Gents - I don't think there are any ladies in the XJS forum. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I am considering another whip. Choices:

- Porsche 928 87+ (eventually (meaning soon,very soon) Kuhn twin turbo kit)

Porsche 928 Twin Turbo | Kuhn Performance

- Mercedes CL600 (2003 or newer V12 twin turbo) easy chip to insane HP Torque levels + all the amenities. Hard to bash Benz - they deliver EVERYTHING except lustful looks.

- Aston Martin V8 Vantage - some interesting supercharging kits for them too, but $25k. Have to say that the V8 Vantage is one of the best looking coupes in modern times - I dig it.

Anyone here own an XJS plus the candidates? Either concurrently or at some point? Welcome your opinions. Driven them all except the Kuhn twin turbo 928. Driven plenty of normally aspirated 928s.

Also, not giving up my XJSs. Practicality is not a concern - have a pickup and an SUV + crotch rocket for insanity - may supercharge that too.

Cheers

[EDIT] Saw my 2nd Ferrari 612 in a week today. 1st was Titanio Grigio (dark metallic grey), the one today was black - in front of the plastic surgeon's office. Now there is an unloved vehicle. God Damn it looks good in person. Not photogenic. 612 is a beast. Would drive. Prices are still around $90k baseline.

[EDIT] BMW 8 series is not a factor unless it falls into my lap for sub $k

 

928 all the way.
its on my list next, as soon as i get over this xjs obsession. i can't decide between the S4 though and the original bodies. (of course a GTS would be ideal, but they're rare and asking prices are crazy). my lack of certainty is similar to my thoughts on the facelift/pre-facelift cars. i went with pre-facelift for the xjs, but i think i'd go S4 just for the added conveniences and comfort.

the vantage is a beautiful car, and i surely wouldn't turn one away, but creeps really close to douchebaggery.

to your aside, test drove a 5speed 850i a year or so ago. a solid 20 minute ride around long island. if it weren't priced over 15k i wouldve gone for that over my current xjs coupe.

 

Porsche, I believe, is still #1 on the douchebag list. I mean, supercars excluded, nothing screams I'm a douchebag, than a Porsche.

BMW is also Top 3 on the list. Hummer probably trumps the beemers?

Question is, where does Aston Martin fall on this list? Does it belong in that supercar nether region, where you don't even have to ask?

I'd have to say that Porsche, Hummer and BMW all go above the Aston Martin owner. That's just my vote.

 

Not judging, but I find these labels, well, interesting.

I have heard that Corvettes are the ultimate "trailer trash" vehicle.

I have been told (with the pourpose of offending me) that Jaguars are "women's cars" and have also heard that 2 year or older Jaguars are cars for "ghetto" startup drug-dealers who like hood chrome rims.

The Porsche/douchebag is new to me

IMO none of these are valid.

Sure I have seen many disgustingly modified Jaguars with huge Aftermarket chrome rims. I have felt a little conscious for that moment, but the truth is that many stock, pre-2008 S-types and XJ's and even a couple of XJS's still grace the driveways of Houstons finest homes in River Oaks.....

I also know good friends who are not "douchy" at all and drive respectively a new and late 80's 911. Same thing for Corvettes. Know a few owners None that are "trailer trash"

Sorry to go of topic. I think you should get the Porsche. I think it's quite beautiful and effortless in it design.

 

My friend has a V8 Vantage. That car is awesome. I would buy one in a minute if I had $80000 to throw away on a car. Sadly I dont.

 

Just out of curiousity, since you've driven lots of 928s, what are your impressions of that car vs the XJS?

Also, is the rear seat on the 928 any more usable?

 

i'm looking for an AUDI Q7 V12 diesel.

i'm older now, so plenty of room, big and comfortable, Quattro 4wd, big brakes , all types

of features , heated/cooled seats for my old ***, nav/system, super sound system,etc.

performance,well how about factory stock 500hp 700 torque, remapped 850 torque,

twin turbo, twin intercoolers .

YUP expensive as a mother!! and rare as hens teeth,used.

we shall see what life has to offer.

 

didn't mean to steer the thread the wrong way.

and in fact i take back my statement on the aston. as far as high end sporty coupes, it really does have more class than its competitors in the marketplace. i was thinking that among your choices, the 928 is older and somewhat sedate comparatively. and the CL wouldn't bring any unwanted attention. the aston is the only one that would say "look at me."

of course, like people(?), cars tend to acquire more character as they age.

also, my other (more reliable) car is a porsche.

and it's pronounced douche-uh

 

Unless you're averse to another Jaguar, might I suggest (depending on your budget) either a 4.2L or 5.0L XKR? More attractive than the Vantage IMO, but I'm biased...

My uncle has a 2009 CL65 AMG. Now that's a fast ride. I must say I find the XKR (either X100 or X150) more attractive, though.

 

Thanks for all the input! I had never even considered the douche aspect I drive for the enjoyment of it, and to hell with other peoples' perceptions. Although it is something to consider, as I am not an investment banker and it wouldn't be right to drive a $30k Ferrari to a client's. They (mostly) just wouldn't understand that it cost less than their Camry or mega pickup. But work aside, not too bothered about perception.

928 is one hell of a GT. Definitely sportier than the XJS. Much quicker, better handling. Everything about it requires a firm touch: the steering, the gearshift, the clutch, the knobs. There is no concession to aesthetics in the cabin - it's purely functional, and beautiful for it. V8 rumble. Perfect ergonomics, although the rear seat is just as useless as the XJS. Also, the 928 is definitely much louder at speed. I would strip the interior and dynamat it all.

The '03 CL600 is just such a modern vehicle compared to the 928 and XJS: traction control, massaging and ventilated seats, body control, adaptive suspension, the list goes on. Not to mention they are fast as hell, quiet, and not flashy at all. It's a lot of car for the money.

Well, I'm not dying to do anything rash - will probably join the Aston Martin board as well, and start getting some seat time.

The new Jags don't do anything for me. Eventually I would like to add a Series III XJ12, but that's it. Unless Bertone produces that sexy sedan.

I thought we had more 928 fans here - no?? Especially considering the prices!!