Speedy cat - Jaguar XKR review
Earlier this year we sampled the excellent new 380bhp 5-litre V8 Jaguar XK on the mountain roads north of Nice, in the South of France.
Now it's time to the put the explosive 510bhp XKR to the test around the roads of Warwickshire, which might not be as glamorous, but are all the more challenging.
Specifications
- Model tested: Jaguar XKR Coupe 2-dr, Jaguar XKR Convertible2-dr
- Price as tested: £72,400, £78,400
- Insurance group as tested: 20
- CO2 emissions as tested: 292g/km
- Company car tax %: 35%
- EuroNCAP result: TBC
- On sale date: Now
- Road tester: Andy Goodwin
Jaguar XKR gallery:
It's soon evident that on the bucking and sweeping roads through the countryside around Jaguar's Gaydon HQ, the XKR is far from flummoxed.
The chassis feels incredibly surefooted through tricky bends and takes on a relaxed and comfortable gait along the opening sections of A and B-road.
The XKR feels like it has all the answers before its even been asked a question.
Huge power
Jaguar's 4.2-litre engine has been retired, and the new 5-litre supercharged V8 from the XFR slotted in place.
Producing 503bhp and 461lb/ft of pulling power it imbues the Jag with wonderful flexibility, the facelifted XKR muscling its way to 60mph in 4.6 seconds.
Economy has increased as well as power and torque, and the XKR now has a combined fuel consumption of 22.5mpg, while emitting 292g/km of CO2.
In a first for Jaguar, the XKR is fitted with an active rear differential. This assembly sends torque to the rear wheel with the most grip - increasing traction.
It also allows skilled drivers to hold long and smoky power slides out on track – if they can afford to shred their tyres.
Computer controlled suspension
The Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) system, familiar to Jaguar many owners, has been replaced with a new adaptive damping system which acts one hundred times per second.
This system analyses body motions and adjusts each damper almost instantly. It also predicts forces during steering inputs and firms up dampers to reduce roll.
On the road the XKR simply seems well-balanced and foolproof, flattering the driver whatever the road conditions.
Pressing the 'Dynamic Mode' button on the centre console tightens body control further and sharpens the throttle and response from the 'flappy paddle' six-speed automatic gearbox.
It makes the car even more engaging when you want to drive for the sheer pleasure of it, each downshift producing a flurry of revs and rat-tat-tat of pops from the sports exhaust.
Jay Leno's take on the recently unveiled Jaguar XJ:
Improved interior
From the outside you need a keen eye to spot the new XKR, with the most obvious clue being the new front bumper, flanked with cooling air intakes.
The ugly telescopic rear aerial has been replaced with a tidy 'shark-fin' on the boot, and the interior benefits from new instruments and a circular gear-selector which rises from the centre console, à la XF saloon.
We found the cabin a very comfortable place to enjoy the rapidly passing miles, with a suitably low-slung feel placing you just in front of the Jags hips.
The convertible brings an even greater sense of occasion, and turns up the volume from the exhaust by a couple of notches.
And because the aluminium body is still incredibly stiff - despite the lack of a fixed roof - we found the detriment to handling was minimal.
The steering stayed true and impressively free of shake, even over mid-corner bumps.
So, in the convertible you feel more involved in the action as the hedgerows rush by, and there's little detriment to ride and handling, making it the one we'd choose.