Jaguar XJ Upgraded To ‘Ring Taxi

Visitor’s to Germany’s famous Nürburgring race circuit now have another ‘ring taxi to choose from, in the form of Jaguar’s XJ Supersport.

Cashing in on the demand for BMW’s M5 'Ring taxi, Jaguar's reputation for high-performance saloons makes it ideally placed for the job - not to mention its own local Nurburgring test facility.

Rather than use the seemingly more obvious choice of the XFR sedan, Jaguar will thrill visitors with a specially modified example of its XJ Supersport limo.

“Of the Jaguar range, we found it’s the XJ Supersport that most often surprises journalists with its speed simply because they perceive it to be a large luxury car,” said Jaguar’s Frank Klaas.

The ‘Ring XJ Supersport is equipped with Sport and Speed Pack options, meaning a supercharged 375kW 5.0 litre V8, six-speed automatic transmission and active differential.

Performance of the Supersport is to the tune of 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h.

‘Ring specific modifications include unique matte grey paint, and racing buckets and harnesses for each of the four occupants. A full roll cage has also been fitted, designed to permit access and legroom for the rear seat passengers.

BMW has offered its ‘Ring Taxi service for over 25 years, ferrying more than 90,000 passengers on the ride of their life around the 20.8km Nordschleife circuit in BMW M saloons.

The popular BMW ‘Ring Taxi experience generally requires booking 12 months in advance; with Jaguar now in the mix, customers will get on the course a little quicker. 

While the ‘ring XJ Supersport may not match the outright performance potential of the current 412kW M5 ‘Ring Taxi, the demure saloon will surely raise a ‘tally ho’ or so from its patrons.

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