Supercharged V8 adds lustre to Jag XK range

BILLED as Jaguar’s ultimate sports car, the $227,900 XKR will make its first public appearance Down Under at the Brisbane motor show this week.

Presented in coupe form, the newest flagship features a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine with no less than 306kW and 560Nm on tap.

The car’s all-aluminium body is 70kg lighter than its predecessor at 1665kg, translating into a 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds. It also has a 250km/h electronically limited top speed.

Bigger brakes and uprated Computer Aided Technology Suspension (CATS) boost stopping, steering and cornering performance.

Jaguar’s sleekest cat has a number of distinguishing marks on the outside including 19-inch alloy wheels, a traditional mesh grille, louvred bonnet, side engine vents and quad exhausts.

Orders are being taken for the R-rated coupe and also the $249,900 convertible.

However availability will be limited and waiting times are still to be confirmed – not a surprise given Jaguar currently has a waiting list out till June for the XK8 coupe and convertible.