Jaguar XKR (2006 – 2015) Review

June 2006

New XKR launched

Jaguar launched its new supercharged sports car - the Jaguar XKR - in mid 2006. Building on the excellence of the all-new XK introduced in late 2005, the XKR 'takes the Jaguar experience to new heights.'

Like the normally aspirated XK model, the XKR makes intelligent use of modern technology such as its aluminium monocoque body structure. In addition, an uprated 420bhp supercharged V8 engine and state-of-the-art, six-speed automatic transmission bring it a level of accessible, real-world performance that makes the XKR one of the most impressive, everyday, sporting GT in its class. Enhanced sporting styling cues include a unique front bumper, aluminium-finish grilles and bonnet louvers plus unique 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheel designs along with a quad-exhaust system.

With 120bhp more power than the normally aspirated 4.2-litre XK, the same strong and stiff aluminium body structure and a six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift, the XK is a great blend of performance and dynamics. Producing 420bhp at 6250rpm and 560Nm of torque at 4000rpm it is capable of propelling the Coupe version to 60mph in 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the Convertible) and onto an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

The Sequential Shift uniquely combines all the speed and involvement of a sequential manual gearbox with the comfort and convenience of a full automatic. The system consists of steering wheel-mounted paddles and a conventional gear selector lever, allowing the driver to switch between three automatic or paddle-operated gearbox modes.

Whereas an automated manual gearbox interrupts the flow of torque during the gearchange ' while the clutch is disengaged ' the Jaguar's gearbox maintains the flow of torque throughout the shifting process. This results in gearchanges that are not only quick, but also remarkably smooth. Gearshifts are achieved in less than 600 milliseconds, from the point at which the driver operates the shift paddle to the point at which the shift is complete.

The three gearbox modes give the driver total flexibility to use the transmission to match whatever driving style he or she chooses. In Drive mode, the gearbox behaves as a conventional automatic, with the software optimised for every day driving conditions providing all the benefits of a best-in-class automatic transmission.

In Sport mode, the gearbox's adaptive software becomes more prevalent, adapting and reacting more dynamically to demanding conditions. This software takes account of the prevailing conditions and driver's inputs and adapts accordingly. For example, it recognises when the car is negotiating a curve, and holds the gear accordingly; Hill Recognition enables the XKR to choose the ratios to optimise the ascent or descent of a hill; the gearbox's software will also match the engine speed precisely to the engine and road speeds, 'blipping' the throttle during rapid downshifts.

Manual mode is activated by simply operating one of the steering wheel-mounted paddles, and delivers a state-of-the-art manual gear shift feel from the automatic transmission. To ensure optimum ride and handling the XKR's springs and dampers are uprated compared to the normally aspirated XK. The front spring rate is increased by 38% and the rear spring rate by 24%.

Because of the inherent strength and stiffness of the chassis, the only significant addition to the XKR's structure is an additional rear suspension brace mounted between the rear damper towers to accommodate the significant increase in rear spring rate. This also allows the Convertible to utilise the same dynamic settings as the Coupe model.

The XKR has a new front bumper, aluminium side vents, bonnet louvres and unique 'XKR' aluminium finish to upper and lower front mesh grilles, aluminium finish to rear signature 'blade', unique 'Jupiter' design 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 20-inch 'Cremona' XKR wheel available as an option, black brake callipers with 'R' logo, a quad exhaust system and unique lower bumper

A unique sports seat design with additional lateral support for both the driver and front seat passenger has been added, with an 'R' badge on the headrests, tachometer, steering wheel and gear selector. The design of the standard aluminium interior veneer is also unique to the XKR, featuring a 'weave' pattern. XKR customers can also specify the Luxury Sports interior option which features softgrain leather on the 16-way adjustable seats, instrument panel, door trim and centre console.

July 2007

XKR Portfolio introduced

Offers even greater technology and luxury for those seeking the ultimate sports coupe. Unique exterior revisions include 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels, polished aluminium side vents and Celestial Black paint.

