Performance Review: Jaguar XJ R 4.2 V8 Supercharged - [2003]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jaguar XJ Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jaguar XJ R 4.2 V8 Supercharged is the 6 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2003. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2004 Westfield Sport 2000S and the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR FQ 400.This particular Jaguar XJ has a 4196cc Supercharged Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The XJ shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the XJ's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon 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 1665 kgs (3670 lbs) this makes the Jaguar XJ R 4.2 V8 Supercharged in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW Z4 M40i 3.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Jaguar XJ shares the same bhp with the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo 992 (380 bhp)

In terms of power the 4196cc 32V V8 engine produces 400 bhp (298 kW) @ 6100 rpm similar to the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo 992 (380 bhp) or the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto (395 bhp).

The Supercharged V8 throws out 408 lb-ft (553.1 Nm) @ 3500 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 2022 KTM X-Bow GT-XR 2.5 Turbo (429 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 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera S PDK 991 (265.1 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jaguar XJ.

The Jaguar XJ has a Power to weight ratio of 240.2 bhp per ton and 245.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2003 XJ competing with the 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera S PDK 991 (265.1 bhp per ton) or the 2012 Mercedes CLS Class 63 AMG Shooting Brake (264.9 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 245.0 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 1969 Ford Torino 1st Gen Cobra Hardtop Ram Air (270.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 2006 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (269.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.00 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.2 secs, this made the Jaguar XJ R 4.2 V8 Supercharged as fast as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (5.00 secs) the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (5.00 secs) the 2022 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 Turbo FL5 (5.00 secs) the or the 2020 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP (5.00 secs). This Jaguar XJ R 4.2 V8 Supercharged is also faster than the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Ti 2.0 Turbo (5.10 secs) the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Q4 2.0L Turbo (5.10 secs) the 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona 5.7 V8 370 (5.10 secs) the and the 2017 Audi A6 3.0T Competition (5.10 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the XJ and the 2004 Audi A4 S4 4.2 Quattro Cabriolet

When talking about the performance of the Jaguar XJ on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.28 secs @ 103.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2004 Audi A4 S4 4.2 Quattro Cabriolet (13.22 secs), the 1999 Ford Mustang 4th Gen SVT Cobra Coupe (13.22 secs), and the 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt 4.6 V8 (13.22 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2003 version of the Jaguar XJ R 4.2 V8 Supercharged has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2003 XJ equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2003 Jaguar XJ R 4.2 V8 Supercharged then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2003 XJ Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jaguar

Car Comparison