Jaguar has revealed the XJ Sentinal, an armoured variant of the XJ, at the Moscow Motor Show.

The car offers B7 levels of protection, which can protect from up to 15kg of TNT, while still looking like a standard XJ. It is based on the long-wheelbase XJL, using a 5.0L 380 hp V8 paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. This allows it to get from 0-100 kph in 9.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 195 kph, despite the weight of the added protection. The chassis has also been modified to cope with this added weight.

More info can be found in Jaguar’s press release below.

Press Release

18 August 2010

JAGUAR LAUNCHES XJ SENTINEL – THE ULTIMATE ARMOURED LUXURY SPORTS SALOON

Jaguar is launching an armoured version of its stunning new XJ luxury sports saloon at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show.

The new XJ Sentinel offers the ultimate in discreet protection, being virtually indistinguishable from the standard XJ model, yet featuring a state-of-the-art armouring package which provides occupants with up to B7 levels of ballistic protection.

Benefiting from Jaguar Land Rover’s extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, the XJ Sentinel is supplied with a full three-year 50,000 mile factory warranty, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians.

“The XJ Sentinel was designed and developed in partnership with industry leaders, and incorporates the very latest armoured vehicle systems to deliver extremely impressive levels of protection, while maintaining a very discreet appearance,” said Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars.

“The XJ Sentinel is the ultimate armoured luxury limousine. It offers governments, security organisations and private individuals, the highest level of security, with advanced design, refined performance and a beautifully-crafted cabin. The XJ Sentinel will be the vehicle of choice for the most discerning,” he added.

Jaguar engineers focused on ensuring that the XJ Sentinel retained the real-world usability of the standard car. Based on the long wheelbase XJ, the armoured vehicle maintains that model’s luxurious interior package, its compelling blend of comfort and agility, and convenient servicing using regular dealer equipment.

The Jaguar XJ’s aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminium body structure also makes it possible to offer a very generous 500kg payload for passengers and luggage without compromising vehicle performance.

Comprehensive Armouring System:
The XJ Sentinel is equipped with a purpose-built armouring system which has been specially developed to ensure that the vehicle offers outstanding occupant protection, while being almost impossible to detect from outside the car.

Constructed from specialised high strength steels with Kevlar backing, the armoured inner cell was engineered in partnership with Centigon, a leading global specialist in vehicle armouring. The XJ Sentinel offers ballistic protection up to B7 level (BS EN 1522 level FB7 and BS EN 1063 BR7-), blast protection against 15kg TNT equivalent detonated within close proximity of the vehicle, and substantial under floor grenade protection.

To ensure that the armouring meets the latest national and international standards, the protection offered was certified by QinetiQ, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing organisation.

Engineered Without Compromise:
Just like the other models in the highly-acclaimed XJ range, the Sentinel has been engineered without compromise to deliver sophisticated performance, peerless vehicle dynamics and reassuring levels of active and passive safety.

The Sentinel is based on the long wheelbase XJ saloon powered by the refined and responsive 5.0-litre 385PS AJ-V8 Gen III naturally aspirated direct-injection V8 petrol engine, which is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

This powerful and sophisticated powertrain ensures that the XJ Sentinel is capable of swift and agile performance, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds and achieving a top speed of 195km/h.

The Sentinel’s chassis, which features the advanced Adaptive Dynamics system with continuously variable dampers, has been comprehensively uprated to cope with its increased body weight. Jaguar’s dynamics specialists have tuned the suspension and steering to ensure that the armoured model offers the same qualities of poise and agility found in the standard XJ.

Impressive stopping power is provided by a new high performance braking system which has been sourced from the formidable 510PS Supercharged non-armoured XJ model, while active safety is further improved by the XJ’s full array of advanced traction and stability systems.

To enhance passive safety, the Sentinel retains full functionality of the standard XJ restraint system, including dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, side thorax airbags and side curtain airbags.

Total Luxury and Real-World Usability:
The comprehensive occupant protection offered by the XJ Sentinel has not been achieved at the expense of comfort or practicality. Jaguar engineers have ensured that the armoured model retains the supreme luxury and real-world usability which are core features of the standard car.

The design of the armoured inner cell has been optimised to maintain the extremely spacious interior package of the long wheelbase XJ, which provides rear seat passengers with a full metre of legroom.

With its elegant and contemporary style, the cabin surrounds occupants with beautifully-crafted leather and veneer surfaces, creating a supremely relaxing, comfortable and luxurious environment.

A generous 500kg payload – maximised by the XJ’s lightweight aluminium body structure – means that the Sentinel is comfortably able to accommodate four occupants along with their luggage and additional security equipment.

This day-to-day practicality provides government organisations, security forces, businesses or high net worth individuals with a discreet yet highly desirable form of armoured transportation.

Complete Support Package:
XJ Sentinel customers benefit from a comprehensive support programme, both before and after purchase.

A dedicated security consultant works closely with the customer during the sales process, to ensure their full requirements are met. A wide range of specialised optional security and vehicle features are available and can be tailored to meet individual requirements.

Once the vehicle is in service, the customer has access to a full support package including driver training and on-site servicing from dedicated specialists when required.

The XJ Sentinel has been carefully developed to allow regular servicing and repair to be carried out at Jaguar dealers, using standard diagnostic equipment, and is covered by a full three-year 50,000 mile factory warranty.

XJ Sentinel Specifications:

ENGINE
5.0-litre V8 Petrol AJ-V8 GEN III
Maximum power, EEC-PS(kW): 385 (283)
Maximum torque, EEC-Nm (lb ft): 515 (380)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic

PERFORMANCE
Acceleration, 0-100km/h: 9.7 sec
Top Speed, km/h: 195

WEIGHT
Weight, kg: 3,300
Gross vehicle weight, kg: 3,800

DRIVING DYNAMICS
Up-rated suspension with active dampers front and rear.
Jaguar High Performance Braking System.
Strengthened 19″ Aleutian Alloy Wheels with 245/45 19″ Dunlop Self Supporting Technology®.
Run on Flat tyres (RoF).

PERSONALISATION
An extensive range of exterior paint colours, interior colours themes and optional equipment is available.

Source: Jaguar