The Jaguar XJ is one of those cars with a tonne of swagger – the looks, the performance and the luxury all combine for a killer package that other brands simply cannot match. Today’s car, Tom’s X308 XJR, is a great example of what Jaguar used to be and being in it’s presence was quite exciting. There’s just something cool about a supercharged Jaaaag.
This is not Tom’s first XJ, as he previously owned an XJ6 of the same generation, but the XJR was always the goal. The “R” model Jaguars weren’t anything like your grandad’s, as they were focused more on performance than comfort. However, that’s not to say it isn’t loaded with leather because it is.
The famous “J-gate” automatic gearbox arrangement allows you to shift gears without the need for a clutch pedal. The interior also contains plenty of wood in the dashboard and on the steering wheel. As you can see, the dials are still actual dials and there isn’t a poorly mounted centre screen. Is it pompous? Hardly. Is it restrained? Yes. It does a very good job of hiding the beast that sits under the bonnet.
The car is powered by a 4.0 litre supercharged V8 that both whines and growls like a big cat should. HP is quoted at 370 which was a solid number when the car released in 1998. I do find the front-hinged bonnet to be a rather interesting quirk, owing to the origins of the vehicle.
The quad headlights at the front is one of the XJ’s defining features along with the split grill. It’s very flat and by no means built for aerodynamics… or pedestrian safety for that matter. I also like the jaguar bonnet ornament, which only adds to the coolness of the car. It probably seems a bit tacky nowadays but to me, it’s unapologetic.
The design of the car isn’t the most curvaceous or the most attractive with a traditional 3 box (or rather rectangle) style, but it’s long and wide, exuding plenty of muscle and “bad boy” vibes commonly associated with Jaguar. No fussy lines, no fake vents and only one badge to tell you it’s an XJR. The exterior doesn’t need to be shouty when you’re trying to escape from the cross-town gang members.
The seven spoke alloy wheels really help to set off the black body colour and the small chrome accents on the front and rear bumpers. All in all, this big cat is a true gentlemen’s express that doesn’t make compromises for anyone. I wish more cars were like this.
DevMacCars 