2008 Jaguar XJR

The Jaguar XJR is the performance-oriented edition of the XJ luxury series. The XJR is built around a supercharged and liquid-to-air intercooled aluminum V8 that serves up 400 horsepower at 6,100rpm and 413 lb-ft of torque at 3,500rpm. The XJR is the sportiest of the XJ series, as it rides on the shorter wheelbase. It shares the supercharged engine with the XJ Super V8, though that's based on the five-inch longer wheelbase also shared with the XJ8 L and Vanden Plas.

Of course, a powerful engine is just the beginning. The XJR also features "R" brakes with considerably increased stopping power, plus "R"-tuned air suspension for a sharper ride. "R" badging, an "R" steering wheel, and an "R" leather-wrapped gearshift knob make it clear to onlookers that this is no ordinary XJ. The XJR's lower ride height also helps it stand out from the crowd.

The XJR rolls on 20-inch wheels wrapped with larger tires than the standard 300hp XJ8's 18-inch wheel and tire package which hide larger, 14-inch front rotors squeezed by alloy calipers.

A six-speed automatic, stability control, heated and cooled front seats, a one-touch sunroof, premium leather, a 320-watt Alpine stereo that ups the speaker count to 12 versus the XJ8's eight, and Xenon headlights are among the standard features. A DVD-based navigation system is likewise part of the package, while adaptive cruise control is exclusive to the supercharged XJRs. Other interior differences between the XKR and XJ8 include less wood and more leather, especially on the driver's points of contact, such as the steering wheel and shift knob.

Like the rest of the XJ lineup, the XJR has new front and rear fascias for the 2008 model year. The new look is especially suited to the XJR, creating a more menacing appearance. Other changes include chrome side vents behind the front wheels and a mesh lower grille.