Storming Jaguar XFR blasts off
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The big cat is set to make its loudest roar yet, Auto Express can reveal! This is the XFR – a high-performance flagship version of Jaguar’s brilliant new executive saloon.
Our spy photographers snapped the hot XF as it underwent final high-speed testing in Germany, and they follow on from the images we published in Issue 990.
When it reaches showrooms here early next year, the newcomer will be equipped with a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine – delivering 500bhp – as well as uprated suspension and bigger brakes. It’s set to cost around £60,000, and will target formidable rivals in the shape of Audi’s S6, the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG.
At first glance, this prototype does not look much like a machine with performance to match a supercar. But study these images more closely, and you’ll spot all the tell-tale signs that this is one of the fastest Jaguars ever.
At the rear, the XFR features quad exhausts instead of the twin set-up seen on the existing flagship SV8 variant. In addition, Jaguar engineers have also added a neat boot spoiler to enhance stability at high speeds, while there are larger openings in the deep front bumper for improved cooling of the brakes and powerplant.
Further clues to the XFR’s performance potential are provided by the lowered ride height, flared wheel-arches and massive alloys, which are mis-matched on this pre-production prototype. The XFR will run on huge 20-inch rubber at the rear, with super- wide tyres and an increased track too.
It gets retuned adaptive dampers and suspension components from the SV8 – themselves derived from those on the XK coupé. And as test drivers have racked up thousands of miles honing the chassis at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany – as well as at this secret track – the XFR will be among the best-handling cars in its class.
Engineers will ensure it delivers lots of steering feel and driver involvement. Yet even though it will be the sportiest model in the XF line-up, the car will still provide a comfortable ride in keep-ing with Jaguar’s reputation.
As with the SV8, the XFR will have a wide range of settings for the transmission, including a Dynamic Mode that allows more slippage from the rear wheels under acceleration and snappier changes from the six-speed auto. It also improves throttle response.
Huge ventilated disc brakes ensure supreme stopping power. That’s just as well because of the power output delivered by the blown V8 engine. It promises to propel the car from 0-60mph in well under five seconds. The XFR’s maximum speed will be electronic-ally limited to 155mph, but it will eclipse its sister model by some margin in terms of in-gear performance and overtaking response. Sour-ces within Jaguar have even suggested that the model is being developed to run on green E85 bioethanol as well – although whatever the fuel source, the XFR is sure to offer a soundtrack as spectacular as its pace.
Thanks to an acoustic exhaust sys-tem, which opens up special baffles when the revs rise beyond 3,500rpm, owners will benefit from a wonderful offbeat V8 rumble under acceleration. Yet when the throttle is treated more gently, the big engine will be whisper quiet, allowing refined cruising.
Expect a whole host of equipment to be fitted as standard, ranging from sat-nav and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity to figure-hugging sports seats with electric adjustment. Deliveries of the first standard XFs will be made next month, but the R isn’t due on sale until spring next year.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/217857/jaguar_xfr.html
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