This might be a stupid question but is there a difference between the Vanden Plas transmission and a standard XJ8
Thanks

 

Hello Rigdog.....nomenclature in North America can be confusing with the rest of the world.
In the US, I think the VDP is the suoercharged model....the same as the Super V8 in ROW.
If it is supercharged, it will have a Mercedes derived five speed auto box.
The standard NA or Natuarally Aspirated cars use the ZF 5HP24 five speed box.
The Mercedes derived box was chosen for the super charged cars because they were more capable of handling the power increase. ;o)

 

VDP in the US is the Daimler in ROW

 

** VDP in the US is the Daimler in ROW **

Correct...I forgot to mention....Daimler Super V8 ;o]

 

To answer Rigdog, there are no stupid questions, and no, there is no difference between the two. The XJR has a different transmission, though.

 

And, just for clarity, the VDP did not have the Super V8 "by default" in the US (or at least the 1990s versions didn't, and I don't think the 2000s versions did, either). The Super V8 was marketed as its own thing and seems to be exceedingly rare. By contrast, the VDP is very frequently seen.

 

Max, I thought you knew better. ;^) My VDP is not supercharged. The supercharged versions are as rare as hen's teeth over here.