Jaguar XJR8 delimited

[Paul XJR]

Guys (and Gals),

I've just bought a 1999 Jaguar XJR8 4.0 supercharged, which is apparently limited to 155mph.

The car is *very* fast, but I've not have the guts to take it up to 155 yet (so I don't know whether the limiter works - or what it feels like to hit it)

But, just purely out of interest, what do you reckon the top speed would be delimited..? (Not that I ever drive over 70mph)

Paul....

[LateNightCable]

Welcome Paul!

I think 170+ would be a safe bet. Perhaps someone else has an exact figure.

[thepolarfoxqx]

i believe i've heard a number of 173mph on that car without the limiter, performance parts for jaguars seem to be a little difficult to find, but i'm personally a big fan (despite the fact that mine is limted to 149, and that's about all the more power it has)

But yeah, you've got one hell of a car, that thing has to be a blast.

[SpEeDiSaDdIcTiVe]

Originally Posted by Paul XJR Guys (and Gals), I've just bought a 1999 Jaguar XJR8 4.0 supercharged, which is apparently limited to 155mph. The car is *very* fast, but I've not have the guts to take it up to 155 yet (so I don't know whether the limiter works - or what it feels like to hit it) But, just purely out of interest, what do you reckon the top speed would be delimited..? (Not that I ever drive over 70mph) Paul....

Is limited, not apparently (although I've heard of 'limited' cars exceeding their 155 m.p.h limit). I'd say 180 m.p.h or thereabouts.

[thepolarfoxqx]

i don't know about the new for '04 XJRs, but the old body (like his '99) don't have the greatest aerodynamics. They start running out of steam, and the 170s seem to be about it (which is hell fast), but they do have stability issues up there.

Just imagine going 170 with 4 passengers in swank comfort. It blows my mind.

[Paul XJR]

Thanks to you all for your feedback regarding my XJR8.

Just to clarify, I said "apparently limited to 155mph" because I don't know whether one of the previous owners might have had the car delimited, and I've not seen over 150mph (indicated, which was probably about 145mph real). I know of at least one company in the UK that will delimit the car for about £250. However, the wouldn't tell me what the top speed would be.

Also, to thepolarfoxqx - you're right, the car is not the most aerodynamic. You get some real wind noise over 120mph. I reckon the best thing to do is to select "Sport" over about 100mph, as that stiffens the suspension and lowers the ride height of the car by about 10mm.

Still, I floored the throttle at 125mph, and the auto 'box kicked down to 4th - awesome!

At 150 mph, I reckon you're doing about a gallon of petrol about every 90 seconds though...

Thanks once again!

Paul....

[SpEeDiSaDdIcTiVe]

Originally Posted by Paul XJR Thanks to you all for your feedback regarding my XJR8. Just to clarify, I said "apparently limited to 155mph" because I don't know whether one of the previous owners might have had the car delimited, and I've not seen over 150mph (indicated, which was probably about 145mph real). I know of at least one company in the UK that will delimit the car for about £250. However, the wouldn't tell me what the top speed would be. Also, to thepolarfoxqx - you're right, the car is not the most aerodynamic. You get some real wind noise over 120mph. I reckon the best thing to do is to select "Sport" over about 100mph, as that stiffens the suspension and lowers the ride height of the car by about 10mm. Still, I floored the throttle at 125mph, and the auto 'box kicked down to 4th - awesome! At 150 mph, I reckon you're doing about a gallon of petrol about every 90 seconds though... Thanks once again! Paul....

It's faster than fast enough. At least you had the good taste to buy a Jag over a B.M.W or the like. Well done. Just out of curiosity though, where would you be able to do over 150 m.p.h if you did get it de-restricted? There's nowhere in the U.K (unless you go to a racing circuit, but even then I doubt you'd get it over 150 m.p.h without going too fast to brake for the corners). If you know of anywhere, let me know!

[Paul XJR]

Thanks, SpEeDiSaDdIcTiVe...

I couldn't have bought either of the other cars as my mate has a Beemer and my next-door neighbour has just bought a Merc! However, I've always liked Jaguars - there is something traditional about them.

You are right about finding somewhere to drive at 150mph+. Good British roads are few and far between, and the problem is that British drivers don't usually expect to have a car approaching so fast from behind! However, I would say that, by and large, most motorways, between about 2am and 4am would be empty enough to enable you to do 150 mph+. There are restrictions on the tightness of bends, so you shouldn't find too many surprises!

However, if you are the only car, you are a very easy target for a radar gun, and as radar detectors generally rely on other motorists being zapped before you get into range, that won't be much use to you. Personally, I'd rather have my licence than see my car locked up in the garage while I serve a driving ban.

Then, of course, there are the risks of a blowout, mechanical failure, etc. You can't enjoy your XJR, Merc, or whatever, if you're in a wooden box six feet under.

Best to stay sensible...

[thepolarfoxqx]

It is awsome how the gearing gives it motor left at 120. My X-Type is stuck in 5th north of about 125-130, but it would really pay to de-limit it if you had some performance modifications such that you had top end to make use of that. Yeah, gas is probably going pretty quick that fast,

and what is this about bad taste. I've always been a jaguar fan, but mercedes, audi, and BMW each have some very redeaming qualities too, and while none may be as sexy as jag, i would hardly call them poor taste.

[SpEeDiSaDdIcTiVe]

Perhaps 'better taste' would be more fitting.