For a place that is known for their onslaught of money and exotic cars, Dubai seemed like a for good spot for Jaguar->ke39 to release two new packages for the XJ luxury sedan. The new Jaguar XJ Sport and Speed packages were revealed at the Dubai International Motor Show and include exterior and interior updates, as well as aerodynamic updates for better performance.

"The XJ is much more than a limousine. Its power and potential mean it can out-perform many so-called sports cars. The new Sport and Speed Packs allow customers to enhance that sporting dynamism even further and create an XJ that looks as good as it drives," said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars.

The first new performance driven option pack is called the Speed Pack and was put together for the 510 HP XJ Supersport. The second option pack is the Sport and Speed Pack and was customized for the 470 HP XJ Supercharged. Both packs are available in standard and long wheelbase variants.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Jaguar XJ Sport and Speed Packs.

2012 Jaguar XJ Sport and Speed

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Jaguar XJ Sport and Speed
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 510@6000
  • Torque: 461@ 2500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The first changes customers will receive with the new Sport and Speed packages will be aerodynamic. The vehicles were put through extreme testing in the wind tunnel for Jaguar engineers to find the best solutions for improving the cars' performances. The new packages will both feature a new front air splitter to reduce lift, a new rear spoiler, red painted brake calipers with Jaguar script, a gloss black radiator grille with a chrome surround, and a gloss black lower grille. The rear bootlid has been extended to ensure a clean separation of air from the trailing edge of the bodywork. Both packages will also get a gloss black mesh in the side power vent, but depending on the model, will receive "Supersport" or "Supercharged" badges. The Sport and Speed pack will add 20-inch "Venom" style wheels, while the Speed Pack gets a choice between the same "Venom" wheels or 20" "Mataiva" style wheels, both with a diamond-turned sparkle silver finish.

Interior

Both the Sport and Speed Pack and the Speed Pack get interior modifications, but while the Speed Pack only gets one option, the Sport and Speed Pack is inundated with choices. The Speed Pack will only get one exclusive interior color option: Jet Black interior with Red contrast stitching. The Sport and Speed Pack, on the other hand, will get two choices: Jet Black soft grain leather seats with Ivory contrast stitching or Ivory Colored soft grain leather seats with Jet Black contrast stitching. The Sport and Speed Pack will also include a premium Suedecloth headlining in Jet or Ivory, Piano Black or an optional Carbon Fiber veneer, and bright metal pedal kit with rubber pads.

Engine

The Sport Pack can be combined with any of the 3.0 V6 petrol or naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter AJ-V8 engines, but the Sport and Speed Pack will only be available for the V8 version. Both packages will benefit from increased top speeds because of the range of aerodynamic changes done, as well as a recalibrated engine management system. The Jaguar will now be able to top out at 174 mph, instead of the standard 155 mph.

Prices

Prices for the new Sport and Speed package will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The Jaguar XJ is undoubtedly an amazing car. It looks great, has a tremendous amount of power, and everything a potential owner looks for in a car. With the new Speed and Sport packages, the XJ becomes an even more powerful competitor for models like the Mercedes S63 AMG and the Porsche Panamera Turbo.

The Mercedes S63 uses a 6.3 liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 518 HP - 8 HP more than the XJ - but it has the disadvantage of being limited to only 155 mph. The Panamera Turbo uses a 4.8 liter Turbocharged V8 engine with an output of 500 HP, amking a tad bit less powerful than the XJ.