Jaguar expects to sell only about 1800 XJR models out of the total of 15,000 '98 XJs due to start arriving in North America this month. Mike Dale, president of Jaguar Cars of North America, put an edge on understanding this sedan's unique market position when he addressed the press before the drive program:
"In the end, if after driving our car you tell me that we lack an inch of headroom or a few cubic feet of cargo room, I really won't give a damn. But if you tell us that we're lacking in terms of our Jaguarness, then we shall have failed."
So, perhaps the XJ series could use a bit more rear head- and legroom. But our favorite, the XJR, is impressively quiet, extravagantly powerful, deliciously smooth riding, and artfully rendered. With its wire-mesh grille, broad five-spoke alloys, and razor-sharp handling, it is every inch a proper Jaguar.
| TECH DATA |
| Jaguar XJR |
| GENERAL |
| Location of final assembly | Coventry, England |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-passenger |
| EPA size class | Compact |
| Drivetrain layout | Front engine, rear drive |
| Airbag | Dual front and front side |
| POWERTRAIN |
| Engine type | Supercharged 90 degree V-8,
cast aluminum block and heads |
| Bore x stroke, in./mm | .3.39 x 3.39/86.0 x 86.0 |
| Displacement, ci/cc | 244/3996 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Valve gear | DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder |
| Fuel/induction system | Sequential multiport EFI |
| Horsepower, hp @ rpm, SAE net | 370 @ 6150 |
| Torque, lb-ft @ rpm, SAE net | .387 @ 3600 |
| Horsepower/liter | 92.3 |
| Redline, rpm | 6200 |
| Transmission type | 5-speed automatic |
| Axle ratio | 3.06:1 |
| Final-drive ratio | 2.53:1 |
| Engine rpm, 60 mph in top gear | 2060 |
| Recommended fuel | Premium unleaded |
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