1998 Jaguar XJR 4.0 supercharged
Summary:
The XJR is a gentleman's four-wheeled sportsbike
Faults:
Obviously, as most XJR owners have probably figured out, the Pirelli Asymetrico tires have a very short life, and would even if they were on a minivan. So replacing the tires was at best an experiemental proposition until the current set of Michelin Pilot Sports, which look like they will last more than 7,000 miles.
My only "failure" on the car was that the upper radiator hose removed itself when the car had 36,000 miles. It was a strange failure, although easily repaired, because the hose should have never been off unless the dealer had removed it to service the cooling system. I will ask them next time.
And the brakes are highly dusty but I intend to try a set of metal-masters when the current set wears out so we'll see what that accomplishes.
Otherwise, it is a truly awesome vehicle.
General Comments:
The XJR is the 32nd automobile I have owned (and 11 motorcycles) and it is absolutely the overall greatest car I have ever had. No matter the price, there is no other sedan which combines the looks, performance, and luxury of the XJR.
Like one of the other respondents I "ran" it at Los Angeles County Raceway in early 2000. The magazines claim 13.7 at 103 but all I could get was a 14.3 at 96. However, as some of you may know, LACR is about 2,200 feet above sea level and I am sure my actual time could be corrected to around high-13's at about 100 or so. What was interesting was that even with the traction control off I couldn't get the wheels to spin. I have had several on-highway encounters with true sports cars that have been very entertaining. I chased down an F355 that had made the mistake of passing me right before we entered a section of high-speed curves. I reeled him in like a tuna. He was very impressed with the show. A few months later an almost brand new 996 tried to shake me as we exited a freeway interchange clover leaf. I stayed right on his bumper until I decided to shut down so he wouldn't do anything stupid.
The XJR is simply the coolest car around. That being said I guess the new M-5 is probably a better handling car, but certainly is no bigger, but it is so over-priced now that the XJR is much better value. The E-55 is a more correct competitor but you can hardly tell it from an E320. Neither the BMW or the MB are one-third as good looking as the Jaguar. I hope they make a "Silverstone" version of the XJR someday.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th December, 2000
1st Jan 2010, 14:20
I've had my big cat for a couple of years now, and occasionally think of having something else, different, and in a similar vein. Comfort, quiet, blistering acceleration and class. Can't think of anything else. It is the best car I have owned or will own. A grown-up rocket sled. Not a cheap mistress, but discreet and worth it.
If you are considering one, and find a good one... have it!