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A New Cat in the Litter
 
Jaguar SV8 Portfolio
 
By Alain Gayot
 


It seems these days Mother Cat never tires. With the introduction of the Super V8 Portfolio, Jaguar has added a fifth derivative to its XJ line up. Like its sibling the SV8, with the Portfolio you get a supercharged engine, this time boosted to slightly over 400 horsepower. It comes in trippy colors such as an iridescent black cherry, has a warm American black walnut interior with extra supple leather seats, wheels with a retro Jaguar logo and is built in a Long Wheel Base platform that is five inches longer than a standard XJ.

Jaguar put in a super powerful entertainment/audio system, which amongst other things allows the rear passengers individual DVD viewing … but only two of them. Indeed this is a four-seater, as the middle seat has been taken up by all that technology, Bluetooth integration being one of the many features. One distinctive exterior element is the vent or gill on the side of the engine compartment. The automobile was issued originally as a concept car and now retails for $116,000, making it the most expensive cat on the road. Unfortunately for you, the first year production is sold out.

Warranty/Service: Four-year/50,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance.


QUICK SHEET
Price as tested: $116,000

Technical Specifications

Performance Data

Engine: 4.2-L Supercharged V8 engine; 400 hp at 6,100 rpm
-Torque: 413 lb.-ft. at 3,500 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Safety: Driver and passenger front and side airbags, side curtain airbags

Top Speed: 155 mph
(Electronically Controlled)

Acceleration: 0-60 in 5 sec.

Braking: Active brake booster, Brembo four piston brakes

Fuel Economy: 17 city,
24 highway


Handling: Air suspension with CATS, speed-sensitive steering

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Photography: AlphaMedia

(Updated: 07/28/08 HC)