Jaguar XJ220 '92

aspiration

TC (Turbocharger)

Group

Gr.N

Displacement

3,498 cc

DriveTrain

MR

Height

1,150 mm

Length

4,860 mm

Weight

1,372 kg

Width

2,000 mm

Max Power

515 BHP / 7,000 rpm

Max Torque

65.4 kgfm / 4,500 rpm

Performance Point

PP 599.59

Manufacturer

Jaguar

Jaguar XJ220 '92: The Story of a British Supercar Legend

The Jaguar XJ220 '92 stands as one of the most ambitious and iconic supercars to emerge from Britain in the early 1990s. Conceived initially as a concept car in 1988, the XJ220 was the product of passionate Jaguar engineers who worked after hours to bring their vision of a V12, all-wheel-drive supercar to life. Once unveiled, its futuristic design and promised performance astonished the automotive world, leading to an overwhelming public demand for a road-going version. Jaguar, recognizing the potential, greenlit the project for limited production, targeting enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of British automotive engineering.

The production version of the Jaguar XJ220 debuted in 1992, representing a shift from the original concept by adopting a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 derived from the Jaguar-Metro Group C racing program, instead of the anticipated V12. While some purists lamented the loss of the V12, this powertrain made the XJ220 lighter and more agile, generating a remarkable 542 horsepower and propelling it to a top speed of 217 mph (349 km/h). For a time, this made it the fastest production car in the world, a testament to Jaguar's groundbreaking engineering. Its aerodynamic design and advanced aluminum chassis further distinguished it from contemporaries.

Despite its technical prowess and astronomical performance, the XJ220 faced market challenges. The early 1990s recession and a price tag of nearly £470,000 (substantially higher than originally suggested) led to fewer sales than anticipated, with only 282 examples ultimately produced. Nevertheless, its rarity and performance have cemented the XJ220's status as a collector’s dream and a symbol of Jaguar's innovation. It also found modest racing success, particularly in endurance competitions, further enhancing its legendary aura. In both the real and virtual worlds, including games like Gran Turismo, the Jaguar XJ220 remains a revered nameplate among enthusiasts.