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2011 Jaguar XJ Supersport (photos)

Jaguar's limited-edition XJ Supersport cranks out tremendous power but gets reasonable fuel economy. Its cabin offers excellent luxury appointments and a stellar audio system.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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Jaguar's XJ Supersport is a limited-edition model, the most powerful Jag in the current lineup. It is also available in a long wheelbase version. Below it sit the XJ Supercharged and the standard XJ.

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Much of the front of the XJ Supersport reflects traditional Jaguar styling, especially the wire grille. The hood is a little bulky, a cue inherited from the Ford era.

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The XJ Supersport gets a direct-injection supercharged 5-liter V-8 that makes 510 horsepower, kicking the car up to 60 mph in an exhilarating 4.7 seconds.

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Jaguar gives the XJ Supersport uniquely designed wheels.

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The design of the new XJ is somewhat controversial, with its roofline running back, fastback-style, to the trunk lid.

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The blacked-out C pillars blend into the rear window. Jaguar likens the back profile to sunglasses.

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With an active suspension, the XJ Supersport corners better than a car this big should, but can get a little sloppy as the stress increases.

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The trunk is small compared with other big sedans.

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Dual sunroofs let in light for front and rear passengers.

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Jaguar fits the interior with fine wood and leather, but allows more plastic for the switchgear than is seen on the XF model.

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The steering has a luxury feel, making it easy to maneuver the car, but it remains overpowered in high-speed driving.

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As has become standard in Jaguar models, the drive selector is a dial.

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The LCD instrument cluster gains a red hue when the car is switched into competition mode.

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The LCD panel allows for different types of information displays, such as this seatbelt diagram over the tachometer.

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Jaguar fits directional controls on the steering-wheel spokes, making them useful for a variety of functions.

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The main menu screen on the interface is a little bland, but it offers easy access to navigation, audio, and climate control.

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The navigation system shows some 3D details on its maps, and also includes traffic information.

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This audio interface is a little bit busy, but it is well-organized.

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The iPod and separate USB ports sit in the center console, which features a royal-purple lining.

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The iPod interface offers typical music library browsing.

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The infotainment system can play video from a variety of sources, but only when the car is stopped.

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Audio sources include iPod, USB, and Bluetooth streaming, along with the car's own hard drive.

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The Bowers and Wilkins audio system produces exceptional sound quality.

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The phone system offers contact list access, and makes it possible to dial numbers through voice command by saying a contact's name.

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The phone book interface requires an initial letter search. We prefer systems that initially open a browser window, giving you instant access to the contact list.

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The rearview camera includes trajectory lines that show where the car will go depending on wheel turn.

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