First look: Jag lets XKR out of the bag!

AS JAGUAR Australia launches its beautiful new XK coupe and convertible this week, its British parent has released full details of its supercharged XKR model variants ahead of their London International Motor Show debut later this month.

Under the bonnet lurks a blown version of XK’s 4.2-litre 32-valve AJ-V8, which with an Eaton supercharger produces 306kW at 6250rpm and 560Nm at 4000rpm – a considerable advance over the natural-breathing engine, which manufactures 224kW at 6000rpm and 420Nm at 4100rpm.

Kerb weight has increased for the lightweight, aluminium-chassis 2+2 sportscar –the kilo count for the coupe is 1665kg (up 70kg) and 1715kg (up 80kg) – but with the same six-speed "Jaguar Sequential Shift" automatic transmission each XKR variant can reach 100km/h from standstill a full 1.0 seconds earlier than its XK equivalent.

Jaguar claims the XKR coupe completes 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds – 0.3 seconds faster than the previous 298kW/553Nm XKR coupe – with the soft-top 0.1 seconds behind. Across 80-110km/h the XKR coupe needs just 2.5 seconds and the cabrio 2.6 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds ahead of the XK. All versions have a 250km/h governed top speed.

Chassis engineers have increased the suspension’s front spring rate by 38 per cent and the rear spring rate by 24 per cent and, as a consequence of the rear spring adjustment, mounted an additional rear suspension brace between the rear damper towers.

Jaguar’s CATS two-stage adaptive-damping system and the stability and traction control systems have also been recalibrated, and the Servotronic steering system has been retuned to give the steering more weight and responsiveness.

Visual cues denoting the R-branded XKs include a new grille and front bumper design, a vented bonnet and distinctive aluminium-look side "power vents".

The XKRs also have four exhaust outlets rather than two, unique 19-inch "Jupiter" (or optional 20-inch "Cremona") alloy wheels and black brake callipers with an "R" logo for the quartet of ventilated discs (now measuring 355mm diameter at the front end).

The cabin has unique front sports seats with additional lateral support and "R" branding on the headrests. Other "R" decals are found on the tacho, steering wheel and gear selector, while the dash fascia includes an aluminium "weave" pattern as seen on Jaguar’s Advanced Lightweight Coupe showcar. Polished burr walnut will be a no-cost option.

Other options will include a "luxury sports interior" which features soft-grain leather on the 16-way adjustable seats, instrument panel, door trim and centre console.

Pricing is expected to start from around $220,000 for the XKR coupe when the pair arrives next year, with the convertible attracting an estimated $22,000 premium.