New XJR Gets 542bhp V8

Jaguar’s new super-saloon can hit 60mph in just 4.4sec; on sale in summer, priced at around $150k.

This new XJR is the fastest, most powerful Jaguar XJ in history. The new super­-saloon, revealed at this week’s New York motor show, is fitted with a 542bhp, 502lb-ft supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that propels it from 0-60mph in just 4.4sec and on to a top speed limited to 174mph.

Drive is channeled to the rear wheels through a specially calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission fitted with an integrated stop-start system. The gearbox is based on the unit found in the potent XFR-S saloon and is said to react with faster, more aggressive shifts if an enthusiastic driving style is detected.

New XJR promises sharper responses than regular XJs.

The XJ’s chassis has undergone significant development in creating the XJR, with work taking place at the Nurburgring and Rockingham circuits, and on the roads around north Wales.

Both front and rear suspension set-ups have been modified, the steering responses have been sharpened, larger brakes have been fitted and the active electronic differential has been recalibrated. Wheels are 20 inches in diameter, fitted with 265/35-section tyres at the front and 295/30s at the rear.

Further changes include modifications to the Adaptive Dynamics system, which, in the focused Dynamic mode, firms up the damping rates to improve body control.

The result, according to Jaguar chassis guru Mike Cross, is a car with “greater steering precision, higher levels of control and enhanced high-speed stability”. Cross added that the trade-off in refinement was “very small".

Styling modifications are more subtle, and include an aerodynamic body kit with front splitter and rear spoiler, plus bespoke ‘R’ badging.

Pricing and availability are yet to be announced, but the XJR is expected to be launched in the summer with a price tag of around $150,000.

XKR-S GT gets an aero pack and new suspension

XKR-S coupe turns road racer

Jaguar is commemorating 25 years of its R performance brand with the most focused version of the XK to date.

The XKR-S GT, which joins the new XJR at the New York show this week, is a track-ready version of the XKR-S that remains road legal.

XKR-S

Power comes from a 542bhp supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. The GT is good for a 0-60mph time of 3.9sec, 0.3sec quicker than the standard XKR.

The GT features a bespoke aerodynamic package that includes a carbon fiber front splitter, dive planes, extended wheel arch spats, a rear diffuser and a large, fixed rear wing. Maximum down force is a claimed 145kg.

The new XJR epitomizes the three pillars of technology, performance and seductive design, while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury saloon

Carbon-ceramic brake discs are fitted, a first for Jaguar. New front and rear suspension also features, with a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings and a new steering system with a faster ratio. Bespoke, height-adjustable dampers featuring a race-derived twin spring system are also used, along with lightweight 20in alloys shod in 255/35 Pirelli Corsa rubber at the front and 305/30s at the rear.

Just 30 examples of the as yet un-priced model will be made, but none of them is destined for the UK, as the GT is strictly a US-only model.