Jaguar Super V8 Portfolio is the New Height of Sophistication

By: Mike Thomas | Ford Communications Network

NEW YORK, March 23, 2005; Jaguar's already luxurious line up of vehicles has become even more lavish. Jaguar introduced the 2006 Super V8 Portfolio at the New York International Auto Show as the top of the range for the company's XJ luxury sedan.

"The Super V8 Portfolio takes the Jaguar XJ long wheelbase experience to new heights, reinforcing the contemporary luxury and technology credentials of our flagship sedan while adding even greater exclusivity," said Joe Greenwell, Chairman and CEO of Jaguar Cars. "It's a car with a real sense of occasion and one that demonstrates perfectly just how capable the XJ is right across the board."

The Super V8 Portfolio is the production realization of the Concept Eight show car introduced at last year's New York show. It builds on the long wheelbase XJ8L to deliver the longest length in the large premium sedan segment and passenger space comparable to the best in class. At the same time, Jaguar's lightweight aluminum monocoque construction allows for fuel economy, emissions ratings and performance identical to the standard XJ sedans -- the XJ8L, the Vanden Plas and the Super V8.

Underneath the hood, the Super V8 Portfolio is powered by Jaguar's supercharged 4.2-liter, 32 valve, AJ-V8 engine rated at 400 horsepower. Top speed is 155 mph and the Portfolio is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The vehicle is rear-wheel drive with a six-speed ZF automatic transmission and pneumatic electronically controlled air suspension.

Visually, the Portfolio is distinguished by some key design details including sculpted aluminum power vents in the front wings, a distinctive mesh grill and polished 20-inch alloy "Callisto" wheels which also feature Jaguar's vintage logo in the wheel centers. Two unique exterior colors are available, Black Cherry and Winter Gold.

Inside, the Super V8 Portfolio is again closely based on the Concept Eight's design cues, featuring soft grain leather and satin finished American Black Walnut wood trim, individual power-adjustable rear seats separated by a large center console, and a new-generation equipment list including Bluetooth?µ connectivity, DVD system with twin rear display-screens, four-zone air conditioning and Alpine Dolby Prologic-II surround-sound audio.

The Super V8 Portfolio will be built as a special edition car, mainly for the U.S. and Canadian markets