A host of new additions to the interior further the luxurious look and feel of the XKR Portfolio. A new Engine-Spun aluminium veneer is standard along with a new alloy and leather gearshift selector, soft-grab door handles, contrast stitching throughout the cabin and soft grain leather with warm charcoal seats. The XKR Portfolio also features a new high-performance braking system with 400mm front discs and 350mm rear discs - the largest ever fitted to a production Jaguar.

March 2008

XKR-S launched

The short-lived XKR-S was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008 and features the 4.2-litre V8 supercharged engine. With recalibrated engine management, the XKR-S reaches an electronically limited top speed of 174mph - 19mph faster than the XKR. This additional performance is made accessible by improved aerodynamics (reduced drag and lift) and unique suspension set-up. Other additions include an Alcon R Performance braking system featuring distinctive red monobloc six-piston callipers carrying the R logo and 400mm diameter brake discs at the front and 350mm discs at the rear.

Each XKR-S includes a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with 525W Premium audio, featuring low distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and aluminium dome speakers, designed and tuned specifically for XK. This limited edition coupé in Ultimate Black is identified by the unique XKR-S badge on the rear of the car.

March 2009

The new generation XKR coupe and convertibles, with all-new V8 engines, deliver more power and performance with greater efficiency for the 2010 Model Year. They also features interior enhancements, advanced lightweight aluminium body structure and a wider range of models, plus the new luxurious 'Portfolio' model.

The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines are the most advanced and efficient petrol engines Jaguar has ever produced. The XKR features a 5.0-litre supercharged engine delivering 510bhp and 625Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds. Despite these improvements, fuel economy and CO2 emissions are both lower. Exterior changes include a distinctive and purposeful new front end design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body valance. Inside the cabin, it has the exciting, user-friendly JaguarDrive Selector that was first seen on the XF.

July 2010

An exclusive XKR - the XKR 75 - made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2010. Jaguar engineers increased the power and torque of the 5.0-litre supercharged engine to 530bhp and 655Nm respectively, so the limited edition model's top speed is electronically limited to 174mph and the 0-60mph time is reduced from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds compared to the standard 510bhp XKR.

The XKR 75 features revised suspension and handling for increased precision and agility in addition to the performance enhancements. To ensure the XKR 75 remains stable at high speeds, a revised aerodynamic body pack with a front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR's computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.

There is also an improved acoustics package for the semi-active sports exhaust, the XKR 75 produces a growl to match its performance. The car's driver-focussed character, however, has not been achieved at the expense of the Jaguar traditional values of refinement and comfort.

The XKR 75 features a new Stratus Grey finish. Red brake callipers contrast the 20-inch gloss Vortex forged lightweight alloys with a dark technical finish and diamond turn. Customers will have the option to apply a unique body graphic that runs from the front bumper to the rear haunches. The XKR 75's interior completes the driver-focussed performance environment finished in Charcoal with ivory stitch, piano black finish to facia and centre console and a Jet suedecloth headlining. Production of the XKR 75 will be limited to just 75 vehicles, which were available to order from July 2010.

August 2010

Speed Pack added

The XKR Coupe is now available with an optional Speed Pack, allowing customers to further strengthen their XKR's already impressive breadth of capability, by extending the car's top speed from 155mph (250km/h) to an electronically limited 174mph (280km/h) thanks to a unique engine and transmission recalibration.

To ensure the XKR with Speed Pack remains stable at high speeds, the coupe uses a revised front aerodynamic splitter and larger rear spoiler to provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR's computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.

Every XKR with the Speed Pack will come with body-coloured side sills and rear diffuser, and a chrome finish to the window surrounds, upper and lower mesh grilles, side Power Vents and boot lid finisher. Red brake callipers with a Jaguar ‘R' logo sit inside 20-inch Kasuga alloy wheels.

