The Jaguar XJ series comprises six models, all built on a platform that makes extensive use of lightweight but strong aluminum architecture. Three XJs are powered by 4.2-liter V8 engines. The XJR and Super V8 models are supercharged. The XJ8 and XJR are built on the standard 119.4-inch wheelbase. The XJ8L, Vanden Plas, and Super 8 are built on a longer 124.4-inch wheelbase that stretches the overall length of the vehicle from the standard 200.4 inches to 205.3 inches.
The XJ8 ($61,830) comes standard with a long list of luxury features. Its 4.2-liter V8 is uprated to 300 horsepower (up from 294 horsepower) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The self-leveling air suspension, the CATS adaptive suspension damping, dynamic stability control, xenon headlamps, power-adjustable foot pedals, an electronic parking brake, and reverse park assist all come standard. Also standard are leather upholstery, power 12-way adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-speaker stereo and CD player.
The XJ8 L ($64,330) is equipped like the XJ8 but offers more room in its back seat as well as an electric rear sunblind.
The Vanden Plas ($74,330) is the quintessential luxury Jaguar, offering all the equipment of the XJ8 L but richly trimmed with a twin-stitched leather dashboard, burl walnut trim with Peruvian boxwood inlays, lambs wool rugs, 16-way power front seats, three-stage heated front and rear seats and heated steering wheel, rear fold-down picnic trays, and a 320-watt Alpine premium audio system.
The XJR ($79,930) is a high-performance model built on the standard wheelbase and powered by a supercharged version of the V8 engine that's been upgraded to pump out 400 horsepower (up from 390). The XJR also gets a firmer suspension and larger Brembo brakes, bigger wheels and tires, R Performance 16-way driver/12-way passenger sports seats with perforated leather inserts, R Performance leather and chrome shift knob, radar-based adaptive cruise control, a 320-watt Alpine Premium audio system, and newly designed 19-inch Sabre alloys wheels with Z-rated performance tires.
The Super V8 ($91,330) has the same supercharged powertrain as the XJR but puts it on the longer wheelbase and adds four-zone climate control, a DVD-based touch-screen navigation system, DVD-based rear multimedia entertainment system with two display screens, an electrically adjustable rear seat, electric and manual rear door sunblinds, Bluetooth wireless technology, Custom alloy wheels with Z-rated tires, and front parking sensors. The CATS adaptive damping system is tuned for a Touring ride.
The Super V8 Portfolio ($115,330) begins a new line of super-luxurious Jaguars. Portfolio rides on the long wheelbase and is powered by the 400-horsepower supercharged V8. Exterior revisions include aluminum side vents, larger chrome-finished tailpipes, polished 20-inch Callisto alloy wheels and special Black Cherry or Winter Gold paint. Inside is special soft-grain leather upholstery with seat piping, satin-finished black walnut wood trim, suede-like headliner, pillars and sunvisors, aluminum J-gate surround, individual power-adjusted rear seats separated by a center console, and a 400-watt 15-speaker Alpine surround-sound stereo system.
Options for the XJ8 and XJ8 L include a heated seat package ($950); a Cold Climate Package ($1,250) with front and rear heated seats and a heated wood and leather steering wheel. Options for Vanden Plas and XJR models include a Warm Climate Package ($1,350) with four-zone air conditioning and manual rear side sunblinds and a Multimedia Package ($2,950). Other options include special wheels, Front Park Control ($250), Bluetooth wireless connectivity ($500), and Sirius Satellite Radio ($450).
Safety features that come standard on all models include frontal, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control.