Yet another unveiling at Geneva was the Jaguar XKR-S, which, at 174mph, is the fastest Jaguar since the XJ220 supercar of the '90s. The limited-edition version of the supercharged XKR is also the fastest XK ever, thanks to its recalibrated engine management system that ups the top speed from 155mph.
Only 200 cars will be built in both left- and right-hand drive, for sale exclusively in Europe and covered in Ultimate Black.
The same 4.2 liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission as in the XKR are used, with no bump in power, so Jaguar's 0-60mph acceleration remains the same at 4.9 seconds.
Instead, the XKR-S has different springs and shocks that lower the ride height my 0.4 inches, thicker anti-roll bars, a quicker steering rack and a slipperier exterior. The manufacturers' Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) is also recalibrated. The faster coupe prances on lightweight 20-inch wheels hiding Alcon R brakes which are optional on the XKR.
The exterior is differentiated thanks to a unique front spoiler, rear fascia and spoiler and side skirts, as well as a small XKR-S badge.
Inside, the S gets a full leather interior, a 525 Watt B&W sound system and various XKR-S badged trim pieces.
JAGUAR XKR-S FEATURES XKR-S FEATURES
- Available in Ultimate Black metallic paint colour with contrasting paint finish to the grille, sills, side power vents and rear splitter and diffuser
- Revised front splitter and side sill extensions
- Revised rear spoiler and rear bumper fitted with unique splitter and diffuser panel
- Vortex 20" forged, 14 spoke lightweight alloy wheels with unique design and red Jaguar "Heritage" centre badge
- Alcon R Performance braking system with red callipers
- Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System
- Luxury Sport interior theme with Warm Charcoal full soft-grain leather and Ivory twin needle contrast stitching - 16 way electrically adjustable seating with adjustable bolsters
- Piano Black interior finish to facia and centre console
- Charcoal Alston headlining
- Alloy and leather gear lever with alloy selector gate surround
- Flint carpets with Flint carpet mats, edged in Charcoal leather with Ivory stitching
- XKR-S badging
- Unique XKR-S logo to the instrument cluster, tread-plate, front seat head-restraints and carpet mats
- 6-speed electronic automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM
- Unique dampers and CATSTM (Computer Active Technology Suspension) tuning
- Trac DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) – drive-away release
- New steering rack, springs and revised calibrations
- Reduced ride height (10mm)
- Intelligent Lighting System – automatic headlamps on with windscreen wipers
- Active Front Lighting (dynamic pivoting headlamps)
- Bi-Xenon headlamps with integrated cornering lamps, automatic levelling and headlamp washers
- Bonnet louvres
- Quad tailpipes with polished finish
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Heated exterior mirrors with electric adjustment, power folding auto-dimming and memory function
- Heated windscreen with timer and rain sensing windscreen wipers
- Instant Mobility System (IMS) in lieu of space saver spare wheel
- Memory function with 3 settings for driver's and passenger's seat, exterior mirrors and steering column
- Padded leather 3-spoke steering wheel
- Cruise control with active speed limiter
- Automatic air recirculation with 5 setting
- Automatic climate control with humidity control, air particle/odour filtration and dual zone temperature control for driver and front passenger
- Auto-dimming interior rear view mirror
- Electric windows with one-touch open/close and anti-trap
- Glove box with auxiliary power socket
- Interior mood lighting
- Jaguar Smart Key SystemTM with keyless start
- Keyless Entry
- Alloy pedals
- Remote control central locking with deadlocks and drive-away locking
- Intrusion and perimetric alarm with passive sounder and battery back-up
- Engine immobiliser
- Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound with 525W Jaguar Premium surround sound
- Navigation system with DVD mapping and 7 inch Touch-screen
- Bluetooth® telephone connectivity
- 6-disc in-dash CD changer
- Windows Media® Audio (WMA) and MP3 disc compatibility
- iPod and USB connectivity
- Adaptive Restraint Technology System (ARTSTM)
- Airbags, front and side (driver and front passenger)
- Belt reminder system (front seats only)
- Front seat whiplash reduction system
- Pedestrian Contact Sensing – automatically deployable bonnet system
- ISOfix anchor points for rear child seat
- Front and rear seat belt pre-tensioners
Car Lease Specials - The Jaguar XF
With the new year coming up fast, it seems that everybody is gearing up to check out all sorts of car lease specials; especially with the many rumored super cars that are coming out in 2008. One of these cars is more anticipated than any other and that's none other than the new Jaguar XF. Unlike the Jaguar of old, this one really does resemble the mean looks of an actual big cat. The Jaguar XF goes beyond the traditional standards of the classy Jag we are all used to.
What we know about this jaguar that's due out in March is that while it uses the old S-Type bases and suspension from the XK coupe, what it looks like is entirely different. It takes on a sportier more than luxurious look although it doesn't give up too much as it still looks like a million dollars. It will definitely be a head turner for a much younger market, but this doesn't mean it will alienate the Jaguar's dedicated market as it still retains the class that Jag is known for; this is especially true if you manage to get one of these car lease specials in a dark color, like black.
What you see outside is definitely not true inside the XF. The exterior is a lot ore buff but inside, you may be surprised with the luxury of space that you will enjoy. The seats are not as bulky as you might expect and this offers an impression of more air and space. However, this is a good thing, especially with all the things that this car packs in. Expect wood and aluminum alloy on the inner sides, a lowered dashboard, a rotary gear selector in the center and a starter button that flashes upon entering the car. As a standard, consumers get cruise control, heated seats and satellite navigation! That leaves room for the imagination as far as add-ons are concerned.
Speaking of room, the Jaguar XF has just enough of it. In fact, a six-foot person sitting in the back will actually have a lot of head room left between his or head and the ceiling. Foot room is quite spacious but the 500-liter trunk space is a lot more generous and the back seats also fold for additional space.
Expect the Jaguar XF to "hit the shelves" on March 1 2008. It will come in two whopping 4.2 liter V8 models, one with a supercharger and one without. There will also be a 3.0 liter V6 for the slightly less adventurous and a 2.7 liter V6 turbo diesel for the gas-consumption conscious. This is the definitely the cat to beat as soon as it hits the market and at over $60,000, this price range is only rivaled by Germany's BMW 550i M Sport. It all depends in what class you choose to belong to when it comes to shopping for the top car leasing specials.
