Jaguar XJ220 Reimagined A Modern Twist on a Supercar Icon

Jaguar may be fully committed to its all-electric future, but the brand’s history of crafting timeless, jaw-dropping designs is far from forgotten. One such masterpiece, the Jaguar XJ220, might not have achieved the success Jaguar hoped for in the early 1990s, but it remains a symbol of innovation and daring ambition. Thanks to visionary designer Khyzyl Saleem, this legendary supercar has been brought into the 21st century with a stunning reimagining that fuses classic charm with cutting-edge aesthetics.

A Bold New Vision for the XJ220

Khyzyl Saleem, known for his work on reinterpreting automotive icons, has given the XJ220 a dramatic makeover. Unlike his work on the TWR Supercat an extravagant restomod of the Jaguar XJS—this modernized XJ220, dubbed the "KS220," is a personal design project rather than a production-bound model.

Saleem’s goal? To create a version of the XJ220 that’s instantly recognizable but undeniably modern. And he’s nailed it. The sleek, understated silhouette of the original has been transformed with aggressive, wide fenders, giving the car a more commanding and athletic presence on the road.

High-Tech Aerodynamics and Striking Details

The KS220 features a host of aerodynamic upgrades that give it the look of a track-ready beast. The front bumper is sharper and more angular, boasting additional side intakes with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs) and a large carbon-fiber splitter. Moving to the rear, the classic Rover-sourced taillights have been replaced by slim, dark LED units. A massive carbon-fiber diffuser with dual tailpipes and an oversized rear wing further enhance its high-performance aesthetic.

Even the vents at the base of the windshield have been reimagined in carbon fiber, adding a motorsport-inspired edge. The car rides on newly designed center-lock wheels wrapped in wider tires, perfectly complementing its bold, muscular stance.

While Saleem’s creation stands on its own, it pays subtle tribute to Jaguar’s other legendary projects, including the never-produced C-X75. The influence of this futuristic concept car can be seen in the sleek lines and cutting-edge details of the KS220.

Although the renderings focus on design, it’s hard not to imagine what could lie under the hood of a restomodded XJ220. The original came with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 542 horsepower a figure that was impressive for its time. However, enthusiasts might dream of a build that incorporates the originally intended V12 or even an all-wheel-drive system to match its dramatic looks.

While the KS220 is a digital concept for now, it’s not hard to picture an inspired owner of an XJ220 commissioning a similar transformation. The car’s bold new look could give it a second life as an exclusive restomod, blending its heritage with modern-day performance and style.

Final Thoughts

The Jaguar XJ220 may not have had the commercial success of its contemporaries, but its status as a legendary supercar is undisputed. Khyzyl Saleem’s stunning reinterpretation serves as a reminder of what made the original so special while imagining a future where it can once again turn heads and steal hearts.

If this modernized version inspires collectors to give their XJ220s a new lease on life, it’s safe to say this digital masterpiece could lead to real-world magic.