- Refined and powerful 4.0-litre supercharged V8 engine
- Supple ride
- Sumptuous interior
- Elegant styling
- Inferior design and build BMW E38 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz V220 S-Class
- High maintenance costs
- Original plastic chain tensioners susceptible to failure
Review: Daimler X308.I Super V8 (1997-99)
Overview
Released in October 1997, the Daimler X308 Series I (X308.I) Super V8 was a luxury, long wheelbase saloon. Manufactured in Coventry, England, the Super V8 was powered by a supercharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission (Mercedes-Benz’s W5A580 unit).
The supercharged 4.0-litre AJ26S V8 engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, an Eaton M112 roots-type supercharger, twin intercoolers (air-to-liquid), double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), variable cam phasing and four valves per cylinder. In October 1998, the AJ26S was upgraded with an improved engine management system and oil temperature sensor.
Based on the long wheelbase Jaguar X308 XJ , the Super V8 was 5149 mm long, 1798 mm wide, 1333 mm tall and had a 2995 mm long wheelbase. The front suspension for the Super V8 consisted of unequal length upper and lower wishbones, while the independent rear suspension had double wishbones; Jaguar’s CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) system – which adapted the stiffness of the dampers according to road conditions – was also fitted as standard.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super V8 | 4.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 | 5sp auto | 276 kW at 5000 rpm | 512 Nm at 3050 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Super V8 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Features
Standard features for the Super V8 included 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker Hardman Kardon sound system with a ten-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a power adjustable steering column, driver’s seat memory settings, power sunroof, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
Review: Daimler X308.II Super V8 (1999-02)
Overview
Released in October 1999, the X308 Series II (X308.II) Super V8 introduced several mechanical changes for the V8 engine, including a new engine management system, electronic throttle body, electronically-activated cruise control (previously vacuum-operated), an oil temperature sensor and exhaust gas recirculation for reduced emissions. Vehicle security was also improved with an encrypted key transponder for the immobiliser system.
Safety equipment
Compared to its X308.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the X308.II Super V8 was improved with the introduction of Jaguar’s more advanced ‘ABS Plus’ system.
Features
Standard features for the Super V8 were extended to include twelve-way power adjustable front seats, rain-sensing wipers and a rear cigar lighter. Furthermore, the 240 watt Harman Kardon sound system was replaced with a 320 watt Alpine unit with a six-disc CD stacker (previously a 10-disc unit).
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