Jaguar finally reveals the XKR
New pics and full price and spec details
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Full details of the all-aluminium Jaguar XKR, which is to show at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, have finally been released.
The supercharged version of this highly acclaimed new bruiser cruiser -- which has to sell well if Jaguar is to pull itself out of the financial mire -- develops 420bhp and 413lb-ft of torque from its 4.2-litre AJ-V8 engine. This slug of power, 120bhp up on the standard model, catapults the car to 60mph from rest in just 4.9 seconds.
One reason for its dynamism is the fact that it weighs 1,665Kg, 70Kg less than its predecessor, while the 1715Kg convertible is 100Kg lighter than the previous convertible XKR.
And compared to the previous generation XKR, the engine produces 7.7 per cent more power and 3.3 per cent more torque -- although it's a development of the previous car's powerplant. Combined with the stiffer and lighter aluminium monocoque body structure of the new XKR, these performance improvements lead to a significant leap in the power-to-weight ratio of 12 per cent over the previous XKR and an equally useful jump of 7.7 per cent in the torque-to-weight ratio. To achieve the equivalent improvements in power and torque-to-weight in the outgoing XKR would have required nearly 50 more horsepower. Consequently, the 0-60mph sprint time of the new XKR Coupe is reduced by 0.3 seconds.
According to Jaguar, it beats the £81,760, 5.0-litre BMW M6 on torque-to-weight ratio and virtually matches the £99,045, 5.5-litre SL55 AMG on power-to-weight ratio.
Engine details
The heart of these performance improvements is the XKR’s lightweight engine with an Eaton supercharger. The water-cooled cylinders are arranged in a 90-degree V configuration and the crankshaft is supported by five main bearings. Each of the two cylinder head assemblies incorporates twin camshafts operating four valves per cylinder. One of the reasons for the engine’s impressive output is the continuously variable valve timing which helps to deliver a wide spread of torque. The engine uses an Electronic Return-less Fuel System (ERFS) and a three-way catalyst exhaust system.
The increase in power and torque over the outgoing XKR model is down to two significant additions to the engine. The air intake supply to the engine has been significantly enhanced thanks to the use of twin air inlets and a Variable Inlet Camshaft Timing system is used for the first time on the XKR. By continuously adjusting the timing of the inlet camshaft on both banks of the V8 depending on the engine speed and load, Jaguar’s engineers have ensured large improvements in torque, particularly at lower revs.
The system is controlled by the Engine Management System (EMS) which receives engine speed, throttle position and oil temperature data from its sensors. The EMS determines the correct inlet camshaft timing by continuously referring to a digital three-dimensional map developed to provide optimum performance. The EMS then transmits the appropriate signals to two solenoids that control the degree of hydraulic force provided to the valve actuators.
The normally aspirated 4.2-litre XK has been praised for its acoustic qualities, remaining unobtrusive and relaxed at modest speeds but producing an unmistakeable V8 soundtrack when worked hard. On the XKR, the presence of supercharger whine threatened to dominate the acoustic character and mask the underlying sound quality. However, through enhancements to the vehicle acoustic pack, the supercharger noise has been reduced by 5dB compared to the previous XKR.
This approach to acoustics allowed the engineers to concentrate on using the exhaust system to deliver the best possible sound quality character. This was accomplished through the use of the XKR’s Active Exhaust system which varies the flow of exhaust gases through the main silencer box to ensure that the XKR remains quiet at cruising speeds but delivers a substantially more purposeful sound quality character under hard acceleration.
Transmission
Jaguar's sequential shift is said to combine the speed and involvement of a sequential manual gearbox with the comfort and convenience of a full automatic. The system consists of steering wheel-mounted paddles and a conventional gear selector lever, allowing the driver to switch between three automatic or paddle-operated gearbox modes.
The gearbox maintains the flow of torque throughout the shifting process, so changes are quick and smooth, taking less than 600 milliseconds, from the point at which the driver operates the shift paddle to the point at which the shift is complete.
Jaguar reckoned that, during development, comparison tests between Jaguar sequential shift and rival automatic transmissions in the class showed the transmission to be the fastest system of all, changing gear at least 400 milliseconds faster than a standard automatic and 100 milliseconds faster than the best automated manual system.
Three gearbox modes give the driver flexibility to use the transmission to match whatever driving style he or she chooses. In Drive mode, the gearbox behaves as a conventional automatic, with the software optimised for every day driving conditions providing all the benefits of a best-in-class automatic transmission.
