Jaguar XKR-S

Auto Express Car Reviews

Text: Chris Thorp / Photos: Nathan Morgan

June 2008

• Rating:
• 
  

Jaguar’s new XKR-S supercat has quite a pedigree. With a top speed of 174mph and looks to match, it’s the quickest Jag to go on sale since the legendary XJ220 supercar – and the firm’s fastest-ever coupé!

Developed by a small team of engineers, the XKR-S benefits from a host of suspension modifications, plus uprated brakes. And the speed limiter has been removed from the 420bhp 4.2-litre supercharged V8, so the model can accelerate far beyond the 155mph cap Jaguar normally places on its cars. Only 200 examples will be available worldwide, with 50 in the UK. At £79,995, the Jag costs £9,000 more than the XKR on which it’s based, so it’s sure to be exclusive – and has the looks to match.

Every model is painted in Ultimate Black and fitted with new 20-inch forged alloys wearing Pirelli PZero tyres. A neat bodykit comprising a front splitter, rear spoiler and venturi-style lower rear bumper gives even more visual aggression.

Those aero parts reduce drag and help to cut lift, making the new Jag more stable at high speed. Inside, XKR-S branding adorns the steering wheel and seats, while a revised instrument cluster features a fresh speedo to reflect the raised top limit. A Bowers and Wilkins stereo system has been specially tuned for superb sound quality.

Plenty of talent has been deployed on the chassis, with head engineer Mike Cross and chief programme engineer Russ Varney both heavily involved.

They have focused on giving the car a bit more of an ‘edge’ without ruining the comfortable ride and finely judged handling balance which marks out the XKR. Their changes include stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, while the steering rack is 10 per cent faster and the ride height 10mm lower.

There are also superb race-developed Alcon brakes with 400mm (front) and 350mm (rear) ventilated discs – these are the most powerful anchors ever fitted to a Jaguar.

On the handling front, the new machine feels similar to the standard XKR. It rides a little firmer, while there’s slightly more precision to the steering and less roll in corners. The supercharged V8 is a beauty, as is the six-speed gearbox, which gives smooth changes in auto mode. There are steering wheel paddleshifters, too.

Yet the XKR-S isn’t that much of a leap over the XKR. Buyers not chasing ultimate exclusivity would be better saving £9,000 and ordering the regular version.

Rival: Maserati GranTurismo S
It sounds harder and goes faster than the standard car without sacrificing comfort, and has one of the fastest-shifting gearboxes around. The £89,900 Maserati doesn’t disappoint.

2009 Meet Brian Deese, the 31-year-old in charge of breaking up GM

Many of us ABers being in our early- to mid-30s, we're less amazed that another of our ilk has risen to a decisive government position. We are, after all, a generation on the rise. The surprising part about Brian Deese's story is that he's been instrumental in shaping the Obama administration's moves to save General Motors, and this is his first official tour of duty in Washington. What qualifies a guy who hasn't even finished his Yale Law degree to steer President's automotive task force around? From what's been said about Mr. Deese, his quick ability to boil down the often competing economic and political aspects of any given issue.

Deese piped up in favor of Fiat's rescue of Chrysler, pointing out with a memo that a fire sale of the ailing automaker would send unforseen ripples out into the economy as a whole. Speaking out in such an influential manner is definitely unusual considering Deese doesn't appear to be an auto enthusiast or business propeller-head with his nose buried in studies and reports about the car industry. A childhood spent in the Boston suburb of Belmont, Massachusetts under the parentage of a college professor an an engineer, Deese did his undergraduate time at Middlebury College in Vermont before heading to Washington to work for Nancy Birdsall on international aid. A turn with former Clinton policy wonk Gene Sperling before the move to Yale, Hillary Clinton's bid for nomination brought Deese back to DC. With friends in Washington, Deese found himself hooked into the Obama team, and from there he's been running busily around our nation's capital.

If General Motors can successfully navigate Chapter 11, we'll all get to see just how well Brian Deese has done digesting the thorny chestnut that is saving our domestic auto industry.

Jaguar XKR-S fastest since XJ220

Click above for high-res gallery of the Jaguar XKR-S

Jaguar quietly trotted out its hottest XK to date, the XKR-S. Packing a 420-hp 4.2-liter V8 and sending power to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox equipped with Jaguar's Sequential Shift system, the XKR-S can run to 60 in 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 174 mph, making it the fastest Jag since the XJ220 supercar.

But it's not all about motivation. The revised suspension features new springs, dampers, a larger rear anti-roll bar and a recalibrated CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension), while an active exhaust, revised aerodynamic aids (including one funky but functional spoiler) and massive, 400mm (front) and 350mm (rear) Alcon R Performance brakes balance out the package.

The Jaguar XKR-S will be limited to only 200 cars in both left- and right-hand-drive, but those of us in the States will never get a taste – it's a Euro-only affair.

Jaguar XK

15/20

‘For years I’ve been trying to like Jaguar for reasons other than sentiment. And now I can. Think of the XK as a cheap Aston.’

