Jan 24

1988 Jaguar XJ220 Concept

The XJ220 concept car emerged as a collaborative masterpiece, brought to life by a dedicated team of a dozen specialist engineers and designers who volunteered their own time. This assembly of automotive talent, famously known as 'The Saturday Club,' received support from approximately forty of Jaguar's key suppliers. The culmination of their efforts was unveiled by Sir John Egan at the International Motor Show held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on October 18, 1988.

Conceived by Jaguar's visionary Chief Engineer, Professor Jim Randle, the XJ220 was originally envisioned as a versatile Group B car, seamlessly transitioning between road and racetrack. Randle, inspired by limited production supercars like the Ferrari F40 and the Porsche 959, conceptualized the basic idea in December 1984. Subsequently, engineering and styling endeavors commenced in early 1985, with the vehicle's aesthetic design masterfully crafted by Keith Helfet, the accomplished Senior Sports Car Designer at Jaguar, renowned for his work on projects such as the XK180 and F-type concept cars.

The XJ220 concept car boasted a chassis, engine, and drivetrain rooted in Jaguar Group C racing cars, complemented by an experimental four-wheel-drive system prototype. Reflecting the quintessential Jaguar essence, the car featured a sumptuous leather interior enveloped in a meticulously shaped aluminum body. Initially intended solely as a showcase of the company's capabilities, overwhelming demand prompted a feasibility study, leading to project approval in late 1989.

Between 1992 and 1994, Jaguar Sport, a collaborative venture between Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw, produced a total of 281 XJ220 cars at a factory in Bloxham, Oxfordshire, later repurposed as the Aston Martin DB7 facility. The production variant, distinct from the concept, featured a TWR V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, commanding an initial list price of £400,000. In independent road tests, the XJ220 demonstrated a top speed of approximately 213 mph (343 km/h), earning the esteemed title of the world's fastest production car during that era.

Engine

Configuration: 60º V12
Location: Mid, longitudinally mounted
Construction: aluminium alloy block and head
Displacement: 6,222 cc / 379.7 cu in
Bore / Stroke: 92.0 mm (3.6 in) / 78.0 mm (3.1 in)
Compression: 10.0:1
Valvetrain: 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed: Fuel Injection
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
Power: 530 bhp / 395 kW @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 542 Nm / 400 ft lbs @ 5,000 rpm
BHP/Liter: 85 bhp / liter

Drivetrain

Body: aluminum panels
Chassis: bonded aluminum monocoque
Front suspension: double wishbones, push-rod and rocker activated coil springs over dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: rocker operated double coil springs over dampers
Steering: rack-and-pinion
Brakes: servo-assisted ventilated discs all-round
Gearbox: 5 speed Manual
Drive: rear wheel drive

Dimensions

Weight: 1,560 kilo / 3,439 lbs
Length / Width / Height: 5,140 mm (202.4 in) / 2,200 mm (86.6 in) / 1,240 mm (48.8 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r): 2,840 mm (111.8 in) / 1,650 mm (65 in) / 1,650 mm (65 in)

Performance figures