This week’s review is a curious one. When the year began, Jaguar was in the Ford stable and the XJ Super V8 sedan test vehicle was forged under their watch. Today, Jaguar finds itself under the wing of Tata Motors, India's largest automobile company. So, does past production equal future performance?

Regardless of ownership, the XJ continues to hold the top spot in the Jaguar lineup, and for this year Jaguar carefully refined the XJ’s exterior lines prior to the sale (the automotive reality version of “Flip This House”). The one thing you have to remember about Jaguar’s full-size sedan is that it has been with us for awhile. Yes, I know the body shape has been redone over the years, but until you compare an old version with today’s model, they don’t look all that different. I see the changes, but several co-workers thought I was driving an older version.

» Click to enlarge image

To this writer’s eyes, the current version is the best of the breed. The XJ sedans still feature “classic” Jaguar design cues including the cool cat’s eye headlights with the rolling/curving fender bulges backing them up. The low roofline and small windows are still there, but new this year are 20-inch wheels. The tires and alloy rims are attractive and the wide rubber aids this cat’s grip. I also liked the new power vents on the sides of the front fenders -- very Land Rover-like.

The XJ comes with a short wheelbase stretch that really had me feeling like a chauffer when the kids were in back. While the XJ may look like old school Jaguar, it’s full of technology. The interior is the standout feature of the car that has a lot going for it. Jaguar improved the contact you have with the vehicle through a new seat design that provides additional comfort and extended trip support while increasing usable rear leg room. The front seats even feature an advanced active cooling system above and beyond the standard three-stage heated feature.

Jaguar claims that the freshened XJ is one of the first cars in North America to offer a factory-installed multicast HD Radio receiver, providing digital-quality broadcast radio. Developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation and Jaguar, the HD Radio tuner is controlled by the center console touch screen and incorporates the latest multicast tuner technology. Or you can opt for subscription-based satellite radio; a new, integrated SIRIUS satellite radio tuner is available. While the sound was excellent ,I did not like taking my eves of the road to use the touch screen control system. Jaguar is also on top of the latest Bluetooth connectivity as it allows up to five owner-approved phones to be paired to the in-car telephone system -- that’s a lot of talking in one car.

Additional tech goodies include radar cruise control, voice control and a touch-screen nav/computer. All this gadgetry is surrounded by rich inlaid wood trim panels and buttery smooth leather seats that look overstuffed but were very comfortable on long and short jaunts. The catering continues with separate HVAC climate controls, two rear DVD screens, rear tray tables (that are pretty small) and a plethora of sunshades. In fact, the only thing missing was an intercom.

A final stamp of luxury is how well Jaguar blunted exterior noise intrusion to make this mobile conference room one of the quietest cars I have driven in long time. This feat is accomplished through thick acoustic glass and plenty of sound deadening materials along with improved window seals.

Moving to the motivation department, the “super” designation refers to the supercharged V-8 under the bonnet. Jaguar has installed a ferocious 400-horse 4.2-liter supercharged V-8 that really makes this cat snarl. Torque is also plentiful at 413 pound-feet at 3,500 rpm. The 4.2-liter engine is backed by a silky smooth six-speed automatic transmission. Together they combine to deliver EPA mileage figures of 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. I, uh, didn’t quite make those numbers as I was wearing those famous heavy shoes of mine, and the temptation to make the V-8 sing was too hard to resist. Also, note that even with the weight-saving aluminum body panels this car still checks in at 4,006 pounds. That said, I came in at about 18 mpg in a 40/60 mix of city/highway driving.

As for the actual ride the around town, the XJ isolates passengers from all but the harshest road irregularities. This is not to say the ride was mushy or had the “Buick float.” What really surprised me was how capable this big car was when pushed. While not at the same level as say an Audi A8, the XJ Super V8 can hold its own. Yes, there is some body sway, and the fat 20-inch tires yowl a bit during some hard cornering, but I never felt that this car was getting away from me. I would’ve preferred a bit more feedback from the steering, but it did not feel vague or over-boosted.

As I mentioned previously, the seats are comfortable, but they don’t hold you in place very well during spirited driving. The XJ’s Computer Active Technology Suspension will let you get away with a few aggressive moves before it kicks in. Jaguar offers a 0-to-60 time of 5.3 seconds, and there is no doubt that this big cat would miss that number. Overall, I liked the ride and the fact that Jaguar actually tried to give this car a bit of an edge.

Jaguar has bundled all this pampering, technology and power with a protection package that includes: Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Reverse Park Control and the Adaptive Restraint Technology System, which tailors airbag deployment to the needs of the driver and passenger based on the severity of the impact, occupant's weight and seat position.

For me, this car suffers only two negatives: fuel economy and price. I could never hope to afford a new XJ Super V8. The test car started out with a base price of $94,085, and the only option added was Sirius satellite service for $450. With destination, the as-tested price came in at $95,200.

The XJ rubs elbows with some heavy hitters from Audi, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, and this current car is well positioned to take them on.

Overall, it will be interesting to see how the entire Jaguar lineup fares under Tata’s ownership. The Ford-designed and engineered XF sedan is also a nice vehicle and is a great shot out of the box, but can the new company keep the momentum going? Stay tuned.