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"         In the world of ultra-luxury sedans, membership in this exclusive club requires speed, space and, above all else, obscene amounts of luxury. When lesser sedans simply won&amp;#039;t do, these flagship models serve as shining examples of a manufacturer&amp;#039;s craft and the ability to skillfully blend performance and refinement, technology with design. None can be had for less than $100,000, all have 400 bhp or more and most are produced in very limited numbers.           Enter the Super V8 Portfolio, contender in the super-sedan segment. Boasting all the necessary qualifications \u2014 price ($115,995), power (400 bhp from a supercharged V-8), and exclusivity (145 for the U.S. market, all pre-sold) \u2014 this ultimate XJ is positioned to go head-to-head with other range-toppers from , , and . It occupies the top spot in the model lineup, serving as Jaguar&amp;#039;s halo vehicle and a showcase of the company&amp;#039;s technical know-how and coach-building expertise.   Using the long-wheelbase Super V8 as its starting point, the Super V8 Portfolio improves on its well-heeled sibling through a number of subtle enhancements both inside and out. Setting the Portfolio apart from other XJs are styling cues first seen on the 2004 Concept Eight show car. Polished aluminum &amp;quot;power vents&amp;quot; adorn each flank just aft of the front wheels, adding a touch of Portfolio-exclusive flair, while also helping extract heat from the engine compartment. Distinctive 20-in. 5-spoke wheels complement the chrome mesh grille and twin tailpipes; subtle &amp;quot;Portfolio&amp;quot; badging helps identify this limited-edition model from other XJs.   Under its skin, this cat rolls on the same all-aluminum platform as the rest of the , though its chassis has been tuned to deliver performance between the extra-taut XJR and the standard Super V8. Utilizing self-leveling air springs and Jaguar&amp;#039;s Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), the Portfolio effectively splits the difference between ultra sporty and ultra luxury. Body control remains quite good for a car of this size, though the addition of 20-in. wheels (and their tires&amp;#039; low, 35-series sidewalls) costs it some degree of in-town compliance. For daily driving, the Portfolio&amp;#039;s ride gets the nod over the XJR, but doesn&amp;#039;t quite match that of the Super V8.   Power comes courtesy of Jaguar&amp;#039;s 4.2-liter supercharged V-8. Putting out 400 bhp and 413 lb.-ft. of torque, the Portfolio&amp;#039;s engine pulls effortlessly and without hesitation. And although competing cars from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and all sport 12-cylinder engines with slightly more power, the significantly lighter curb weight of the Portfolio (close to 800 lb. less than the BMW 760Li) comfortably offsets that power difference. With 400 bhp pushing 4065 lb. down the road, expect a 0-60-mph time of right around 5 seconds en route to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.           While certainly quick and enjoyable to drive, where the Portfolio really shines is inside its richly appointed cabin. The interior benefits from a smartly executed upgrade, which goes the Super V8 a few steps better with the addition of &amp;quot;Conker&amp;quot; soft-grain leather upholstery and satin-finish black walnut accents throughout. Anything that isn&amp;#039;t trimmed in leather or wood is covered in a rich suede-like material that adds an extra touch of luxury. In back, passengers are not only treated to 5 in. of additional wheelbase (over the SWB models), but reclining rear seats, 4-zone climate control and a DVD entertainment/navigation system.   The overall effect of these enhancements is a car that successfully moves Jaguar into the $100K ultra-sedan club. While some may question whether the move was really necessary, between its host of standard features (active cruise control, acoustic glass, rear-seat tray tables, 400-watt stereo, etc.) and a base price that comes in lower than its 12-cylinder competition, the Super V8 Portfolio actually represents a decent value in this high-dollar segment. Add to that its distinctly British character, and this big cat certainly has the legs to stand on its own. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a11740/jaguar-super-v8-portfolio/>