Our verdict

The Jaguar XK is the car that began the turnaround of Jaguar’s fortunes. Fabulous to drive, has great street presence and the quality to match more expensive rivals. A Jaguar XKR in the same breath as an Aston Martin Vantage V8? Actually yes.

Comfort

The XK instantly feels more forgiving than its rivals no matter what arena you pick for it. Strangely, even the 20-inch wheels don't destroy the ride, so we'd always advise going big. The convertible was created alongside the coupe, so it suffers from virtually no scuttle shake.

14 out of 20

Performance

The XK is relatively light at under 1600kg (coupe), so motivation from either the normally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 or the supercharged XKR 4.2 is more than adequate. You lose tenths for the convertible, but with the stock 4.2 hitting 62mph in just 5.9 seconds and on to 155mph and the ‘R' sprinting to 62mph in 5.0 dead, you won't lose any face at the traffic lights.

18 out of 20

Cool

Overwhelms the previous XK decisively. All of a sudden an XK isn't a golf-course staple - this is a cool car again.

14 out of 20

Quality

Jaguar has tried hard with the XK, and the quality is way, way up even though it's treading a fine line with the wood and tech interior. Early cars had an awful electric post aerial, but that's a distant memory...

13 out of 20

Handling

Slightly more comfort-orientated than a Porsche 911, the XK is still one of the most exciting cars to drive that Jaguar has ever made. Poised, comfortable, alive - it has the big GT game pretty much wrapped up, especially in XKR form. It can't stay with the Germans at the absolute limit, but the compromises for daily life are infinitely better judged. The convertible is equally at home.

16 out of 20

Practicality

Technically this is a 2+2, but you'd have to be really sadistic to want to put anyone in the back - leave the hitchhikers on the hard shoulder. Given that the old XK was a lesson in ‘big car, small interior' packaging, the new version is a joy - great room for tallies in the front and a hatchback in the rear, making for a really quite practical sports GT.

13 out of 20

Running costs

Tax is 35percent, fuel consumption is mid to low-20s and insurance either Group 19 or 20 depending on your supercharger or lack of roof. Not cheap, but residuals are good.

New Apex Jaguar XKRS Ready For Silverstone

The new Apex Jaguar XKRS is currently running through final testing in preparation for the first race in the GT3 European Championship at Silverstone on 2nd May.

The new-look supercharged Jaguar, in striking Kyanite Blue, recently tested at a wet Donington with driver Johnny Mowlem, then again at Snetterton where it impressed the team with its improved performance and handling.

The new 4.2 litre supercharged V8 Jaguar will be up against some fierce competition in the 2009 GT3 Series, but judging by the reaction of the drivers who’ve spent time with the new XKRS on the track, it’s certainly going to be in contention.

New Apex Jaguar XKRS Ready For Silverstone

New Apex Jaguar XKRS Ready for Silverstone

The new Apex Jaguar XKRS is currently running through final testing in preparation for the first race in the GT3 European Championship at Silverstone on 2nd May.

The new-look supercharged Jaguar, in striking Kyanite Blue, recently tested at a wet Donington with driver Johnny Mowlem, then again at Snetterton where it impressed the team with its improved performance and handling.

The new side exhaust system and wider rear wheel arches have dramatically improved aerodynamics, and an upgraded brake system coupled with a new suspension has given the Apex Jaguar improved handling on the track.

The Apex team returns to the Championship under management of John Christie, who commented: “The whole team has had to work really long hours to be ready for the season opener, but the car has performed really well in testing and I'm confident that the new 2009 XK will cause a stir at Silverstone.”

The new 4.2 litre supercharged V8 Jaguar will be up against some fierce competition in the 2009 GT3 Series, but judging by the reaction of the drivers who've spent time with the new XKRS on the track, it's certainly going to be in contention.

The first race of the GT3 European Championship is scheduled for 14:30 on Saturday 2nd May at Silverstone.

Jaguar XKR-S

2009 Jaguar XKR-S Specifications

Engine
Engine Type	32V Supercharged V8
Displacement	4,196 cc
Horsepower	420 bhp @ 6250 rpm
Torque	413 lb-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Compression Ratio	9:1
Bore X Stroke	86 x 90.3
Exterior
Curb Weight	2,080 kg
Ground Clearance	110 mm
Length	4791 mm
Width	1892 mm
Height	1312 mm
Wheelbase	2752 mm
Tires (F)	Pirelli PZERO 255/35 ZR20
Tires (R)	Pirelli PZERO 295/30 ZR20
Wheels (F)	9.0J x 20
Wheels (R)	10.5J x 20
Performance
0-60 mph	4.9 seconds
Top Speed	174 mph
Fuel Consumption	EU Combined 12.3 L/ 100 km

Base Price: 2009 Jaguar XKR-S - £79,995

2009 Jaguar XKR-S Pictures

Jaguar XKR-S - A Return to True Sporting Grand Tourers for Jaguar?

