2008 Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas

The Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas is essentially a more luxurious and fully-loaded version of the long-wheelbase XJ8 L. It gets its name, Vanden Plas, from a company of automobile coachbuilders that originated back in 1870 in Belgium.

Like the regular XJ8 and the XJ8 L, the Vanden Plas is powered by a 4.2 liter 90-degree V8 engine delivering 300 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. Like in other naturally-aspirated XJs, top speed is electronically limited to 121mph.

What makes the Vanden Plas different, however, is its long list of luxury features. These include lambswool rugs, Peruvian boxwood inlays and an optional multimedia entertainment system.

As is the case with the XJ8 L, the Vanden Plas offers a 124.4-inch wheelbase, giving it exactly 5 additional inches over the basic XJ. All this increases interior cabin space for both the front and rear passengers.

The Vanden Plas further differentiates itself from lesser XJ8s with chrome mirror covers and a chrome gill behind the front wheels, and just ahead of the front doors and Carelia 19-inch wheels shod in all-season tires.

On the inside, niceties that are options on other models are standard here as well, including a navigation system and associated 12- versus 8-speaker audio system and a heated steering wheel. A front park control system also augments the rear only system, which is standard on all XJs. All the extra gear makes the Vanden Plas 57 lbs heavier than the stnadard long-wheelbase car.

A six-speed automatic transmitting power to the rear wheels is the sole drivetrain option, shared by the XJ line-up. An adaptive air suspension system is designed to improve ride and handling.

Other specifications include power-folding side mirrors, a 320-watt Alpine sound system, acoustic laminated glass, a rain-sensing windshield, stability control, tire pressure monitor, Xenon headlamps with washers, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and ventilated heated and cooled front seats.