In Sport mode, the gearbox's adaptive software becomes more prevalent, adapting and reacting more dynamically to demanding conditions. The software takes account of the prevailing conditions and driver's inputs and adapts accordingly. For example, it recognises when the car is negotiating a curve, and holds the gear accordingly; Hill Recognition enables the XKR to choose the ratios to optimise the ascent or descent of a hill; the gearbox’s software will also match the engine speed precisely to the engine and road speeds, ‘blipping’ the throttle during rapid downshifts.
Manual mode is activated by simply operating one of the steering wheel-mounted paddles, and delivers a manual gearshift feel from the automatic transmission.
Chassis, suspension and brakes
The XKR’s springs and dampers are uprated compared to the normally aspirated XK. The front spring rate is increased by 38 per cent and the rear spring rate by 24 per cent. Allied to the Servotronic steering system, which has also been tuned both mechanically and electronically to give the steering more weight and even greater response, the uprated suspension improves handling without loss of refinement and comfort levels, according to Jaguar.
The XKR also gets an additional rear suspension brace mounted between the rear damper towers to accommodate the significant increase in rear spring rate. This also allows the Convertible to utilise the same dynamic settings as the Coupé model.
The Computer Active Technology Suspension (a two-stage adaptive damping system that ensures the optimum balance between ride and handling) and new switchable Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System (Trac DSC) have also been recalibrated to cope with the additional power of the supercharged engine.
As significant to the XKR as the increases in power and torque are the major improvements in strength and weight thanks to its advanced all-aluminium architecture. Just like the XJ, the XK gets an aluminium monocoque body structure, as distinct from an aluminium spaceframe with separate aluminium exterior panels.
Its properties come from both the way the bodyshell is designed and constructed and the use of new joining technologies. Jaguar reckons that the new XKR’s aluminium chassis is significantly lighter and stiffer in both Coupé and Convertible form than the steel model it replaces. The Coupé chassis is over 30 percent stiffer than the previous XK, while the Convertible is over 40 percent stiffer.
Benefits include better acceleration, braking, handling and NVH. The new XKR Coupe is also stiffer and lighter than the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, with a kerb weight of just 1,665kg – some 290kg less than the Mercedes. In Convertible form the BIW (body in white: just the bare body with no other components) weight, at just 287kg is 19 per cent lighter than the previous XKR Convertible.
New, larger ventilated brake discs at the front ensure higher braking performance for the XKR. The front brake disc diameter has increased from 326mm to 355mm and the thickness from 30mm to 32mm, which not only improves the braking performance but also the system’s resistance to fade. The braking system also includes four-channel ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Hydraulic Brake Assist to increase brake pressure during an emergency stop, and Jaguar’s Electronic Park Brake function.
Design
The XKR adds to the basic, Ian Callum-designed XK as follows:
- New XKR front bumper with colour-keyed finish to unique front fog lamp housings
- Aluminium side power vent finish
- Bonnet louvres and unique ‘XKR’ aluminium finish to upper and lower front mesh grilles
- Aluminium finish to rear signature ‘blade’ and selected exterior brightwork finishers
- Unique ‘Jupiter’ design 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 20-inch ‘Cremona’ XKR wheel available as an option
- Black brake callipers with ‘R’ logo
- Quad exhaust system and unique lower bumper
- ‘R’ rear badge
Callum explained the thinking behind the look of the new XKR:
"We talk at Jaguar of how our new generation of models are ‘beautiful, fast cars’. It’s a phrase that ideally sums up our brand and can be applied to every car we design. We were extremely proud of the reaction to the new XK when it was unveiled last year – it is as beautiful as you would expect a Jaguar sports car to be. Now the new XKR has a look that emphasises the ‘fast’ aspect of our design statement.
"The ‘powerline’ that runs from the front wheel through the cabin area and into the car’s rear haunches remains and we have added to that latent feeling of power by adding some strong performance features such as the louvres that signify the potent supercharger and the stunning new alloys that fill the wheel arches and give the car real purpose."
The XKR’s cabin is driver-focussed with, reckoned Jaguar, class-leading ergonomics, user-friendly in-car technology and simple, clear information displays in the instrument panel and main dashboard area.
