Unique Jags head Down Under

JAGUAR Australia has confirmed it will import small numbers of both the supercharged XKR 4.2-S coupe/convertible and the Super V8 Portfolio sedan.

Just six right-hand drive examples of the limited-edition 298kW/553Nm Super V8 Portfolio will be made available locally and Jaguar Australia says allocation will be based on a first-come-first-served basis.

It insists no further vehicles will be imported.

Echoing the Concept Eight show car revealed at motor shows globally in 2004, the Super V8 Portfolio is based on the long-wheelbase XJ sedan’s aluminium monocoque chassis, which is stretched a further 125mm.



While 20-inch Callisto wheels and Brembo brakes improve dynamics, inside there’s soft Conker leather, lambswool carpeting, laminated side glass, extra noise-proofing, business trays, twin rear LCD screens, DVD player and a 15-speaker Apline audio system engineered specifically for the Portfolio's extended interior.

All six Australian vehicles will come in a Black Cherry metallic paint colour, with "Super V8" badging only. Priced around $270,000, the longest Jaguar ever will arrive Down Under in the third quarter of 2005.

Jag Oz has also announced it will import 15 examples of the XKR 4.2-S unveiled at this year’s Geneva show.

While nine convertibles (priced at $245,000) will be made available here, just six XKR 4.2-S coupes will be made available, priced at $220,000.

Powered by the regular XKR’s supercharged 298kW/553Nm 4.2-litre V8, in concert with a six-speed auto, the S includes all of last year’s XKR updates as well as many otherwise optional features.

These comprise 20-inch BBS 'Perseus' alloy wheels, a white-face Growler bonnet badge, Brembo braking system, dark carbon-fibre veneer instrument panel, soft-grain leather interior trim, Bluetooth connectivity, Xenon headlights with washers, a heated windscreen, rain-sensing wipers, and heated/power front seats with memory.

R features like a leather-bound R steering wheel, Momo gearknob and aluminium interior trim are also featured.