XK-R launch, Spain
Discussion
Well, just spent a couple of days in Spain on the press launch for the XK-R and what a brilliant time it was.
The roads were spectacular and a perfect environment to explore the new car's performance yet we also took in some utterly horrid surfaces and the Jag soaked up the imperfections effortlessly. On an envigoratng blast back to the hotel, racing another hack in a convertible (I plumped for a coupe), I had my foot flat on the floor and took it all the way to its 250km/h limiter - which is 155mph. One of the engineers told me at dinner that without the limiter it would get to almost 180mph. Holding it at 155, the car was steady as a rock and inspired enormous confidence - a perfect GT car.
My only criticisms are the awful electric aerial which grates as being a cheap afterthought and the suspension is still a bit wallowy at times. I'd rather have a switchable active set-up where the dampers could stiffen, making for a really involving drive on twisty roads. The performance is there in spades but I often felt little real sensation of speed.
It is though, without a doubt, Jaguar's finest hour to date and I want one. The engine growls magnificently and the whine of the old model's supercharger is more restrained, allowing the V8's character to shine through. If you get the chance to drive one over a decent distance, do it. A wonderful car and I'll be driving one on track next month. Can't wait to see how it behaves.
The roads were spectacular and a perfect environment to explore the new car's performance yet we also took in some utterly horrid surfaces and the Jag soaked up the imperfections effortlessly. On an envigoratng blast back to the hotel, racing another hack in a convertible (I plumped for a coupe), I had my foot flat on the floor and took it all the way to its 250km/h limiter - which is 155mph. One of the engineers told me at dinner that without the limiter it would get to almost 180mph. Holding it at 155, the car was steady as a rock and inspired enormous confidence - a perfect GT car.
My only criticisms are the awful electric aerial which grates as being a cheap afterthought and the suspension is still a bit wallowy at times. I'd rather have a switchable active set-up where the dampers could stiffen, making for a really involving drive on twisty roads. The performance is there in spades but I often felt little real sensation of speed.
It is though, without a doubt, Jaguar's finest hour to date and I want one. The engine growls magnificently and the whine of the old model's supercharger is more restrained, allowing the V8's character to shine through. If you get the chance to drive one over a decent distance, do it. A wonderful car and I'll be driving one on track next month. Can't wait to see how it behaves.
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