First look: Daimler emerges with Super Eight

BRITAIN’S oldest marque is set to make its return at Frankfurt in the shape of the Daimler Super Eight – but the historic Daimler nameplate won’t be seen Down Under.

As reported in April, Australia will take delivery of just six examples of the Super Eight, but these will be badged here as the XJ Super V8 LWB limited-edition.

Previously known as the Super V8 Portfolio, and first appearing as the Concept Eight show special, the car will make its local debut at this October’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

Elsewhere, the Super Eight will herald the return of the 109-year-old Daimler marque, which has been owned by Jaguar since 1960.

On sale in Europe from November, the production aluminium-bodied Daimler Super Eight is powered by a 298kW/553Nm 4.2-litre supercharged V8 engine and is claimed to feature the longest wheelbase (still to be specified) in the premium F-segment.

Differentiating it from short-wheelbase XJ sedan models are niceties such as voice-activated four-zone climate control, multi-media entertainment system with TV tuner, lambs’ wool rugs, power adjustable rear-seats with folding work-tables, 999mm of rear legroom and 18-inch Rapier alloy wheels.



"A Daimler owner is overtly aware of the heritage and history of the marque," said Jaguar Cars design director Ian Callum. "They want a car that reflects that and makes them feel like they are part of our history.

"Daimler is a distinguished car maker – don’t forget that British monarchs and other royal families around the world have driven them for decades – and a modern Daimler should recognise that.

"I think the new Daimler does the job perfectly. It’s a beautiful, fast and quite dramatic car but also deeply authentic. The level of craftsmanship that has gone into every area is superb. Our woods and leathers are of the highest quality, right down to the beautiful Boxwood inlays that sit in the veneers," he said.