Jaguar XJR Review

Sir William Lyons was born on September 4, 1901. On his 21st birthday, he co-founded the company that became Jaguar Cars Ltd and remained its guiding spirit for 50 years. Always a shrewd businessman, his vision created one of the world's best-known automotive brands. Above all, though, he excelled in the styling of cars and played an active role in creating such famous Jaguars as the Jaguar XK 120 (1948), the E-type (1961) and Jaguar XJ6 (1968). He died in 1985.

Jaguar XJR 100 in detail

The classic exterior lines of the Jaguar XJ are emphasised on the Jaguar XJR 100 by sleek 'Anthracite' paintwork, while its purposeful stance is complemented by a new design of 19 inch, silver-coloured R Performance BBS alloy wheel. Called 'Montreal', the nine-spoke wheel is derived from a design first seen on Jaguar's acclaimed F-TYPE concept car. Powerful, cross-drilled Brembo brakes with silver coloured callipers and red Jaguar script enhance the wheels' visual impact. Red wheel-centres carry the Jaguar 'growler' image and there is an Jaguar XJR 100 badge on the rear of the car. Electrochromatic, power-fold and heated door mirrors are added to the exterior feature list of the standard Jaguar XJR, which includes mesh front grilles, front fog lamps, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, heated windscreen and rear window, central locking and reverse park control. Inside, distinctive red contrast stitching enlivens the Jaguar XJR 100's soft, 'Warm Charcoal' Autolux leather sports seats, which have a perforated finish to their centre panels. The 12-way adjustable driver's seat has a three-position memory and both front and rear seats are heated.

Jaguar XJR 100 Sporty R Performance features Red stitching also features on the leather of the centre console and door trims, as well as the new designs of R Performance leather-covered sports steering wheel and Momo gear knob. The grey-stained bird's-eye maple veneer on the dashboard subtly carries the Jaguar XJR 100 name on the passenger side, and the car is also equipped with unique Jaguar XJR 100 tread plates front and rear.

Other standard interior features on the Jaguar XJR 100 include a DVD navigation system, a premium sound audio system with CD autochanger and nine speakers, automatic climate control, power memory steering column, dual band fixed telephone, electrochromatic rear view mirror, trip computer, front cup holders and convenient audio and phone controls mounted on the steering wheel. The Jaguar XJR 100 is fitted with Jaguar's most powerful road-going engine - the 370 bhp (276 kW) supercharged and intercooled 4.0-litre AJ-V8 engine, which is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. This entertaining but refined combination accelerates the car quietly from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds).

Confidence-inspiring roadholding and high-speed stability are delivered by the microprocessor-controlled adaptive damping of Jaguar's sports-oriented Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS). Like the standard Jaguar XJR, the Jaguar XJR 100 limited edition is equipped with cruise control, stability control, traction control, and front and side airbags.