Anyone drive a '98 supercharged XJR?

[driverdriver]

The other day a close friend of mine who is also a used car dealer invited me to test drive a '98 spercharged Jaguar XJR he picked up for his lot. Here are some of my impressions. This car is super fast, I was unprepared for what I unleashed when I hit the accelerator, I was quickly out gunning most every car on the road. I believe the car has something like 350 supercharged horses on tap. It does have a slight bit of understeer (and the traction/stability control is a bit intrusive on wet leaves-although I learned later it can be turned off) when driven really aggresively into corners, something I don't notice with my J30t. The J gate Jag shifter takes some getting used to. The interior is finished nicely (especially all the real wood) and its interesting to see that certain parts of it look like its been directly lifted our of the '93-'97 J30's, most noticebly the center console and analog clock(not as nice as the J though). In terms of width and height, the Jag and the J are the same, in terms of length, the Jags got a bit more length and a bigger trunk. I'm almost tempted to trade in my J and some cash for the XJR (the power from the engine is incredible and smooth at all ranges and ride is kind of a firm plush with an optional sport mode). However, common sense dictates that probably in the long run I'll end up with higher maintenance costs and dealer service satisfaction issues, since it is a Jag. My former ownership experence with other Euro Luxury makes has not been a rewarding experience compared to the last 7 trouble free years with the J30t.

[97Q45t]

I haven't got a chance to drive a '98 XJR. However I drove a '95 before. The '95 that I drove seem slow for its 320 bhp probably because the supercharger need to be rebuild. It had 105K on the odometer. The '98 that you drove has 370 bhp, 387 ft-lbs, 0-60 in 5.2s, 1/4 mile in 13.7s. Those are pretty good numbers for the money. I might pick one up in another year or two if its liability has good indication.

[Metroyed]

Jaguar's look sooo outdated

[driverdriver]

I was helping my buddy out and had the Jag for about half an hour earlier today, pulled up to a stoplight and next to me pulled up a guy in a J30t (kind of like the one I own). He wanted to race, I really didn't but when the light changed and he got a car length up on me( I was driving the Jag like an old man), I simply couldn't resist and hit the twitchy accelerator. I completely smoked him! Last I, saw was the J30 driver tucking into the lane about 7-8 car lengths behind me.

[PalmerWMD]

Aww,

making one of your fellow J guys feels bad..

He likely thought you had an XJ6 which a J can beat.

Fred..

[TechGizmo]

Man why did you have to do that to the J?, but then again it wasen't me driving my J. LOL

[Jesda]

Jags are wonderful. Its the magic of the Jag that inspired the Q and the J. Timeless, beautiful styling that still stands out from the crowd... oh man... I'd love to get an XJR myself.

[robmcole]

I had the pleasure of valet parking a XKR (Same engine?). Very powerful engine, and beautiful car (I really like the slits in the hood), but as for interior room... I felt like I was driving a Town Car when I got in my Miata to go home haha

XKR Picture Picture #2 Picture #3

-Rob

[PalmerWMD]

I like jAgs too, ironically thats why i like Infinti's.THey have jaguaresque beauty and performance for less money and a lot more reliability and more functionality.

Infinti may not have an XKR equivalent but for the bread and butter model XJ8 my comparison holds very true.

Fred..

[driverdriver]

I've heard of the J30 referred to as the Japanese Jaguar, does anybody know if Nissan was launching a direct competition to Jaguar when they launched the J? I don't think Nissan sold the J30's in Europe, I wonder why?