When it was introduced in the early 1990s, the Jaguar XJ220 was revolutionary. At a time when supercars were characterized by massive V12 engines and striking aesthetics, the Jag’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 felt somewhat lacking. Yet, it could still propel the sleek machine to an impressive top speed of 212 miles per hour, making it the fastest production car globally at that time.
Fast forward to 2017, and the XJ220’s engine now aligns with modern performance car technology. The new 2017 Ford GT, for instance, also features a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, but with an additional 107 horsepower. While the Jaguar’s engine remains competitive, the supercar is still a relic from a bygone era, equipped with unique tire sizes—345/34/18 at the back and 255/45/17 at the front—that are nearly impossible to source in the mid-2010s.
To address this challenge, Bridgestone collaborated with Jaguar XJ220 restorer Don Law to develop new tires specifically designed for the model’s distinctive wheels.
As reported by The Drive last year, this initiative had the authenticity of a project directly managed by Jaguar Land Rover. Bridgestone not only secured an XJ220 for testing but also enlisted the chief engineer from the supercar’s original development.
With the project now complete, Bridgestone is celebrating by releasing a documentary that captures the journey of creating new tires for this iconic British sports car. The film features in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from the development process, along with stunning visuals showcasing one of the most alluring vehicles ever produced.
However, the documentary runs for a full 42 minutes, making it an ideal watch for a relaxed evening with a gin and tonic—just make sure to set aside some time to enjoy it..
