Jaguar is proud to unveil its new supercharged sports car - the Jaguar XKR. Building on the excellence of the all-new XK introduced in late 2005, the XKR takes the Jaguar experience to new heights.
Like the XK model, the new XKR makes intelligent use of practical, modern technology such as its industry-leading monocoque body structure. In addition, a 420bhp (SAE) supercharged V8 engine and class-leading calibration of its state-of-the-art, six-speed automatic transmission bring it to a level of accessible, real-world performance that makes the XKR the most impressive, everyday, sporting GT in its class.
The XKR's powerful statement of intent is emphatically reinforced by enhanced sporting styling cues such as a unique front bumper, aluminum-finish grilles and hood vents. Its unique 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs and a quad-exhaust system also add to its overall presence.
"The new supercharged XKR captures perfectly the essence of what makes a Jaguar XK so special," commented Bibiana Boerio, Jaguar Cars managing director. "It is a perfect combination of refined Grand Tourer and serious performance sports car, that delivers a truly rewarding and exhilarating driving experience."
DRIVING DYNAMICS
Driving the new XKR - exhilaration redefined
The new 420bhp (SAE) Jaguar XKR is a sensational car to drive. With 120bhp (SAE) more power than the normally aspirated 4.2-liter XK, the same strong and stiff aluminum body structure that ensures superb ride and handling, and a six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift that is regarded as class-leading in terms of gear-change speed as well as refinement, Jaguar's blend of performance and dynamics reaches new heights with the XKR.
"Our aim when engineering the new XKR was to ensure that the car's characteristics remained in balance despite the significant increase in power over the XK," explains Jaguar's chief engineer, Mike Cross. "Working with that as our base, our brief was to create 'XK plus 30%' - the ultimate sports GT for the real world.
"We wanted the performance and dynamism you would expect of an XKR but were careful to retain that exceptional blend of sporting luxury that every Jaguar must have and which was so convincingly demonstrated with the XK. The bottom line is: if you like the XK, you'll absolutely love the new XKR."
The result of that engineering brief is a car that performs in any condition, at any speed. With superb torque at low engine speeds, instant acceleration is always available should you demand it. Similarly, the advanced steering and suspension set-up means the new XKR switches effortlessly from relaxed grand tourer to honed sports car with ease. It is everything the XK is and much more.