JAGUAR’s been through some tough times of late. Blimey, depending on whom you believe, the company is still up for sale! And it’s been through so many “rebirths” and “last-chances” by now, that it has become difficult not to be cynical when discussing this glorious marque’s future. But there is hope, and soon you’ll understand why… Bring in the Jaguar XKR.
Although we haven’t tested a new XK, we do have plenty of experience with this model, as we attended its international launch in South Africa last year. It impressed us, but ultimately didn’t quite blow us away. Its sensuous lines lacked aggression, we thought. But far more disappointing was the lack of verve – although the XK uses aluminium construction, it remains a heavy car, and 219 kW is simply not enough to make it fly, or roar.
Which brings us neatly to the Jaguar XKR on these pages. This is a car that aims to address both these criticisms. Our test car – a convertible – retains every body panel of the “standard” XK, but benefits tremendously from several detail changes. It sits hunkered down on massive 20- inch wheels. At the front, the EType- inspired grille and lower airdam are covered with shiny aluminium mesh. The ventilation outlets on the bonnet are inscribed with the word “supercharged”, and at the rear there are four mean exhaust outlets sprouting from a more muscular bumper. The XKR drew admiring glances wherever we went, whether the roof was up or down. And this time round nobody mentioned Hyundai’s Tiburon…
Inside, the changes are again subtle, but very effective. The facia features new aluminium weave trim that brightens up the interior without looking cheap, and subtle “R” logos on the gearknob and steering wheel, amongst a few other places. Other changes include brand new XKR sports seats.
The cabin is a comfortable place to be, with good head-, shoulder- and legroom in front (the rear seats are really only for emergencies), low noise levels, and a high level of equipment including electric-everything and an impressive-looking fullcolour touch-screen navigation system. Unfortunately, the screen is mounted a bit low, so you end up taking your eyes off the road when using it, and some of the displays should be less cluttered. Generally speaking, the ergonomics and appearance of the facia are firstclass, but perhaps Jaguar could have done a bit more to make it feel “special”. As it is, you could be sitting in any of a number of luxurious saloons…
But this is nit picking. The best way to savour the Jaguar XKR driving experience is by dropping the top. This is done automatically (although you have to keep the button on the windscreen header depressed) in just 18 seconds. Compared with the XK, the “R’s” aluminium monocoque body structure has been left as is, save for the addition of a suspension brace at the rear to cope with the 24 per cent higher rear spring rate (front spring rate up by 38 per cent).
Aluminium construction not withstanding, the XKR Convertible still tips the scales at a hefty 1 859 kg!
Thankfully, there is plenty more firepower under the bonnet. The standard 4,2-litre AJ-V8 engine has benefited from the addition of an Eaton-type supercharger, which boosts power to 306 kW at 6 250 r/min and maximum torque to 560 N.m, available at 4 000. For the first time on an XKR engine, variable inlet camshaft timing is included. The car also features an active exhaust system, tuned to purr atnormal “drive-by” speeds, and to roar like a demon when the driver puts his/her foot down.
Interestingly, Jaguar purposely tried to mask the characteristic supercharger whine that some people may have expected from this engine set-up, deciding instead on a more muscular, primal sound.
The engine is mated with Jaguar’s superb six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, which allows the driver to select either normal Drive, or the faster Sport setup. Alternatively, there are also paddles behind the steering wheel for “manual shifts”. It is one of the few automatic ‘boxes that are impressive when shifts are executed manually.
Plus, there is the added bonus of programmed-in blips during rapid downshifts… The XKR managed to match Jaguar’s performance claims during our performance testing, clocking a 0-100 km/h time of 5,3 seconds, and reached its electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h without breaking a sweat. It also excelled in our brake test routine, achieving a 2,88-second average stopping time from 100 km/h, which rates as excellent. Ventilated discs are used all-round, measuring 326 mm in front and 355 mm at the rear. ABS with Brake Assist is standard. Of course, the Jaguar XKR also utilises Jaguar’s acclaimed CATS adaptive damping system, which has been fettled to provide a sportier, firmer driving experience. And, according to Jaguar, the electronically assisted power steering has been firmed up, too. Unfortunately, the steering remains arguably the weak spot of this package, feeling eerily dead – and too light – around the straight ahead, especially at low to medium speeds. It is also at these speeds that the steering is most influenced by road irregularities, with plenty of the bumps reaching the palms of the driver’s hands through steering kickback.
It gets much better when speeds are higher. Although the normal “drive-by” speeds, and to roar like a demon when the driver puts his/her foot down. Interestingly, Jaguar purposely tried to mask the characteristic supercharger whine that some people may have expected from this engine set-up, deciding instead on a more muscular, primal sound.
The engine is mated with Jaguar’s superb six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, which allows the driver to select either normal Drive, or the faster Sport setup.
Alternatively, there are also paddles behind the steering wheel for “manual shifts”. It is one of the few automatic ‘boxes that are impressive when shifts are executed manually.
Plus, there is the added bonus of programmed-in blips during rapid downshifts… The Jaguar XKR managed to match Jaguar’s performance claims during our performance testing, clocking a 0-100 km/h time of 5,3 seconds, and reached its electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h without breaking a sweat. It also excelled in our brake test routine, achieving a 2,88-second average stopping time from 100 km/h, which rates as excellent. Ventilated discs are used all-round, measuring 326 mm in front and 355 mm at the rear. ABS with Brake Assist is standard.
Of course, the XKR also utilises Jaguar’s acclaimed CATS adaptive damping system, which has been fettled to provide a sportier, firmer driving experience. And, according to Jaguar, the electronically assisted power steering has been firmed up, too. Unfortunately, the steering remains arguably the weak spot of this package, feeling eerily dead – and too light – around the straight ahead, especially at low to medium speeds. It is also at these speeds that the steering is most influenced by road irregularities, with plenty of the bumps reaching the palms of the driver’s hands through steering kickback.
It gets much better when speeds are higher. Although theXKR can’t be described as unyielding, considering what it is, the ride quality does improve markedly the faster you go, and the steering gets meatier as well. Once you’ve turned in, the steering is actually nicely weighted and gives good feedback. However, it remains a car that demands that the driver be involved – drive it half-heartedly and its weight and size will not impress. But become part of the action – use the gearshift paddles, throw it around, and play with the throttle – and it becomes a highly addictive drive, all the time accompanied by the most spine-tingling sound track this side of a Ferrari…
Prospective buyers need to understand that the Jaguar XKR isn’t meant to be a junior supercar, but rather a fast GT. That simply means that it doesn’t possess the uncompromising and knife-edge dynamics of a Lamborghini, for example, but counters with real everyday usability. The XKR is a quite superb long-distance car – the interior is designed to steer clear of the gimmicky nature of some of its rivals and, when you’re seated in front, comfort levels are sky-high.