Jaguar Announces XJ Sentinel

The new Jaguar XJ has been garnering critical acclaim, and we believe it is merited. The sedan launches Jaguar back into contention in the full-size luxury segment after being a side player for quite some time.

It is one of the most advanced in the world, and has modern looks to back it up, eschewing the retro-look of the previous car. It has been a similar revolution akin to the XF in the mid-size segment.

Perhaps as an example of its success and the demand for such a product, Jaguar has announced production of an armored version, dubbed the XJ Sentinel. This comes on the heels of the special XJ75 Platinum Concept at Pebble Beach.

Car of choice for British government members? Maybe so, especially after this. While you wouldn't be able to tell from the exterior, the XJ has been suitably upgraded for protective duty.

There specialized high-strength steels that are fitted with Kevlar backing, and Jaguar says the armoured inner cell was engineered in partnership with Centigon, a leading global specialist in vehicle armouring.

Protection in the XJ is up to level B7, which provides blast protection against 15kg TNT equivalent detonated within close proximity of the vehicle, and grenade protection from underneath the vehicle.

Protection offered was certified by QinetiQ, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing company. The powertrain remains the same as the standard car, resulting in a decreased 0-60 time. At 7,275 pounds, the XJ hits 0-60 in less than 9.7 seconds, powered by its 375 horsepower V-8.

Maybe it would have been a good idea to put the supercharged engine in? The brakes from that car do duty, helping to provide additional stopping power.

The continually variable damper system has been newly calibrated, along with upgrades to the suspension to handle the extra weight.