The production variant remains true to the spectacular supercharged 298kW Concept Eight which Jaguar showcased at prominent international motor shows throughout 2004.

The majority of the limited-number production is destined for the United States; however, Jaguar Australia will import a rare few +óGé¼GÇ£ only six +óGé¼GÇ£ right-hand-drive Super V8 Portfolios. Allocation to clients will be on a first-come basis underscored by the promise from Jaguar that no additional Super V8 Portfolios will be imported by Jaguar to Australia.

"Few manufacturers are able to produce an exclusive luxury vehicle such as the Super V8 Portfolio which cohesively combines advanced technology with traditional hand-made luxury features," said David Blackhall, General Manager Jaguar Australia.

The Super V8 Portfolio's genesis is Jaguar's lightweight aluminium monocoque XJ Long Wheelbase poised on a 125mm (five inches) extended wheelbase. Because of its advanced aluminium construction, the Portfolio under weighs its Germany competitors by as much as 250kg.

As quoted of the Concept Eight and holding true for the production Portfolio, Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars said, "We now have a car with more space in it than any Jaguar ever built, so we thought we'd have a bit of fun. The Portfolio is about space and luxury and pampering."

An apt descriptor of the Portfolio is indulgence. Soft Conker leather accompanies lush lambs' wool carpeting. The Portfolio satisfies and relaxes your senses in many ways. An audio system engineered specifically for the Portfolio's extended interior is music to your ears. And to suppress unwanted outside disturbance, the Portfolio is equipped with laminated side glass and additional noise and vibration absorbing materials.

Furthermore, the Super V8 Portfolio uniquely combines Jaguar's leading-edge aluminium construction, exact steering and chassis control with traditional English hand-fettled luxury. Stirring desire further is the supercharged 4.2-litre, 32-valve aluminium V8 delivering a resolute 298kW and 553Nm.

Jaguar's Portfolio succeeds in placing you comfortably in the lap of high-performance luxury.

On road, Portfolio's agility is heightened beyond the XJ LWB by selected features such as polished 20-inch Callisto wheels and the confident feel of a high-performance braking system engineered by Brembo.

Super V8 Portfolio Premium Features:

• Rich brown Conker soft-grain leather interior
• Business trays, rear seats
• Black walnut interior trim with distinctive matt finish
• Alcantara headlining
• Twin rear LCD screens and DVD player
• Bluetooth telephone module
• Glass sunroof
• Four-zone climate control
• Laminated side glass (improves safety & NVH)

A unique Black Cherry metallic exterior colour has been selected for all six Super V8 Portfolios imported to Australia. The distinctive colour contrasts well against the luminous alloy 20-inch wheels and bright aluminium engine bay hot-air vents at each front guard. Each vent is located just forward of the door and wears the Jaguar logo.

The six Portfolios to be sold in Australia will be badged Super V8 only. A Portfolio bootlid badge will appear on vehicles specific to the United States and Middle East markets.

Alpine in co-operation with Dolby have engineered a sound system for the Super V8 Portfolio which is without compromise. The key is Dolby's Pro Logic II sound processing system delivered through 15 speakers and 7 amplified channels.

Alpine-Dolby Pro Logic Audio System:

• Pro Logic II digital sound processing
• 15 speakers (inc ungraded door speakers)
• 7 amplified channels plus sub woofer
• Centre fill speaker
• Two surround speakers at rear parcel shelf
• Additional amplifier for front mid-bass (240-watt increase)
• Multi-media system with MP3 player, iPod connectivity

Australian pricing of Super V8 Portfolio is to be decided but will rest approximately at $270,000. Delivery is anticipated during third quarter 2005.

Super V8 Portfolio Technical Features:

Supercharged DOHC 4.2-litre, 32-valve V8
298kW at 6100rpm
553Nm at 3500rpm (80 percent of maximum torque delivered at 2000rpm)
Six-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase of 3159mm; overall length of 5215mm
Kerb mass of 1695kg (approximate)
Aluminium monocoque construction
Brembo four-piston monobloc front calipers, 365x32mm vented disc
Brembo four-piston rear calipers, 330x15mm solid disc

For further information contact
Todd Hallenbeck
Public Affairs Manager
Premier Automotive Group Australia
Phone: (02) 9020 1613
Mobile: 0412 259 635
Email: thallen2@volvocars.com