FIVE TRIALs
We enjoy the Jaguar XJ-S V12 Cabriolet TWR and put it fully to the test
1 DAILY DRIVING
The XJ- S has always been more of a grand tourer than an out-and-out sports car. The TWR version may have big wheels and attitude, but it is still firmly on the softer side of things. Steering is light and precise, and the suspension is still compliant and very comfortable. Our test car’s automatic gearbox, too, means that it is superbly easy to drive every day. Easy – but not exactly cheap, because your bank balance would be hit pretty hard by this car’s thirst. Getting around 14mpg on a run isn’t out of the question, but hold it in first and second gears and you’ll probably be down to single figures.
2 IN THE SERVICE BAY
If you’ve never looked at an XJ- S V12 engine up close, you really should. It’s a riot of wires, hoses and pipes, and absolutely massive as well. The only real change in the TWR version is that it got a bigger intake manifold. TWR versions were approved by Jaguar, so well-maintained cars should come with a proper Jaguar dealer history; be very wary of any that don’t, if only because good service history makes a real difference in value to these cars. They may drink fuel, but they shouldn’t drink oil, and bear in mind that high-mileage examples should be treated to shorter service intervals than Jaguar recommends.
3 ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT
These cars are highly-welcomed on the show circuit. All types of XJ- S are greeted with open arms at virtually any show these days – but these TWR models are much rarer and cooler. Regional shows are a great bet for next summer and one of these would doubtless garner a lot of attention in the car park of the NEC Classic Motor Show, or even inside the show halls. A TWR’s GT credentials makes it a good bet for longer trips, too. The Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club regularly puts on tours, including overnight stays across the UK.
4 THE LONG WEEKEND
This is surely where an XJ- S makes the most sense. That long-travel, supple suspension irons out the worst road surfaces, and front seat space is better than most of its period rivals. The rear seats are barely usable – even by children – but would certainly swallow a couple of bags. The boot is big enough for what most people would take on a long weekend, too. That said, any XJ- S is most at home on a long cross-country trip through Europe with the cruise control set to a steady 80mph as the sun sets over the Alps…
5 THE B-ROAD Blast
The regular XJ- S is a pretty good companion when the going gets twisty, but the TWR turns the dial all the way up to 11. Yes, it’s saddled with an automatic gearbox, but you can really feel the upgraded engine, suspension and braking when you hustle it through a series of corners. The front springs are stiffer than standard – you can really feel them on turn-in, and they make it feel much sharper and much more enjoyable than the regular car. The brakes are beefier, too, allowing you to brake harder and later.