre console, and a new-generation equipment list ranging from Bluetooth connectivity to a DVD system with twin rear display-screens, and from four-zone air conditioning to Alpine Dolby Prologic II surround-sound audio.
Mechanically, the Super V8 Portfolio has the power and refinement of Jaguar’s supercharged 4.2-liter AJ-V8 engine but for the 2006 model year Jaguar's most powerful engine enjoys a 10bhp increase from 390bhp to 400bhp (SAE). An advanced six-speed ZF automatic transmission takes drive to the rear wheels. Performance runs to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, and 0-60mph in just 5.0 seconds, proving the Super V8 Portfolio’s sporty character is more than cosmetic.
The Super V8 Portfolio builds on and challenges the XJ Long Wheelbase’s classic image giving the car a 21st century attitude that makes it a new and very special addition to the XJ range.
THE XJ SUPER V8 PORTFOLIO AT-A-GLANCE
• Special edition production successor to the Concept Eight design study shown in New York in 2004
• A modern spin on the XJ sedan's classic virtues, changing everything from looks to equipment to performance
• Contemporary, sporty exterior design cues, including sculpted aluminum power side vents, distinctive mesh grille, larger chrome-finished tailpipes, polished 20-inch 'Callisto' alloy sports wheels, and unique Black Cherry or new Winter Gold exterior paint
• Ultimate luxury interior combines a modern, sporty feel with a full range of the latest technology – intelligently applied
• Soft-grained leather, satin-finished black walnut veneer, Alcantara head-lining, Alcantara pillars and sun-visors, aluminum J-gate surround, individual power-adjusted rear seats separated by large centre console, powered glass sunroof, and four-zone air conditioning
• Bluetooth mobile telephone connectivity, DVD system with twin rear display screens, 400 watt Alpine surround-sound audio system with Dolby Prologic II sound processing, seven amplified channels, and substantially upgraded speaker system – a 2x40 watts increase in output over the Alpine Premium Sound system available on other XJ Jaguars.
• Laminated side glass for an even quieter cabin, with added security benefit.
• All the engineering strengths, performance, safety, economy and dynamic brilliance of the XJ Long Wheelbase. Advanced aluminum monocoque construction for maximum rigidity with minimum weight - the basis for a great driver’s car
• 400bhp (SAE) supercharged V8 power and six-speed ZF automatic transmission, for sporty performance with hushed refinement
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