The record-breaking Jaguar XKR-S
When presenting this model at the Geneva Motor Show 2011, the manufacturer set everyone straight right from the start : “The XKR-S is designed to be the most accomplished expression of Jaguar’s unconditional passion for beautiful fast cars”. With a top speed of 300 km/hr, it is in fact the most powerful production sports car Jaguar has ever built.
Jaguar is proud of its new flagship model : the XKR-S joins the very closed circle of luxury super GTs, a market segment hitherto unexplored by the illustrious British brand. Recalibrated and supercharged, the AJ-V8 Gen III R direct-injection engine delivers 550 hp and torque of 680 Nm. It leaps from 0-100 km/hr in just 4.4 seconds, roaring with pleasure like a racing car, thanks to its Performance Active Exhaust. Despite this impressive performance, this is the only car in its category to emit less than 300 g/km of CO2. Both rigid and light, its aluminium body allows for constant agility and savings in fuel, even if its weight - 1,800 kilos - prevents full use of the power available. Modified for the occasion, the front and rear suspensions guarantee pin-sharp handling, supreme control and unequalled driving sensations.“The styling of this car isn’t about image, it’s about true performance (…) It has been driven by considerations of geometry and aerodynamics aimed to deliver genuine design purity (…) In other words, if you like the way it looks, you’ll probably like the way it drives,” comments Jaguar Cars design director, Ian Callum. On the programme, more tapered LED headlamps, a central air intake of more modest dimensions and vertical air intakes on the front bumper. Features which all underscore the car’s personality up front, while the famous jaguar leaps out from the centre of the rear boot lid. The sophisticated design has reduced overall lift by 26 % while improving balance and thus stability. The XKR-S is available in five colours: white, grey, black, blue and red. And its interior hasn’t been neglected. As soon as the driver takes his place behind the wheel, he is greeted by a red starter button that pulses like a heartbeat. Upholstered in carbon and Softgrain leather, the Performance seats are 16-way adjustable.
The XK coupé was admired for its very good looks. The XKR was much sportier, and the XKR-S, as responsive and adrenaline-pumping as one could wish, is close on perfection. Fans of the genre ready to fork out 139,900 € for their means of locomotion can always fantasize about their next acquisition thanks to the configurator. The disparity between the price in France and that in the UK - around 136,000 € -, is explained by a greater allocation of options.
Jaguar XKR-S
From 0 to 100 km/h : 4,4 s
Maximum speed : 300 km/h
Price : 139.900 €
By Laetitia Rossi
