Vehicle: 2006 Jaguar Super V8
Price as tested: CDN$125650

Performance: The Super V8 is basically an extended wheelbase XJR, just like what Vanden Plas to XJ8. Powered for this vehicle is the excellent 4.0L DOHC 32-valve supercharged V8 with 400hp and 413 lb/ft of torque. This Eaton supercharge really provides plenty of grunt for this 4001 lb luxury sedan. North to 100 km/h in just a tick over 5 seconds is truly impressive for a vehicle of this weight. The best thing about supercharge is the lack of lag, as we associate with turbochargers. This engine application is very suitable for Jaguar due to its sleeky smoothness and top-notch NVH. Unlike some of Jag’s lesser engines in X and S-Types, this one performs admirably. The 413 lb/ft available as low as 3500 rpm, which means there are plenty of torque around. On the other hand, its rev-happy character guaranteed there are enough grunt at the top end of the rev range. Matched with this engine is the 6-speed automatic transmission. Without the proper gear ratios of this tranny, this supercharged puppy won’t perform as happily as one expected. However, current iteration of XJ still stuck with the annoying J-Gate shifter. Its reluctant to down and upshift manually due to its long gates. New XK’s paddle shifters should make way into future XJ for much improved ergonomics.

Handling: Given Super V8 is a softened version of a more performance-oriented XJR, it doesn’t come as a surprise its even more softly sprung. Jaguar products have always been known for its softness and floatiness. While Super V8 is a pretty soft vehicle for enthuisast, the floatiness of Jag doesn’t seem to appear during high-speed cruising. The biggest pleasant surprise is Jag finally dialled in some suppleness, which we love so much in Teutonic products, in their extended wheelbase sedan with performance engine. The suspension and springs absorb broken pavement and roughness with ease. However, there are plenty of body rolls. The “CATS” or Computer Active Technology Suspension, reacts better than same system in S-Type. That’s despite Super V8’s CATS still lacks the ability to react when going gets hot. The computer always tries to detect whether the vehicle “should” be firm or soft but couldn’t find the right compromise. This alone, combines with soft suspension and springs, as well as an instrusive Dynamic Stabillity Control. There are more understeer than oversteer when pushed hard into sweepers. The steering has substantial feedback with resurrance response and path-tracking accuracy.

Brakes: Super V8’s braking performance is a huge surprise given its weight and softness. There aren’t lots of nose dive during hard braking. The pedal feels solid and firm, while ABS doesn’t kick in unnecessarily.

Interior: Just like Vanden Plas and XJ8L, Super V8 has extra 5 inches for rear passengers. That means superb leg and headrooms at the back.

In front, driver is surrounded with plenty of wood trim which is typical of Jaguar sedan. Although the use of plastic materials are much better than those crap ones used in lowly X and S-Types, it still fell short compares to its impressive rivals. The Connolly leather seats are comfortable, with excellent adjustability of positions from 16-way power variety. Instumentation gauges are clear and analog. Both the climate control and stereo are easily adjusted.

Narrow pretty much defined Super V8, or all of XJ’s trunk. The liftover is high while sills and space are narrow.

Conclusion: Super V8 is an appealing package for those who are looking for extended wheelbase upper luxury sedan with performance engine. Both Mercedes S65 AMG and Audi S8 don’t come with extended wheelbase. BMW 7-Series doesn’t have a high-performance M series behind it. The upcoming Lexus LS600Lh is not everyone’s cup of tea since its a hybrid. This is indeed a very unique offering in this caliber of excellent cars. If Jaguar is able to come out with more products like Super V8, it should get themselves out of a hole that heavily rely on high rebates to get rid of metals on dealer lots.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 JAGUAR SUPER V8
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overal rating: 3.5/5