• Special edition production successor to the Concept Eight design study
• Global reach, for the USA, for key European markets, and other markets worldwide.
• 400 hp supercharged V8 power and six-speed ZF automatic transmission,
• Exterior design cues, including sculpted aluminium side vents, distinctive mesh grille, larger chrome-finished tailpipes, polished 20-inch alloy sports wheels, and unique Black Cherry exterior paint
• Unique 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, aluminium J-gate surround, individual power-adjusted rear seats separated by large centre console (only four seats), large powered glass sunroof, and four-zone air conditioning
• Bluetooth telephone connectivity, DVD system with twin rear display screens, TV tuner, Alpine surround-sound audio system with Dolby Pro-Logic sound processing, seven amplified channels, and substantially upgraded speaker system – with 2x40 watts increase in output over normal Premium ICE system
• All the engineering strengths, performance, safety, economy and dynamic brilliance of the XJ Long Wheelbase, with advanced aluminium monocoque construction for maximum rigidity with minimum weight - the basis for a great driver’s car.
• ‘Black Cherry’ is the standard exterior color.
Like any XJ Long Wheelbase it has front and rear leg and headroom comparable with the best-in-class, and it offers its own rear seat configuration, with two deep individual seats separated by a large, multi-functional centre console. Each rear seat is individually power adjustable, with its own controls in the rear console, which also incorporates a range of roomy storage spaces. For maximum comfort, the rear console also incorporates the individual controls for the rear-seat passengers’ part of the four-zone climate control system. All four seats are upholstered in a unique, soft-grained, ruched, ‘Conker’ coloured leather, toning with the ‘Conker’ colour of the deep carpets and lambswool rugs. The headlining, visors and all the internal pillars from the tops of the doors up are finished in Alcantara, and the polished aluminium sill finishers each carry the ‘Portfolio’ logo. There is an electrically operated rear sunblind and manually operated rear-door sunblinds. As is traditional, the Super V8 Portfolio uses wood trim across the dashboard and for the door cappings, produced with typical Jaguar quality and craftsmanship but with an elegant American black walnut veneer with a soft satin finish. That contrasts subtly with the Conker colour of the leather, carpets and general trim, and is given a sportier highlight by touches like the aluminium J-gate gearshift surround and the gearshift-knob finished in Conker coloured leather. There are also metallic bezels, as on the XJ Long Wheelbase, to finish the rear display screens, the front touch-screen for the multi-function display system, and the door-mounted audio speakers.
The audio system has an impressive specification, even in this premium large saloon segment. Produced for the Super V8 Portfolio by Alpine it is substantially upgraded from the high-level systems already offered in the XJ Long Wheelbase. It has Dolby Pro-Logic II sound processing, with seven amplifier channels plus a sub-woofer. It offers greater output - and the latest amplifier and speaker technologies take sound reproduction quality to new heights. There are new, upgraded door speakers, a unique ‘centre-fill’ speaker in the front instrument panel, two additional surround speakers mounted in the rear parcel shelf, and an additional amplifier for the front mid-bass range, which gives a 2x40-watt power increase over the standard Premium ICE system. In addition, the Super V8 Portfolio has a DVD-based entertainment system for the rear-seat passengers, with individual display screens in the back of each front-seat headrest. There is also a TV tuner, and the Super V8 Portfolio includes Bluetooth telephone connectivity.
I don't like the side vents, but most of the other stuff is nice. Jaguar should use more all-leather steering wheels.
The leaper isn't put on Jaguars in Europe. A higher percentage of pedestrians are killed in car accidents in Europe than in America. New European pedestrian regulations will affect the styling of new European cars. For example, the next XK will have a more blunt front bumper in order to comply with new European pedestrian safety regulations. It will use the new XJ's aluminum chassis.
Jaguar is building just 250 Super V8 Portfolios for the global market, with 150 coming to North America. Canada gets five and the United States gets 145. Super V8 Portfolios coming to the U.S. have a base price of $115,995. The side vents are functional.
All 2006 XJs have more powerful brakes than 2004-2005 XJs. Supercharged XJs no longer use Brembo brakes, but the calipers are now floating.
[B]2006 normally-aspirated XJs[/B]:
Front: 12.83 x 1.18 in. ventilated discs, floating cast iron calipers
Rear: 12.83 x 0.79 in. ventilated discs, floating aluminum calipers with integral park brake caliper
[B]2004-05 normally-aspirated XJs[/B]:
Front: Ventilated discs, 12.6 in x 1.18 in., sliding aluminum calipers
Rear: Ventilated discs, 11.3 in. x .79 in., aluminum calipers
[B]2006 supercharged XJs[/B]:
Front: 13.98 in. x 1.26 in. ventilated discs, floating composite aluminum and cast iron four calipers
Rear: 12.83 in. x 0.79 in. ventilated discs, floating aluminum calipers with integral park brake caliper
[B]2004-05 supercharged XJs[/B]:
Front: Brembo ventilated R Performance discs, 14.4 in. x 1.26 in., fixed aluminum four piston calipers
Rear: Brembo solid R Performance discs, 13.0 in. x .59 in., fixed aluminum four piston calipers
2006 supercharged XJs have 400 hp (new SAE [Society of Automotive Engineers] ratings) and 413 lb-ft of torque.
The addition of an acoustic laminate to the windshield and side glass of the 2006 XJ helps to reduce interior noise, while simultaneously increasing occupant safety by making "smash and grab" theft particularly difficult.
2006 normally-aspirated XJs have 300 hp and get 27 mpg on the highway.
