Just out of idle curiosity with too much time on my hands, the 2018 Sportbrake is governed at a top speed variously reported from 121 - 128 mph. Prior XKR variants were capable of 180+, and the current car has both the power and gearing to well exceed this governed speed, so my question is... Does anybody know WHY??? Aerodynamics? Inquiring minds can't help but wonder.

 

Good question. Didn't know it was governed! Mind you wouldn't be able to test to that level at Lime Rock, would have to go to Monticello where Jag used to go for their "Experience" runs...

 

We have been told it due to the tire rating but no real official answer from Jaguar. On the XJ forum we have a member XJsss who has posted a pretty good list but again apprently only for the XJ.
On this long and meandering thread;
Speed Limiter

V6s are 121, supercharged V8s are 155, Speed Package and 550HP XJRs are 174, and 575 XJR are 186 MPH limiters.

Also if you get a tune VAP at least can set it where they want it. My 2014 XJR is at 199 mph now.
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In the U.K. limiters on the cars are higher. For example my 2020 model year Sportbrake, the V6 twin turbo diesel, is limited by Jaguar to 155 mph, as is the 3.0 supercharged and the 4 pot petrols at 250 and 300 bhp. The 2.0 diesels are not limited and fun to their own limit somewhere in the 140mph region.

cheers,

 

Thanks for the replies, guess I'll just chalk it up to an arbitrary corporate decision. Won't be testing it out on track though, someone was running an Audi wagon at VIR yesterday and my Miata ate it's lunch. Glad to see the model still doing well in the more discerning parts of the world, and grateful for the screaming deal I got on one of the few imported to our shores. A fine and beautiful GT automobile.

 

@rbr
I want to take my 18 Sportbrake to the track so that I can get a handle on the handling at the limit. Not something I will do on the street, but it's good to know the peculiarities if needed. I'm most worried about voiding the warranty and need to check with my dealer to see if this is explicitly stated anywhere.
Last year I took my '01 BMW 525i Touring with manual to Sears Point Raceway ( Sonoma Raceway) and had a ball. It was mostly Miata's that I was dicing with as I had a bit more pull and they had the handling, but I think our grip levels were fairly even. Audi's tend to have too much weight over the front axles for track duty.
Jared

 

This is bad idea, as they might flag your car for simply asking. Read your manual, it states that participation in motorsport events is not covered. What exactly they mean by that is unclear, but typically all events I attend are declared driver training as a way around such restriction. Some manufacturers, like McLaren, would void warranty based on GPS data for simply driving to the track. No idea why would anyone by a McLaren after that, but enough people do. Other manufacturers, like Ford with Mustang with track-focused trims, would actually honor warranty from failures resulted from the track use. No idea how they afford that, I guess not enough people abuse this by turning brand new cars into dedicated track cars.

Regardless of warranty issues - make sure your tires, engine oil, coolant and brake fluid are in good order prior to driving on the track. What is fine for the street use is not fine for the track. Especially if you are still on original brake fluid fill. If your engine oil is nearing its end of service interval, change it before tracking the car.

 

+1 on Ford. A bit OT, but I just ordered a new Mach 1 from a local dealer whose owner runs (and has broken) a GT 350, so I won't anticipate any warranty issues. I DO plan to track this one a bit.