Random Car Wednesday: 2000 Jaguar XJ-R

The idea of a performance sedan is nothing new. The German marques in particular adore the concept, with high-performance saloons available from Audi, Mercedes Benz, and BMW. Machines like the M5, the RS7, and the C63 AMG. The formula is the same for them all. Take a midsized luxury sedan, and give it a huge motor, bigger brakes, and some more competitive suspension bits, until at last you have what is basically a 400-500 horsepower living room on wheels. But the British have a different approach, as evidenced by today's RCW, the Jaguar XJ-R. Now, for the most part it's the same premise. Normal car with lots of power, etc, etc. But Jaguar uses the XJ as a starting point, which has a lot more luxury than the opposition. The goal is not to make a luxury track car, but instead to make a high-quality sedan with a little bit extra in the performance department. Thus, you get the Jaguar XJ-R. It's an extremely comfortable and well-upholstered vehicle, and the styling is reminiscent of classic Jaguars without looking outdated or old. Visually, the XJ-R is identifiable by bigger exhaust, a body-colored front grille, and extra badging on the rear. But mechanically, there's a lot of go-fast goodness. The standard 4.0-liter V8 has been supercharged, and now produces 370 horsepower, a massive increase from the normal motor's 290 horses. The XJ-R also comes equipped with sport suspension, complemented by wider wheels and tires. This means that despite weighing almost 4,000 pounds, this super sedan can do 0-60 in approximately 5 seconds, and can reach an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. That's not bad, especially when you consider that the driver can do all of that in complete and utter comfort. Ultimately, this is a car that doesn't compromise. A car whose philosophy is and, not or. And that's something I can certainly respect.

2000 Jaguar XJ-R