Life Of Luxury For New Cat

The most striking of the new features is the full-length glass roof, which in this model is illuminated with bright red LEDs. "That warm glow will be visible from the roof, centre console and under the seats," said Jaguar's director of design Ian Callum. "I would love to use this sort of effect on production cars. Why red? Because it's a bit cheeky."

To rid the car of the typical stretched limo look, the exterior has been beefed up with massive 21-inch wheels, featuring the classic oval Jaguar badge last used in the Fifties. Chrome engine vents just behind the front wheels help cool the 400bhp supercharged V8. They also improve aerodynamic stability by directing air flow over the rear of the vehicle, and could feature on the next XK range.

But designers have concentrated most of their effort on the interior. "We haven't built this car for work, but for luxurious entertaining," explained Callum. "We now have a model with more room in it than any Jaguar ever built, so we thought we would have a bit of fun and come up with something that was about opulence and pampering."

The rear seats have been split to create two separate armchairs, with a centre section which runs to the front of the cabin. As with other Jaguars, this section is covered in walnut veneer, but instead of being highly polished it has been left with a matt finish. Parts of the leather trim have been made of dull-look soft nubuck - a suede-like leather.

However, the real surprises are concealed behind panels. The centre rear console contains a champagne chiller and two fluted crystal glasses. Press the rear of the headrests and compartments open to reveal essential oils and perfumes, a digital camera and even a writing set. A specially designed 860-watt Alpine stereo system should ensure the nightclub feeling can be carried into the car on the way home. But unlike most modern prototypes, there are no computers, phones or plasma TVs.

"The Concept Eight isn't about cramming in half an hour's work on the way to the airport," said chief of advanced design Julian Thompson. "When you travel in it you should get the same feeling of well-being you enjoy if you stayed in the latest trend-setting hotel."

To get to your accommodation more quickly, the new Jag is powered by the range-topping XJR's supercharged V8. This means drivers who don't mind the risk of spilled champagne can make the car sprint from 0-60mph in only five seconds, and go on to a top speed of 155mph. Although the Eight is unlikely to see production, a Jaguar spokesman said positive customer feedback would see some of its features as options on the newly launched long-wheelbase XJ.