Automotive

Jaguar’s new 225 mph XFR and XKR

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January 12, 2009 Jaguar unveiled all-new supercharged 510bhp XFR and XKR at NAIAS today, and announced that the new XFR prototype has already run a top speed of 225.675mph (363.188km/h). The new XFR is the first XF to carry the ‘R’ designation which defines Jaguar’s most performance-focused models. Powered by a new supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine developing 510PS and 625Nm of torque. But for the production car’s electronically limited 155mph top speed, it would be the fastest Jaguar ever, even faster than the 217.1mph (349.4 km/h) set by the XJ220 in 1992. The Jaguar XJ220 held the record for the highest top speed of a production car until the arrival of the McLaren F1 in 1994. High-speed runs play a large role in the history of the Jaguar marque, with this May seeing the 60th anniversary of the Jaguar XK120's record-breaking 132.6mph run set in 1949. Full details of the new models inside.

Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars said: "We've started 2009 with the introduction of advanced new generation petrol and diesel engines that set new benchmarks in terms of performance, economy and efficiency, including a new diesel for the XF that offers a marked improvement in CO2 and fuel economy. Our cars meet the challenges of the modern world and the needs of today's consumers – and they're also true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating beautiful fast cars."

The XF has already secured 'Car of the Year' awards from two major UK automotive magazines and more than 30 other commendations worldwide, so the new XFR, a new high performance diesel and a host of changes for the 2010 Model Year, including the launch of the new luxurious 'Portfolio' model, will make the XF an even more attractive proposition.

Featuring all-new AJ-V8 Gen III petrol engines and new AJ-V6D Gen III diesel engines, the XF now delivers more power and more performance with comparable or better fuel economy and emissions than the engines they supersede.

The XFR is powered by the all-new supercharged 510PS (510bhp SAE) V8 with acceleration from 0-60mph in just 4.7 seconds making it the ultimate Jaguar sport saloon. A naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, producing 385PS, powers other V8 XF models.

Distinguished by unique exterior and interior design features, the XFR includes revised bumpers and lower front air intakes, sill extensions, bonnet louvres and grilles, four tailpipes, a boot-lid spoiler, unique seats and 20-inch alloy wheels.The new XF 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III diesel features a twin sequential turbocharged engine available as the 275PS/600Nm S or a 240PS/500Nm version. Both offer exceptional efficiency and refinement and in the case of the Diesel S accelerates from 0-60 in just 5.9 seconds.

With 275PS, the new XF 3.0-litre diesel S is 33 percent more powerful than the acclaimed 2.7-litre TDV6 it replaces. Torque peaks at a substantial 600Nm, with 61 percent more torque available from 1500rpm.

Every new engine for the XF range has highly competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures. Both diesel versions deliver combined average fuel consumption of 42.0mpg – an improvement on the acclaimed 2.7-litre engine of nearly 12 percent – and a CO2 of 179g/km.

In the UK, pricing of the new XF range starts at UKP32,900 for the 3.0-litre petrol. The 3.0-litre diesel model is available from UKP33,900 while the new 3.0-litre Diesel S starts at UKP36,900. The XFR is priced at UKP59,900. These models are available from late March.

The new generation of XK and XKR coupe and convertibles, with all-new V8 engines, deliver more power and performance with greater efficiency for 2010 Model Year. With interior enhancements, advanced lightweight aluminium body structure and a wider range of models, plus the new luxurious 'Portfolio' model, the new XK and XKR build on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar.

The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines are the most advanced and efficient petrol engines Jaguar has ever produced.

The XKR features a 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III delivering 510PS (510bhp, SAE), 625Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The XK features a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated AJ-V8 Gen III delivering 385PS (385bhp SAE), 515Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Both models have improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions which meet the forthcoming EU5 emissions legislation.

Exterior changes for the XK and XKR include a distinctive and purposeful new front end design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body valance. Inside the cabin, both the XK and XKR feature the exciting, user-friendly JaguarDrive Selector™ that was first seen on the XF to further enhance the XK's luxury sporting character.

There are now three models in the range: XK, XK Portfolio and XKR. The XK is priced from UKP59,900 for the coupe and UKP65,900 for the convertible and the XKR starts from UKP72,400 for the coupe and UKP78,400 for the convertible. These models are available from late March.

The Bonneville Run

The top speed runs in the XFR prototype held at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, saw the car record a top speed of 225.675mph (363.188km/h).

The car - powered by the all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engine - beat Jaguar's previous speed record of 217.1mph (349.4 km/h) set in the XJ220 in 1992.* Paul Gentilozzi – the owner of Rocketsports Racing who successfully led the Jaguar XKR to five series victories between 2001 and 2006 in the Trans Am series in the USA - drove the car on the record-breaking run.

Running with minor aerodynamic and safety modifications to meet the requirements for a Bonneville run, the 225mph top speed was achieved with additional horsepower liberated by a remapped ECU, a modified air intake and exhaust system and revised supercharger settings. No internal engine components were changed and the six-speed automatic transmission was standard, including the gear ratios.

Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars said: "The all-new supercharged 510bhp XFR - and XKR - add a thrilling new dimension to the Jaguar line-up. We have sharpened the R models, fine-tuning them to deliver a totally focused experience for driving enthusiasts, with the new AJ-V8 Gen III engines delivering refined power and performance and unmatched efficiency.

"This sharper edge - the quicker steering rack, outstanding grip and stability and improved stopping-power - has been achieved by using advanced Jaguar technologies such as Adaptive Dynamics (the latest in computer-controlled suspension and traction control), a new electronic Active Differential Control and significantly uprated brakes."

Paul Gentilozzi added: "During my career, I've raced worldwide from the southern tip of New Zealand to Le Mans. Along the way, I have been privileged to drive and own so many exciting cars but I've never driven one that was as exciting to drive fast as this Jaguar."

The new XFR – the first XF to carry the ‘R’ badge - defines Jaguar’s most performance-focused models. Powered by an all-new supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine developing 510PS and 625Nm of torque, the XFR can accelerate from standstill to 60mph in just 4.7 seconds (0-100kph in 4.9 seconds) and is capable of reaching an electronically limited 155mph. More relevant in everyday driving, an excellent indicator of the XFR’s great flexibility is the time it takes to accelerate from 50-70mph – just 1.9 seconds.

High-speed runs have become indelibly etched into the history of the Jaguar marque. Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the Jaguar XK120's record-breaking 132.6mph run set on 30 May 1949 on a deserted stretch of motorway near Jabbeke in Belgium.

The new XFR demonstrates Jaguar's commitment to delivering exhilarating performance and outstanding dynamics for the driving enthusiast – the ‘Fast’ part of the Jaguar ethos of designing, engineering and manufacturing 'Beautiful, Fast Cars'.

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