British Luxury: Daimler Super Eight
By Motoring Channel Staff - 15/9/2005
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Daimler Super Eight
The Super Eight is powered by a 553Nm blown V8
The interior is quite possibly second to none
Super Jag?
Daimler's back, but looks suspiciously like another
historic British marque - Jaguar (it's based on
the large XJ model from Jaguar). Some Daimlers
of the recent past have been based on Jags, such
as the '72 Double Six and the '95 X330 Double
Six.
Many will instantly relate the profile of the
new Daimler Super 8 with that of the Jaguar, yet
the major differences are inside the vehicle;
it is more likely to pique the interest of Maybach
customers than BMW 5 Series owners.
And it's got something that modern cars can't
emulate - heritage. "A Daimler owner is overtly
aware of the heritage and history of the marque,"
says Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars.
"They want a car that reflects that and
makes them feel like they are part of our history.
Daimler is a distinguished car maker – don't
forget that British monarchs and other royal families
around the world have driven them for decades
– and a modern Daimler should recognise that."
Indeed, a car fit for a King. Just don't call
it a Super Jag - owners find it insulting.
- Feann Torr, Editor
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Daimler is making its return to the new car showroom in November
2005 with an all-new model, the Super Eight.
Owned by Jaguar since 1960, Daimler is proud to start the
next chapter in its distinguished history with the unveiling
of a new model.
Daimler says that the new car reaffirms the marque's valued
position in the marketplace and offers the large number of
loyal Daimler owners and enthusiasts around the world the
opportunity to enjoy a new model that reflects their motoring
desires and lifestyles.
"The new Daimler Super Eight is a premium product for
a premium customer base," said Bibiana Boerio from Daimler.
"But it's also more than that. It quite seamlessly blends
the marque's wonderful heritage and image with some incredible
technology and design. The great Daimlers of the past now
have a successor and our Daimler customers have the opportunity
to express themselves once again," Boerio stated.
Behind shiny grille lies the heart of the new Daimler, a
4.2-litre supercharged V8 engine that has been in use in many
Jaguar's of recent times. Daimler asserts that it offers owners
the ideal blend of technology, refinement and performance.
Producing 298kW (400hp) of power @ 6100rpm and a more than
generous 553Nm (408 lb.ft.) of torque @ 3500rpm, the supercharged
V8 allows the Daimler to accelerate to 100km/h in just 5.3
seconds and continue on to an electronically limited top speed
of 250km/h (155mph). The transmission is a 6-speed automatic.
The supercharged V8 engine will ensure that Daimler's recent
return to the new car market - it was once one of the world's
most prestigious and sought-after brands in the 20th century
- can match the current crop of large super-luxury saloons,
from car makers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
For over a century the mention of the Daimler name or the
sight of the unique fluted radiator grille has evoked the
memory of a succession of classic automobiles.
From the famous Double Six V12-engined Daimlers of the 1920s
that were owned by King George V of England, through to the
Sovereign and Double Six models of the 1960s and '70s, Britain’s
oldest and most respected marque has signified luxury, sophisticated
style and individual statement.
For 109 years Daimlers have been bought by people who expect
the best and appreciate the authenticity and craftsmanship
that a Daimler can offer. Daimler is confident that in the
21st century nothing has changed.
According to the Daimler, it has returned to the new care
market following a groundswell of customer demand. From refined
performance and comfort through to distinctive but timeless
design, the new Daimler is expected to give customers the
opportunity to experience the latest in automotive technologies
whilst at the same time making a discreet but confident statement.
Inside the new Daimler, comfort levels will be sumptuous
thanks to luxurious trim of the highest quality and a comprehensive
range of equipment including voice-activated four-zone climate
control, a full multi-media entertainment system and power
adjustable rear-seats with folding work-tables.
Says Ian Callum, the head of design at Jaguar Cars, "I
think the new Daimler does the job perfectly. It's a beautiful,
fast and quite dramatic car but also deeply authentic."
With the longest wheelbase in the premium 'F' segment as
Daimler calls it, the new Super Eight offers rear-seat passengers
a level of comfort that matches any executive saloon thanks
to its generous interior proportions. With more than 999mm
(39 inches) of legroom in the back, rear seat passengers can
relax in an unparalleled amount of space. Finishing touches
such as lambs' wool rugs and headrests embroidered with the
swirling ‘D’ logo mean this could only be the cabin
of a Daimler.
"The level of craftsmanship that has gone into every
area is superb," continued Callum. "Our woods and
leathers are of the highest quality, right down to the beautiful
Boxwood inlays that sit in the veneers."
Like its donor car, the Jaguar XJ, the new Daimler Super
Eight takes advantage of a lightweight body made from aluminium,
and there's even acoustic laminated glass for even greater
levels of comfort and quietness.
From the outside, the new Daimler features the marque's traditional
fluted radiator grille, complete with swirling ‘D’
badge. The big British limousine sits on 18-inch Rapier alloy
wheels and features chrome highlights on the wing mirrors
and rear-light surrounds.
The new Daimler Super Eight will be on sale from November
2005.
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