Jaguar XJR revealed in New York
* Fastest XJ, revealed at New York motor show * 543bhp, 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds * Will cost from around 92,500...
This is the new Jaguar XJR, the fastest example yet of the firm's limousine and a model designed to take on AMG-tuned versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The new XJR gets a retuned version of Jaguar's 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, now producing 543bhp and 502lb ft of torque. That's enough to take the Audi S8 rival from rest to 60mph in just 4.4 seconds and up to an electronically limited top speed of 174mph. It does an average of 24.4mpg and emits 270g/km of CO2.
The car also get a bespoke set-up of Jaguar's eight-speed automatic transmission (including engine stop-start), plus new settings on the springs and dampers, the XJ's electronic differential and its Dynamic Stability Control. It has been tuned at the Nurburgring race circuit in Germany, plus Rockingham Motor Speedway in the UK and roads in north Wales. Jaguar claims to have recalibrated the steering for enhanced feel, response and feedback.
The XJR's body modifications include a new front splitter, a rear spoiler, revised sills and new bonnet louvres. It sits on 20-inch alloys with a satin finish and Pirelli tyres that have been developed specifically for the XJR.
Inside, there's contrast colour stitching on the front and rear seats, plus the option of semi-aniline leather and veneers in either carbonfibre or 'piano black'. The car gets a 12-speaker 380W sound system as standard, but an 18-speaker, 825W set-up is available as an option.
The XJR is due on sale as the summer not as a limited edition, but as part of the regular XJ range. Prices will start at around 92,500 and the car will be offered in both short- and long-wheelbase forms.
