Everyone knows Jaguars are comfortable and convey elegance to those inside them, but few probably think of these luxury chariots as being in the same league with the BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E55. Think again. Think 2004 Jaguar XJR. This 4-door sedan combines a 390-horsepower V-8 with a six-speed automatic transmission to match performance numbers with those competitors, and at less cost. With Jaguars, the R designation stands for "roars". Prices: US: base $74,330.
Heritage
Jaguar is very careful with design changes. So much so, in fact, that the 2004 Jaguar XJR still resembles the remarkable 1968 Jaguar XJ. So good was that car that almost all competing Jaguar salon models were dropped. And, even the engine size of today's model, if not the configuration, is the same, at 4.2 liters. But this 2004 V-8 reminds us of Jaguar's legendary racing cars, pumping out 390 horsepower under a supercharger. It can leave even the V-12 XJ models introduced in 1972 in its dust – easily. The 1972 XJ V-12 traveled 0 to 60 in 7.4 seconds. The 1975 XJ-S with its V-12 did it in 6.9 seconds. The 2004 Jaguar XJR romps the same speeds in 5.1 seconds! The V-12 died after 1997, succeeded by smaller engines with more power and better fuel efficiency. This 2004 model happily combines performance, handling and comfort. And with the 2004 Jaguar XJR's $74,330 base price, it is less expensive than any competing luxury sports sedan.
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