Jaguar XJ Supersport takes on the Nurburgring, as a Taxi!

That's right, the latest addition to Jaguar's fleet at its Nürburgring Nordschleife engineering test center is the Jaguar XJ Supersport with Sport and Speed Pack option packages. This is the brand's very first taxi at the racetrack three-time Formula 1 champion Jackie Stewart called “The Green Hell.”

The Jaguar XJ Supersport, with Sport and Speed Pack option packages, obviously has a bit more ability than a traditional taxi though.

For instance the XJ Supersport is based on Jaguar's latest all-aluminum long wheelbase and Jaguar's “Nürburgring taxi” boasts 505-horsepower from its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. It can achieve a top speed of 174mph. It doesn't have a fare meter though, which I don't think many passengers will mind.

"We’ve been running a successful Nürburgring driving program from our Nordschleife engineering test center now for some time, as it’s the very best place to demonstrate the dynamic abilities of the current Jaguar XF, XJ and XK models.” said Frank Klaas, Global Head of Communications, of Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

Finished in non-standard matte-grey paint with the exterior Sport Pack, the Jaguar Nürburgring taxi is specified with the Speed Pack. This raises its electronically limited top speed from 155mph to 174mph. Otherwise the Jaguar taxi is a mechanically standard XJ Supersport (without the Speed Pack option.)

Inside there is obviously ample room for four adults passengers to enjoy laps around the Nürburgring. Although a few of the XJ's usual creature comforts have been replaced in order to keep its occupants securely in place during the fast laps consisting of intense high speed turns and straights that are quite long.

Gone are the frivolous standard leather-trimmed heated and cooled seats. Installed in their place are four race seats which are each equipped with four-point harnesses. This just tells you what you are in for and what the Jaguar is capable of. As well a full bespoke roll cage, fitting of a Jaguar race car, completes the interior changes.

"Of these models, we found it's the XJ Supersport that most often surprises journalists with its speed simply because they perceive it to be a large luxury car.” added Frank Klaas.

“The XJ is both those things, of course, but its aluminum architecture means it's rigid and lightweight too, which make it a very good car on track. To underline that fact, our engineering team created this special Nürburgring taxi version in which our trained drivers can safely take passengers on very hot laps!"