The most recent iteration of the Jaguar XK coupe and convertible heralds a remarkable shift by iconic British luxury car maker Jaguar to the return of producing luxury sports cars with real performance potential. The Jaguar XKR, available in both soft and hard top models, features a new design that looks at home with the Aston Martins and Bentley grand tourers of the world, and better still the XKR can nearly match the best coupes from those storied performance automakers in performance potential.

Jaguar has decided, for the 2009 model year, to take the XKR model line even further, with the introduction of the 2009 Jaguar XKR-S. While it shares powertrain components with the standard XKR grand touring Jaguar model, the XKR-S adds a completely redesigned suspension with a sport-tuned Computer Active Technology Suspension (appropriately titled CATS) that handles the finer points of keeping the 2009 XKR-S on the road at the hands of a driver who may get in over his or her head. Larger anti-roll bar and stiffer spring rates round out the suspension package.

The XKR-S is a special sort of car, capable enough to be driven hard though retaining a luxurious ride. The aluminum-bodied Jaguar sports grand touring car is so much lighter than Jaguar models of old, and promises not to plow under hard cornering to the degree of XK models of old. Curiously absenent on the XKR-S is the inclusion of a limited slip differential, an important drivetrain component which is becoming standard on grand touring and sports car models at the Jaguar XKR-S price point. Don't expect to be autocrossing this cat without some significant drivetrain modifications.

Styling? The XKR-S has an exciting and intimidating aero kit with contrasting colors bordering the grill and on front and rear aero elements. The overall package is rather breathtaking, especially coming from an ailing Jaguar marque which, until the introduction of the XF line, seemed to have not changed their styling in 20 years. And not in the good Porsche way. Are the XKR and XF models and the real performance specs Jaguar is bringing to the table good signs for the future--or survival--of the marque? We hope so.





JAGUAR XKR-S - THE ULTIMATE XK UNVEILED AT THE GENEVA SHOW

Official Jaguar News Release

The Jaguar XKR-S: a lightweight sports coupe that takes the Jaguar sports car experience to a new level. As the fastest production XK to date, it delivers a combination of high speed performance, dynamic excellence and crafted luxury that is unique to Jaguar.

At-a-Glance

* The new XKR-S coupe is the fastest production XK to date, providing the Jaguar enthusiast with an even more driver-focused high speed performance experience

* Limited to 200 cars - available only in Europe, in both right-hand and left-hand drive

* The XKR-S is capable of 0-60mph (0-100kph) in 4.9 (5.2) seconds and has a maximum speed, electronically limited, of 174mph (280kph) - making it the fastest Jaguar since the XJ220 supercar

* Revised suspension with bespoke springs, dampers, anti-roll bar and recalibrated Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) further improve the XKR's outstanding ride and handling balance

* Exterior styling features revised front air-splitter and side sill-extensions, revised rear spoiler and rear bumper with unique diffuser panel and unique 20" lightweight Vortex alloy wheels

* Ultimate Black metallic paint colour with contrasting finish to the grille, sills, side power vents and rear diffuser

* Alcon R Performance braking system with red monobloc six-piston callipers and 400mm brake discs at the front, 350mm at the rear

* Six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM for ultra-quick manual gear shifts in milliseconds, using steering-wheel-mounted paddles

* Active Exhaust System ensures refinement at cruising speed but purposeful V8 roar under hard acceleration

* Strong, lightweight and exceptionally rigid all-aluminium body construction delivers excellent dynamic agility

* The luxury sports interior features full soft-grain leather with twin-needle contrast stitching, adjustable seat bolsters, Piano Black veneer, Charcoal Alston luxury headliner plus the XKR's comprehensive standard specification

* Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, with 525W Premium audio, featuring low distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and aluminium dome speakers, designed and tuned specifically for XK

* In summary, the ultimate Jaguar XK and a perfect illustration of Jaguar's philosophy of building beautiful, fast cars.

Jaguar XKR-S announced

Yet another unveiling at Geneva was the Jaguar XKR-S, which, at 174mph, is the fastest Jaguar since the XJ220 supercar of the ’90s. The limited-edition version of the supercharged XKR is also the fastest XK ever, thanks to its recalibrated engine management system that ups the top speed from 155mph.

Only 200 cars will be built in both left- and right-hand drive, for sale exclusively in Europe and covered in Ultimate Black.

The same 4.2 liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission as in the XKR are used, with no bump in power, so Jaguar’s 0-60mph acceleration remains the same at 4.9 seconds.

Instead, the XKR-S has different springs and shocks that lower the ride height my 0.4 inches, thicker anti-roll bars, a quicker steering rack and a slipperier exterior. The manufacturers’ Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) is also recalibrated. The faster coupe prances on lightweight 20-inch wheels hiding Alcon R brakes which are optional on the XKR.

The exterior is differentiated thanks to a unique front spoiler, rear fascia and spoiler and side skirts, as well as a small XKR-S badge.

Inside, the S gets a full leather interior, a 525 Watt B&W sound system and various XKR-S badged trim pieces.