The XFR Jaguar is an impressive car. However in the super saloon segment dominated by German brands, the XFR-S always seemed to be odd one out. Although it had an impressive 510hp it still lacked the grunt to keep up with the big boys. However with the launch of the XFR-S, the big boys now have something to worry about.
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| Jaguar XFR-S |
To create the XFR-S Jaguar incorporated cool features from both the XKR-S and F-type two -seater sports car. The design consists of a new front bumper with larger lower central intakes and side air intakes. The central air intake is framed by carbon fibre. The same material is also used to form the front splitter visible at the lower edge of the bumper.
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| Jaguar F-Type |
The extended side sills and aeroblade mouldings behind the front wheels serve to create a sharp break-off point between the lower bodywork and the road surface in order to keep the airflow attached to the car’s sides for as long as possible. At the rear wheels are deeper side mouldings to further boost air flow at the side. The extended rear bumper also incorporates a central carbon fibre diffuser that sinks deeper compared to the one on the XFR. This helps to reduce rear lift this keeping the wheels firmly on the road.
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| Rear of the XFR-S |
The rear lift is further reduced by the use of a bootlid-mounted spoiler that manages airflow at the top of the car. Another large spoiler with a carbon fibre aerofoil centre section is also available. The car rides on wider, six-spoke, lightweight Varuna forged alloy wheels. A ceramic polish is applied to the outer surfaces, its eye-catching appearance contrasting with inner gloss black areas. As an option the wheels can be supplied in either full gloss black or technical grey finishes. Compared to the XFR the XFR-S comes with gloss black trims in place of the chrome trim around the grill, side vents and the bootlid. The same trim is also visible on the front and rear windscreens.
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| Most powerful Jaguar saloon yet |
Under the front bonnet is a 5.0litre supercharged V8 engine with output of 550hp and 650Nm of torque. The power ensures that the new cat can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds. Its competitors are normally limited to 250km/h. This beauty’s speed dial will pass that mark and move to the 300km/h mark with ease.
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| Interior with Warm Charcoal interior trim |
In order to get it noticed more on the streets the central silencer on the exhaust system was replaced by an X-piece and straight-through rear pipes that give the car an impressive exhaust note. It will need 11.6 litres of fuel to cover 100km. Other components were also updated to adapt the new XFR-S to the increased power and torque figure. Married to the engine is an eight speed automatic transmission with Quickshift technology.
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| Black grill with carbon fibre outline |
When the driver changes up a gear manually by using the steering wheel-mounted paddles, the Quickshift strategy ensures the quickest, crispest shifts via rapid and precisely timed engine power input. When downshifting (either manually or when in Sport mode) the engine management system automatically blips the throttle to ensure the XFR-S remains balanced and composed, particularly important on entry to a corner. The use of the eight-speed transmission also allows the Jaguar XFR-S to be offered as standard with Jaguar’s Intelligent Stop/Start system. This automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a halt and the brake pedal is depressed. When the brake is released, the system will restart the engine in less time than it takes for the driver’s foot to move to the accelerator.
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| Jaguar XFR |
The dynamic characteristics of the Jaguar XFR-S were influenced by the engineering developments found in both the XKR-S and the F-Type. The result is an incredibly agile, responsive and involving super saloon. Front suspension have been revised in line with those found on the XKR-S to achieve the increased camber and castor stiffness which, along with new wheel bearings, optimize steering and handling precision. The steering system has additionally benefited from the fitment of the valving developed for the F-Type. At the rear a new subframe has enabled revisions to suspension geometry which has stiffer bushes that work the stiffer springs to increase stability and response. The large 20-inch rims have tires developed by Pirelli.
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| 20-inch alloy rims |
They work in in harmony with the uprated suspension and an active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems. The electronic differential, which can apply full locking torque almost instantaneously when necessary, has been recalibrated in order to exploit the greater grip offered by the wider rear Pirelli tyres, the more precisely controlled suspension and the engine output. Working in parallel with the differential, the ‘Trac DSC’ setting of the Dynamic Stability Control system now offers the enthusiastic driver more opportunity to explore the outer edges of the handling envelope while nevertheless providing a discreet safety net.
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| Jaguar XFR-S |
Inside occupants are greeted by the XFR-S Warm Charcoal leather trim on the seats and doors. Carbon fibre leather effect is used to further enhance the interior trim. The effect is visible on the on the seat bolsters and arm rests and reflects the use of exotic carbon fibre on the aerodynamic elements of the car. The seats themselves are embossed with the R-S logo and can be finished with a choice of contrast colour micro-piping and stitching in red, blue or ivory. The same subtle enhancement runs across the top of the dashboard.
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| Rear diffuser |
The fascia is finished in a Dark Aluminium and it’s also has R-S badge. All five occupants in the super saloon are entertained by a standard 380W 12-speaker Meridan Surround Sound System. An even more powerful 825W 18-speaker system is available. This comes with a Trifield System which places every occupant in the car at the center of the surround-sound arena. This provides unmatched entertainment to all occupants in the XFR-S.
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| Large spoiler with a carbon fibre aerofoil center section |
The blazing new XFR-S super saloon goes on sale from next year. Its impressive power and handling capabilities ensure that the XFR-S is ready to pounce on its three rivals.