Automotive

Jaguar introduces its fastest, most powerful sedan ever

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The blue XFR-S comes into full view
The XFR-S makes its way onto stage
The XFR-S makes its way onto stage
The XFR-S makes its way onto stage
Jaguar revealed the XFR-S for the first time at the L.A. Auto Show
Almost there...
Getting clearer...
The blue XFR-S comes into full view
The show lights shine on the sports sedan
The Jaguar XFR-S has a 550-hp 5.0-liter supercharged V8
Jaguar made a variety of aerodynamic improvements, including the redesigned bumper
The bumper has larger air intakes
Look into its eyes
Gloss black mesh grill with RS badge
Lightweight Varuna forged alloy wheels
Jaguar offers two trunk lid spoiler options
The XFR-S has a carbon fiber rear diffuser
The XFR-S tops out at 186 mph (300 km/h)
The XFR-S on stage in L.A.
A peep at the leather interior
The leather interior includes contrast micro-piping and stitching
Grab hold and enjoy the enhanced ride
Warm Charcoal leather trim and carbon effect leather adorn the interior
The larger of the two spoiler options has a carbon fiber aerofoil center
The XFR-S comes in five colors, including French Racing Blue
Journalists get up close to the XFR-S
The XFR-S is the second R-S model
Journalists get up close to the XFR-S
The XFR-S gets some aerodynamic improvements
Six-spoke alloy wheels
R-S badging distinguishes the model from the XFR
The model includes a carbon fiber rear diffuser
The mesh grille
The seats include R-S badging
Contrast micro-piping and stitching come in several colors
Inside the XFR-S
The XFR-S comes standard with a 380-watt Meridian audio system
The XFR-S gets down to business
Jaguar retuned the suspension and other systems for better handling
The XFR-S is Jaguar's fastest, most powerful sedan ever
0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 4.4 seconds
Jaguar put the XFR-S to the test at various world-class facilities, including the Nürburgring
What's better than a fast car in an idyllic setting?
Aerodynamic improvements cut lift by 68 percent
Top speed is electronically limited to 186 mph (300 km/h)
0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds
Aerodynamic improvements cut lift by 68 percent
The world debut of the XFR-S was at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show
The XFR-S was developed by Jaguar Land Rover's specialist ETO division
The XFR-S was developed by the Jaguar Land Rover's specialist ETO division
View gallery - 49 images

After pulling the cloth off the Jaguar F-Type for the first time on North American turf, Jaguar turned stage left and rolled the second member of its R-S ultra high-performance model line out of a makeshift garage door at the 2012 LA Auto Show. The "S" version of the XFR borrows features from the XKR-S and F-TYPE in Jaguar's attempt to take the sporty sedan to the next level.

As any "ultra high-performance" model should be, the XFR-S is based around serious mechanical enhancements. Jaguar tuned the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine up to 550 hp – 40 ponies above and beyond the XFR. That bump is enough to give the XFR-S the designation of fastest, most powerful Jag sports sedan ever. The car hits 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 4.4 seconds and 62 mph (100 km/h) two ticks later. The XFR-S joins the XKR-S in the 300 km/h (186 mph) top speed (electronically limited) club.

Jaguar claims the increased performance doesn't have any impact on fuel consumption or emissions. The V8 engine is mated to an eight-speed Quickshift transmission.

The XFR-S comes in five colors, including French Racing Blue

In addition to being faster and more powerful than any other Jaguar sedan, Jaguar claims that the XFR-S is also more agile. It paved the way for a tighter connection between driver and asphalt by tuning the spring rates and adaptive damper settings. Lateral suspension stiffness increases by 30 percent, creating more responsive steering. To ensure the suspension settings meet discerning customers' demands, Jaguar spent time testing them on some of the world's most demanding pavement – from the Nürburgring, to the high-speed bowl at Nardo in Italy, to the roads surrounding Jaguar's Gaydon Research and Development center.

The wide Pirelli tires that wrap the 20-inch forged alloy Varuna wheels are designed to provide enhanced grip and stability. Jaguar re-calibrated the active electronic differential to work more smoothly with the uprated engine, stiffened suspension and wider tires. Jaguar also modified the Dynamic Stability Control settings for further driving enhancement, while exhaust system tuning results in a more powerful exhaust note.

In terms of the XFR-S body, Jaguar attacked the air ahead with aerodynamic enhancements that simultaneously increase performance and add an aggressive, no-nonsense demeanor. Jaguar claims that lift has been decreased by 68 percent thanks to the changes, which include a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, larger front bumper intakes, a trunk lid spoiler, and "aero-blades" on the sides.

The XFR-S will be available in five colors: French Racing Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Polaris White and Italian Racing Red. Subtle exterior cosmetic touches include the gloss black grille and trim.

The leather interior includes contrast micro-piping and stitching

Inside, "carbon fiber effect" leather and Warm Charcoal leather highlighted with contrast micro-piping and stitching mold a sporty cabin. R-S badging can be found on the seats and dashboard. Internal audio comes courtesy of a 380-watt 12-speaker Meridian surround sound system, and an 825-watt 18-speaker system is available as an option.

Only 100 will be available in the U.S., with prices starting at US$99,000, not including destination and delivery costs. The car will be available from early in the 2013 Northern Hemisphere summer.

Source: Jaguar

View gallery - 49 images
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5 comments
bergamot69
Ok, I'm not ever going to be in the market for one of these- but I think it is a real shame about the interior. There is nothing remotely 'Jaguar-like' about it- in fact it looks like it could be from any medium-large car upwards from just about any maker.
I accept that many people have fallen out of love for the older Jag's traditional look- but the interior was one thing that Jaguar always used to do really well.
BigRon34
For the debut of such an important vehicle I can't think of a less impressive colour palette; melancholy blue exterior and grey interior!
Guy Macher
Wow, the use of composites creates a car that is nearly 700 pounds heavier than the original car! We've come a long way in 52 years.
David Bell
... and no British Racing Green?!? While they are dropping traditions, at least let's hope Jaguar isn't retaining Lucas electrical components!
RichC
Interior on a nice newer Crown Vic is better integrated. Unlike what one would expect from a Jag U Are. Most cues from three-quarter front somewhat suggest Jaguar, but the awkward combination Bentley Audi front end with the exaggerated cooling holes makes me want to put some wine bottles in there to cool them on a long trip through the countryside. I am a lifetime Jaguar fan and certain cues should be stronger along along with an interior befitting its noble lineage.
Rich