Base price: $94,085
As Tested: $95,200
400-horsepower 4.2L V8
15 city / 22 hwy
More info:
www.jaguarusa.com
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When we last encountered the Jag XJ Super V8, we said it was "the classic luxury touring sedan." The 2008 model only cements that reputation with a more youthful, sportier look. Of the dozens of jealous glances we got rolling around Chicago, plenty came from guys who haven't even started to go gray. It's easy to see why. The new front bumper styling is head-turning hot, with cool chrome radiator grilles and that growling cat dead-center. The rear spoiler and aluminum-finish power vents behind the front wheels -- not to mention 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels -- allow no doubt that this 400-horsepower beast will have most sports cars (let alone sedans) chasing its tail.
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The Jag's champagne and mocha cabin feels like a high-class cigar bar on wheels. Burled walnut appointments abound -- on the dash, the door panels, the shifter knob -- and (yeah, baby!) the signature shag floormats remain. The abundant leather has been upgraded; front seats have climate control; and rear-seat passengers have enough legroom to accommodate the Lakers. The dated interface for the entertainment system could use a flashy makeover, and excessive parking proximity beeping in bumper to bumper traffic got annoying at times; we had to turn it off while driving. Still, they had to pry our hands off the burled walnut and leather steering wheel when they took back the metallic radiance red beauty.
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With performance tires on its 20-inch alloys and 400 supercharged ponies at its beck and call, the XJ Super V8 begs to be let loose. For all that power, our six-speed, rear-drive XJ had a wonderfully smooth ride in stop-and-go traffic. With its all-aluminum body construction, the Jag is also the lightest in its class -- a power-to-weight ratio that translates into zip-to-60 sprints in 5.0 seconds. We felt no lag or hesitation when stomping on the gas at a stop or at cruising speeds, and the distinctive wail of the turbo sounded as sweet as a Jimmy Page solo. At near $100K, the XJ Super V8 damn well better be Sistine Chapel-beautiful and bachelor party-at-the-Palms fun. Guess what? It is.
-- by Sam Jemielity |
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