A unique sports seat design with additional lateral support for both the driver and front seat passenger has been added, with an ‘R’ badge on the headrests, tachometer, steering wheel and gear selector. The design of the standard aluminium interior veneer is also unique to the XKR, featuring a ‘weave’ pattern from the Advanced Lightweight Coupe showcar.
XKR customers can also specify the Luxury Sports interior option which features softgrain leather on the 16-way adjustable seats, instrument panel, door trim and centre console.
Pricing
Prices start from £67,495, just £8,495 more than the standard car. Jaguar compares the XKR to rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz SL500, which is slower and heavier than the XKR, despite costing over £8,000 more.
Standard features include satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone, Touchscreen display and keyless start -- many of which are optional on many rival cars of similar price.
More images
if I could get £60,000 in part-ex for my 2000 S Type V8 ??? I'd happily part with the extra £7495.
100 bhp per litre
thats not bad for a NA car
but this has a supercharger
if they had welded to honda civic engines together they would get this without the need for the super charger
and when you turned the key it would start
a 4.2, v8, 32 valve, variable valve timing and supercharged should have amazing performance
they have all the ingredients for lobster thermadore and made fish paste
now go away do it again and give the hun a damn good thrashing no compromise this time!!!!!
100 bhp per litre
thats not bad for a NA car
but this has a supercharger
if they had welded to honda civic engines together they would get this without the need for the super charger
and when you turned the key it would start
a 4.2, v8, 32 valve, variable valve timing and supercharged should have amazing performance
they have all the ingredients for lobster thermadore and made fish paste
now go away do it again and give the hun a damn good thrashing no compromise this time!!!!!
whereas a jag wouldn't start, being the most reliable cars of their class over the past few years....what you want is the xkr-r which is coming, and given this one has a 50-70 time like that, it should be a rocket.
100 bhp per litre
thats not bad for a NA car
but this has a supercharger
if they had welded to honda civic engines together they would get this without the need for the super charger
100 bhp per litre for an NA engine is a good benchmark to aim for with lots of manufacturers able to go past that now. But consider how that feels to drive. If I was in a luxury sports coupe or convertible I wouldn't want it at 8000rpm all the time. Fine for a ferrari, and great in my old civic type r, but I wouldn't want it in a Jag.
Mark
A TVR weighs about 1200 kgs.Autocar and Evo have weighed the new XK, and it weighed in at 1700kg+, i wonder how jag weighed the XKR..
Bring it on!
A TVR weighs about 1200 kgs.or somewhat less - possibly more significant is that Jaguar / Ford now choose to PRICE UP to the competition rather than using Peter Wheeler's wisdom of --'I know what it costs, so lets make a fair profit' - which held him in good stead - who ever thinks £70000 is reasonable for a mainstream sportscar - is nuts!
100 bhp per litre
thats not bad for a NA car
but this has a supercharger
if they had welded to honda civic engines together they would get this without the need for the super charger
and when you turned the key it would start
a 4.2, v8, 32 valve, variable valve timing and supercharged should have amazing performance
they have all the ingredients for lobster thermadore and made fish paste
now go away do it again and give the hun a damn good thrashing no compromise this time!!!!!
tooo truu - My Gti Pug has 100bhp /litre and is an everyday car returning 36 mpg!
My thoughts exactly - £35-40k in 3 year's time, manual gearbox, excellent handling by all accounts, convertible, with everday useability? Could become the nubbin-mobile of choice
..ha, ha, ha, ha.....I'll remind you of that statement when you are making yourself comfortable in the drivers seat, and you try adjusting the steering wheel position and the knob comes off in your hand, or when you happen to be doing 90mph in the outside lane of the M40 and the car decides that it wants to go into limp-home mode and starts decelerating down to 40mph, leaving you to negotiate your way to the hard shoulder with virtually no throttle.....
Seen the new XKR driven in anger though, and it was impressive, would leave the old car for dead.
My thoughts exactly - £35-40k in 3 year's time, manual gearbox, excellent handling by all accounts, convertible, with everday useability? Could become the nubbin-mobile of choice
No manuals here my friend.
Yeah, a bit dissapointing. I remember reading some years ago (when Callum first came on board) about future planned Jaguars no longer being restrained by the glass-ceiling that Aston Martin had over the company. This was Callum talking at the time of the unveiling of the R-Coupe. Still, it looks fantastic, and 420hp is hardly inadequate.
Ali.
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