How Emissions and Weight Drove the XJ220 from V12 Dream to Turbo V6 Reality

Jaguar’s XJ220 began as a V12, all-wheel-drive supercar with a 220 mph goal, but weight, tightening emissions rules, and cost pressures forced a switch to a rear‑wheel‑drive twin‑turbo 3.5L V6 (from the Metro 6R4) delivering about 542 hp and a 217 mph top speed; many orders were canceled, only 281 cars were built, and the model’s reputation suffered for decades before renewed appreciation.