Customers who order the XKR Coupe with the Speed Pack will be offered a paint palette that is part of the Jaguar Designers' Choice programme - a range of colours that have been specifically chosen to compliment the performance potential of the car. Seven colours are available on Speed Pack models - Ultimate Black, Polaris White, Salsa Red, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Kyanite Blue and Spectrum Blue.

For customers looking to create a real statement with their Speed Pack XKR Coupe, the new optional Black Pack allows them to own a bold and purposeful Jaguar with undeniable visual impact thanks to menacing gloss black wheels and exterior detailing.

Available only with the Speed Pack, XKRs fitted with the Black Pack have a paint palette selected from colours that Jaguar's Design team believe to be ideal for creating a coupe with immediate exclusivity. The Black Pack models will be available in Ultimate Black, Polaris White or Salsa Red and boast eye-catching 20-inch gloss black Kalimnos alloy wheels. Further gloss black finishing is applied to the window surrounds and front grilles. Red painted brake callipers contrast strongly with the black alloy wheels, while body coloured front and rear spoilers and boot lid finisher round out the package. Customers also have the option to apply a sweeping ‘XKR' side body graphic that runs along the door sills.

In addition to the Black Pack's exterior changes, the Jaguar Designers' Choice programme has also selected a range of interior trims that support the visual impact of the car. All XKRs with the Black Pack will be trimmed with Charcoal leather hides that can be personalised with a range of colour stitching and grain. Three interior finishes and veneers for the fascia and door trims are also available - Dark Oak, Dark Mesh Aluminium and Piano Black.

February 2011

XKR-S launched

Uprated supercharged V8 engine, overhauled suspension and a new aerodynamically-driven design. The XKR-S engine offers 550PS and 680Nm of torque, enough for a top speed of 186mph (300km/h). 0-60mph 4.2 seconds, 0-100mph 8.6 seconds.

The XKR-S is not merely the quickest Jaguar ever, but also the most agile, responsive and driver-focused. It exploits the XK’s strong, lightweight aluminium body architecture to maximise both handling and economy. Alongside its incredible performance, the XKR-S is the only car in its class that emits less than 300g/km CO2. Bespoke suspension changes to the front and rear offer ultimate precision, control and driver appeal, while a reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics system allows the enthusiastic driver to explore the edges of the handling envelope.

January 2014

XK Dynamic R introduced

The performance focused 510PS 5.0-litre supercharged XK Dynamic R – based on the existing XKR – offers Black Dynamic Pack, which incorporates XKR-S suspension and dynamics and a 10mm reduction in ride height, plus Speed Pack, which equips the car with an Aerodynamic Pack and an increased top speed of 174mph. A Performance Active Exhaust is also standard equipment. First deliveries to UK customers of the new XK Signature and Dynamic R editions are expected in March.

The XK Dynamic R’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8, offers power and torque figures of 510PS and 625Nm respectively, taking the car to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds with a limited top speed of 174mph. The XK Dynamic R emits 292g/km.

The supercharged XK Dynamic R edition also benefits from Jaguar's Active Differential Control technology. This uses a multiplate clutch to vector torque to the driven wheel with the most grip. Allied to ABS and stability control, this allows for the ultimate in traction and precision both mid-corner and at its exit. The XK Signature model uses a mechanical differential, which delivers outstanding levels of grip and stability under power.

The XK Dynamic R boasts Jaguar’s new diamond sewn Performance seat in either Ivory/Charcoal soft grain leather with Ivory contrast stitch or Charcoal/Red soft grain leather with Red contrast stitch leather. Featuring integrated head restraints and increased lateral and squab support, the new seats hold driver and passenger securely and comfortably in place. The 16-way adjustment of squab, cushion, lumbar and bolster elements is supplemented by memory and heating functions. The interior Jet Suedecloth headliner is complemented with Piano Black veneers. Bright Metal sport pedals are also fitted as standard.

It has 20-inch Vortex diamond turned wheels – with distinctive Red painted brake calipers – and the option of 20-inch Vulcan Gloss Black lightweight alloys.