As suggested by its name, the Super V8 employs a supercharged, 4.2 liter V8, tuned to the tune of 390 hp (@ 6,100 rpm) and 399 lb. ft. of torque (@ 3,500 rpm).
Where the last generation XJ came up short – literally – was interior room. The back seat was not big enough to comfortably house adults, particularly adult Americans. That grumble point was erased by the new XJ last year, and it’s a complete non-issue in the long wheelbase models. The five inches in length that the lwb models have gained is all found from the b-pillar back. The roofline has been raised .28 inches. The back doors are longer with a wider swing. Collectively, it’s a back cabin that provides easy passage, with comfortable ingress/egress.
About Dan Lyons Dan Lyons is the author of the award-winning books Cars of 1957 and Sixties American Cars. His most recent books include Corvette: An American Legend and Cars of 1965.
