The Jaguar XJ is a British icon. For decades it has been the loyal servant of royalty, diplomats, superstars and the rich. It is the ultimate expression of upper class motoring and a formula Jag kept the same for decades. A few years ago they decided to bring the XJ into the 21st century in the form of an all-new model, to say it was well received would be an understatement. Now this big cat shows its claws.

Making its official Debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show, this is the Jaguar XJR, and iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove. Powered by 542BHP supercharged 5.0 litre V8 this luxury product has the grunt to mix with some serious performance machines, but also ferry you home in the comfort you would expect of a private jet. The darkened grills and chrome detailing suggests this Jag to has quite the personality. See it as your loyal servant that will drive you to any destination, clean your clothes and do the gardening. However, it can also handle itself in a bar fight and wouldn’t think twice about berrying a body.