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Jaguar XKR
Jaguar's Managing Director Bibiano Boerio unveiled the XKR coupe, the company's performance flagship XK coupe, at the London Show. Boerio, an American who has graciously learned to pronounce Jaguar using all three syllables, described the new model as "a flawless combination of refined Grand Tourer and serious performance sportscar."
We don't doubt it - at the heart of the XKR lies a 420bhp supercharged V8, which combined with a body considerably lighter than the outgoing model results in claimed performance of 5.2seconds to 62mph and a top speed limited to 155mph. The heavier convertible XKR is only fractionally slower.
There's a six-speed sequential-shift gearbox controlled either by a conventional gearlever or paddles mounted on the steering wheel. It can also be operated in fully automatic mode. Jag is claiming an industry-leading shift time of under 0.6 seconds.
Jag spotters will know the XKR from its quad tail pipes, mesh grille, aluminium wing louvres and bonnet louvres, as well as unique 19 or 20 inch alloys. Jaguar says it is already holding 800 advance orders for the XKR.
The XKR coupe costs £67,495, which is £7,500 more than the naturally aspirated 300bhp XK couple launched earlier this year. This makes the XKR look like good value against competitors such as the £81,760 BMW M6 and £75,925 Mercedes Benz SL500.
