AUTOS CARS CUSTOM

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

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

The XJ’s chassis has undergone significant development in creating the XJR. Development work took 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 recalibrated to work with the wider 295/30 tyres at the rear that are fitted to new 20in alloy wheels. The tyres at the front are 265/35 in size.
Further changes include modifications to the Adaptive Dynamics system which in the most focused mode, Dynamic, firms up the damping rates to improve body control.

The result, according to Jaguar’s chassis guru Mike Cross, is a car with “greater steering precision, higher levels of control and enhanced high speed stability, with the trade-off in refinement being very small”.
Styling modification are more subtle, and include an aerodynamic body kit with front splitter and rear spoiler, plus bespoke R badging.

The Jaguar XJR is expected to launch in the summer with a price tag of £92,500. The car will be offered in both short- and long-wheelbase.

Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar's global brand director, said "The XJR fully answers the question of combining luxury on the inside and performance. It is everything you would ask of a supercar, delivered with impeccable refinement."

Thanks to: Autocar