The much-maligned Jaguar XJ220 is 20 years old, and has lost none of its appeal. Andrew Frankel, who road tested the car when it was first launched, takes a look back at one of Jaguar's finest moments.
Find an Autocar car review
Driven this week
-
First Drive22 September 2017Based on the Kia Stinger, Genesis' new G70 saloon shows plenty of promising signs that it could be a hit in Europe -
First Drive22 September 2017Still visceral and dramatic as ever, but does the vast number of mechanical changes and tweaks help make the Lamborghini Aventador S more engaging? -
Car review22 September 2017Renault’s new crossover sees the Koleos name return, attached to an SUV of a quite different stripe -
First Drive21 September 2017On our first chance to get the facelifted Nissan X-Trail on UK roads, the petrol proves a viable alternative, although for outright pulling power the 2.0 dCi is the better bet -
First Drive21 September 2017Most powerful diesel version of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is swift and more frugal than its closest rivals, but makes less sense than the range-topping petrol version
Latest videos
-
FeatureWe put two of the world's best hot hatches to the test; the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R -
NewsAll you need to know about the most important cars from the 2017 Frankfurt motor show -
NewsA new engine and four-wheel steering are two of countless changes due with the new hot Mégane; we get an early glimpse of what's to come -
ReviewTwo modified sports machines go head-to-head to see which is the driftiest. Don't say we don't do consumer advice...
© 2015 Haymarket Media Group
Join the debate
Peter Cavellini
Could be............IF?
Like Jaguars current supercar project which was cancelled,the 220 promised so much,but in the end was only 50% delivered,a case of then,lots of potential,but,not enough cash to finish the job,sign of the times?......yes, i think so.
Peter Cavellini.
Dimebar
Has the test car had a bump?
Has the test car had a bump? Bonnet doesnt seem to fit too well and in one picture only one pop-up headlight is working.
ehass40062
Reply to: Has the test car had a bump?
I wouldn't be suprised if the old Jaguar electrical gremlins aren't still around. I agree about the fit of the front lid. It looked better on the green one on the lift.
BenC30
Rear Lights
If I remember rightly, didn't the rear lights for the XJ220 come from the humble Rover 400 (R8) version?
Used models are still exclusively priced! Would love one.
Peter Cavellini
not just the lights!
If you freeze frame the dash shot,you'll recognize lots of Ford parts too!!
Peter Cavellini.
gpt
V6?
I seem to remember that Jaguar were considering a turbo charged 6 litre V12 four wheel drive version of the 220.
JKFR33
Unusable?
At nearly 5 metres long, 2 metres wide and with such poor visibility (as per many supercars), it must be a daunting drive on Britain's roads.
big x
Has anybody ever tried to put
Has anybody ever tried to put a V12 into the back of one of these ? There must be room as it was original designed to use one.
Still a good looking supercar in my view.
PhilM4000
Too expensive
This basically failed due to being too expensive. I seem to remember Tom Hartley bought one at an auction for about £200000 -£250000 shortly after launch which pretty much set the benchmark price. £403000 was way too much for a relatively crude super car. Also the 220 name promised 220 mph and it didn't deliver that.
R32
It's good to see Autocar
It's good to see Autocar wheeling out 20 year old supercars for a blast - but makes me feel old too!
Pages
Add your comment