These cars are quick. The XJ8 with its 300-horsepower V8 engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds, according to Jaguar. The V8 engine delivers good low-end torque so power is instantly available. And it offers good fuel economy for the class, with an EPA-rated 18/28 mpg City/Highway.
Shifting is seamless thanks to the six-speed automatic transmission. Jaguar's J-gate transmission allows you to flick the lever to the left and manually shift gears, if you wish. In reality, there's enough power and the electronic brain controlling the gearbox does such a good job that shifting manually seems superfluous.
Super V8 and XJR models boast a supercharger that forces air into the engine, producing 400 horsepower. This propels the XJR from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, according to Jaguar, very quick indeed. These rocket ships also get a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and fat 19-inch tires that grip the road and sharpen the steering response. Amazingly, the ride is not too harsh despite the short sidewalls. But it is the whine of the supercharger as you press the gas pedal that sets the XJR and Super V8 apart from the rest of the pack. The supercharged XJs face no gas guzzler penalty.
Brakes on the XJ models, which were already powerful and smooth, are improved on 2006 models with larger front and rear rotors. Supercharged models get a new Conti-Teves R Performance system with ventilated front rotors for 2006. The XJ has an electronic parking brake; a lever switch is pulled to set it and it's automatically deactivated when drive or reverse is engaged, an elegant setup. Next Page