Building on the excellence of
the all-new XK introduced in late 2005, the
Jaguar XKR takes the Jaguar experience to new
heights.
Like the normally aspirated XK
model, the new XKR makes intelligent use of
practical, modern technology such as its industry-leading
aluminium monocoque body structure. In addition,
an uprated 420 bhp supercharged V8 engine and
class-leading calibration of its state-of-the-art,
six-speed automatic transmission bring it a
level of accessible, real-world performance
that makes the XKR the most impressive, everyday,
sporting GT in its class.
And the XKR’s powerful statement
of intent is emphatically reinforced by enhanced
sporting styling cues such as a unique front
bumper, aluminium-finish grilles and bonnet
louvers; unique 19 and 20-inch alloy wheel designs
and a quad-exhaust system add to its overall
presence.
Driving the New Jaguar
XKR
The new 420 bhp Jaguar XKR is
a sensational car to drive. With 120 bhp more
power than the normally aspirated 4.2-liter
XK, the same strong and stiff aluminium body
structure that ensures superb ride and handling,
and a six-speed automatic transmission with
Jaguar Sequential Shift that is regarded as
class-leading in terms of gearchange speed as
well as refinement, Jaguar’s blend of performance
and dynamics reaches new heights with the XKR.
The result of that engineering
brief is a car that performs in any conditions,
at any speed. With superb torque at low engine
speeds, instant acceleration is always available
should you demand it. Similarly, the advanced
steering and suspension set-up means the new
XKR switches effortlessly from relaxed grand
tourer to honed sports car with ease. It is
everything the XK is and much more besides.
Supercharged 4.2-Liter
Engine
The ability to call upon impressive
reserves of power and acceleration in an instant
is the hallmark of every great Jaguar. The new
XKR ensures this by using a remarkable 4.2-liter
supercharged AJ-V8 engine. Producing 420 bhp
at 6250 rpm and 413 lb-ft of torque at 4000
rpm it is capable of propelling the Coupe version
to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and onto an electronically
limited top speed of 155 mph.
Torque, so essential for instant
acceleration at any engine speed, also increases
significantly – by 36% over the XK, although
the overall weight of the XKR is raised by just
150 lbs. Consequently the power-to-weight ratio
compared to the normally aspirated 4.2-liter
XK is an impressive 34% higher.
Turning to transmission, Jaguar’s
Sequential Shift uniquely combines all the speed
and involvement of a sequential manual gearbox
with the comfort and convenience of a full automatic.
The system consists of steering wheel-mounted
paddles and a conventional gear selector lever,
allowing the driver to switch between three
automatic or paddle-operated gearbox modes.
Exterior and Interior
Design
With the much-admired new Jaguar
XK already considered a future design classic,
Jaguar’s creative team, led by Ian Callum, had
a great starting point from which to produce
the XKR. The XK range’s elegant form draws on
the lineage of the original XK and E-type sports
cars, and by blending this unmistakeable Jaguar
silhouette with contemporary flair its exterior
forms a stunning blend of elegance, athleticism
and definition.
The new XK’s interior design has
been just as highly praised and the XKR’s cabin
represents arguably the most sophisticated yet
driver-focussed environment of any car in its
class. The XKR has class-leading ergonomics,
user-friendly in-car technology and simple,
clear information displays in the instrument
panel and main dashboard area.
A unique sports seat design with
additional lateral support for both the driver
and front seat passenger has been added, with
an ‘R’ badge on the headrests, tachometer, steering
wheel and gear selector. The design of the standard
aluminium interior veneer is also unique to
the XKR, featuring a ‘weave’ pattern from the
Advanced Lightweight Coupe showcar.
