Performance Review: Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 - [1991]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jaguar XJ Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1991. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1992 Bugatti EB110 SuperSport and the 1992 Caterham Super 7 JPE.This particular Jaguar XJ has a 5993cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 12 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V12's includes the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12

The XJ shares its Petrol V12 engine configuration with the likes of the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12 and the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the XJ's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1048 kgs (2310 lbs) this makes the Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 in the same weight category as the 2016 Abarth 124 Spider 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Jaguar XJ shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp)

In terms of power the 5993cc 24V V12 engine produces 450 bhp (335 kW) @ 6250 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V12 throws out 420 lb-ft (569.4 Nm) @ 4500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (418 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (443 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Jaguar XJ you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2005 Caterham 7 CSR 260 (452.1 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jaguar XJ.

The Jaguar XJ has a Power to weight ratio of 429.3 bhp per ton and 400.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1991 XJ competing with the 2005 Caterham 7 CSR 260 (452.1 bhp per ton) or the 2013 Caterham 7 485 2.0L (451.4 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Jaguar XJ generating around 400.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2021 McLaren 675 LT Spider 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (425.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12 (424.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 3.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 3.2 secs, this made the Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 as fast as the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 992 (3.10 secs) the 2022 Lamborghini Urus Performante Twin Turbo (3.10 secs) the 2022 Aston-Martin DBX 707 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (3.10 secs) the or the 2021 Porsche Cayenne GT 4.0 V8 Bi-Turbo (3.10 secs). This Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 is also faster than the 2023 Aston-Martin DBS 770 Ultimate 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo (3.20 secs) the 2022 Porsche 911 Dakar 3.0 Turbo 992 II (3.20 secs) the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring PDK 992 (3.20 secs) the and the 2021 BMW 5 Series M5 4.4 V8 Turbo F90 (3.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the XJ and the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 6.4 V8 392

When talking about the performance of the Jaguar XJ on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 10.9 secs @ 125.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 6.4 V8 392 (10.85 secs), the 2014 Porsche 911 Targa 4 991 (10.87 secs), and the 2008 Mercedes SL Class 63 AMG V8 R230 (10.88 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1991 version of the Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 has a maximum speed of 186mph.

Top Speed of the 1991 XJ equals the 2013 Nissan Skyline GT-R Pure Edition R35 (197 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1991 Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 then how about the 2013 Nissan Skyline GT-R Pure Edition R35 (197 mph), the 2012 Audi R8 Plus S-Tronic 5.2 V10 (197 mph), or the 2012 Nissan Skyline GTR R35 (197 mph).

Related Links:

1991 XJ Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jaguar

Car Comparison