In the world of luxury grand tourers, age is often seen as a liability. For the Jaguar XJS, a model that had been on the market since the mid-1970s, the industry consensus was that it was becoming a relic. Faced with fierce competition from modern heavyweights like the BMW 850i and the Porsche 928GTS, Jaguar realized that “polishing the antique” wasn’t enough—they needed to sharpen the claws.
The result is the Jaguar XJR-S, a limited-edition performance flagship developed in collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR). While it retains the classic silhouette of its predecessors, this is not merely a cosmetic update; it is a mechanical overhaul designed to reclaim Jaguar’s seat at the high-performance table.
Engineering a Comeback
The core of the XJR-S’s revitalization lies beneath the hood. Jaguar took the standard 5.3-liter V-12 and breathed new life into it, expanding the displacement to 6.0 liters. This upgrade pushes output to 313 hp, a 13% increase that fundamentally changes the car’s character.
To handle this newfound power, TWR implemented several critical hardware upgrades:
– Enhanced Suspension: Heavy-duty springs and gas-filled Bilstein shocks.
– Improved Grip: New alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Goodyear Eagle ZR tires.
– Aerodynamics: The addition of a rear wing and “Terminator” plastic rocker panels.
The performance gains are undeniable. The XJR-S can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds, outperforming several contemporary rivals. More impressively, its mid-range passing power is exceptional; the V-12 remains “loaded and cocked,” ready to surge forward with effortless torque.
The Luxury of Excess (and Eccentricity)
The XJR-S is a study in contradictions. Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in traditional British luxury, featuring “Autolux” leather that is remarkably supple and lustrous walnut veneers. It smells of old money and high-end craftsmanship.
However, the interior also highlights the quirks of aging British engineering:
– Cramped Ergonomics: Despite the car’s massive footprint, the cockpit is surprisingly tight. The A-pillars are thick, and the transmission tunnel is wide, leaving little room for comfort.
– Complex Systems: The security system is notoriously over-engineered, bordering on the absurd, with various modes and alarms that can be difficult to navigate.
– Mechanical Quirks: From sensitive fuel caps to idiosyncratic switchgear, the car demands a driver who appreciates “personality” over pure, clinical precision.
Market Position: Scarcity vs. Value
With a price tag nearing $78,000, the XJR-S is an expensive proposition. Jaguar has intentionally limited production to just 100 units, ensuring that the car remains a collector’s item rather than a mass-market commodity.
At this price point, the XJR-S isn’t competing on a spec sheet against a Lexus or a Mercedes; it is competing on emotion and prestige. It is a car for those who value rarity and the specific, suave aura that only a V-12 Jaguar can provide.
The Verdict
The Jaguar XJR-S is a magnificent, if flawed, achievement. It manages to take a design that was nearing the end of its lifecycle and transform it into something urgent and exciting. It is heavy, occasionally cramped, and unapologetically eccentric, but it possesses a “gracious charm” that modern, more logical competitors struggle to replicate.
Summary: The XJR-S is a high-performance resurrection that trades modern clinical perfection for raw character and exclusivity, proving that even an aging icon can still strike fear into its rivals.
