Jaguar unveils the XJ330 supercar

Remember the Jaguar XJ220? If you don't, that's OK because we're going to tell you. Back in the late 1980's Jaguar, a car manufacturer known for making luxurious and comfortable sedans and grand touring cars, decided it was going to get into the supercar business. Originally meant to compete against the likes of the Ferrari F40 and Porsche 959 supercars the XJ220 was to come with a V12, all-wheel drive and be capable of tops speeds of at least 220 MPH. Then reality, and physics, set in. Unveiled in 1988 the first production unit didn't roll off the assembly line until late 1991. What rolled off the assembly line was a rear wheel drive car, with a twin-turbo V6, and a five speed manual transmission, all for the low low price of  £470,000.

Jaguar XJ220 (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)

Jaguar just announced the successor of the XJ220 which will be called the XJ330 and unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, April 16-27, 2014. Making an attempt to rectify the wrongs of the original XJ220, Jaguar is said to be powering the XJ330 by a  turbocharged 6.0L V12 which is basically two of the companies 3.0 V6's found in the XJ sedans. Power will be in the 750 horsepower range. To keep weight down, and maintain excellent weight distribution the engine will be mounted behind the front axle and only power the rear wheels. Expect a 6 speed manual or a 7 speed dual clutch gearbox.The chassis will be aluminum with extensive use of carbon fiber to keep strength high while the center of gravity and weight stay low. Pricing should start in the $700,000 range with a $100,000 down payment required to secure a place in line for production. The vehicle should be produced for the 2017 model year with a run of less then 500 expected.

Jaguar rendering of the XJ330

Jaguar rendering of the XJ330

Jaguar rendering of the XJ330

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