THE fastest Jaguar ever looks angry. With gaping mouth and flared nostrils, this XK coupé seems to snarl where once it stared impassively. This new and more menacing image suits the Jaguar XKR-S.
After all, it is the first production Jag to hit 300kmh. Previously, the most powerful XK was the XKR. The XKR-S uses the same 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine as the XKR to drive the rear wheels but with a new ECU and bigger bore exhausts to extract even more power and torque. With 550hp and 680Nm, there an extra 40 horses and 55 Newton-metres compared with the R.
Naturally, acceleration has improved, with zero to 100 kmh now dispatched in 4.4sec, down from the R's 4.8sec. More than that however, the R-S drives like a totally different car. It is incredibly responsive. The slightest pressure on the accelerator pedal causes it to leap forward enthusiastically and there is always more torque to summon. One reason why it feels so different is that the torque curve is no longer flat but has a higher peak.
The accompanying soundtrack is equally exciting. In Dynamic mode and under hard acceleration, the V8 burbles and the exhaust crackles. On the other hand, quick downshifts elicit an intoxicating backfire like rolling thunder. Like the R, the R-S has a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts for fast changes.
To sharpen the steering, Jaguar engineers gave the XKR-S a new and more rigid aluminium upright that is fatter but not any heavier. Along with stiffer suspension all-round - the front springs by 28 per cent and the rear by 32 per cent - the steering becomes more precise than before. But because it also lightens up when travelling fast on a bumpy road, it can get slightly twitchy and requires more driver attention.
To increase downforce and stability, the R-S' ride height is lowered by 10mm and its aerodynamics overhauled. The new front end features a carbon fibre splitter and a pair of vertical air slots at the sides.
On top, the bonnet vents from the R are still there but they are now joined by another pair of air intakes between the slimmer LED headlights. At the back, there is a separate carbon fibre rear wing instead of the R's integrated boot spoiler. Together, there is an overall reduction in lift of 26 per cent.
The XKR-S rides on 20-inch Pirelli P Zero tyres - 255mm in front and 295 behind - for very good grip. Occasionally though, it will still show its playful side, like when its tail swings out if the accelerator is floored in a slow corner.
But overall, the ride comfort is surprisingly good, thanks to the retuned adaptive damping system which adjusts the settings up to a hundred times a second. With its effortless power and harder edge, the XKR-S is the extremely sporty option. Yet, the luxury of this big coupé also means it is a very comfortable grand tourer.
The R-S has a new interior with new performance seats and a new multi-function steering wheel. The centre console is also updated with new trim and the leather headlining above is nothing short of exquisite.
The XKR-S will arrive here in December and for now, there is no indicative pricing. It is certain though that it should cost more than the XKR, which is currently listed at $435,000. Still, this big cat should be highly desirable.
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After all, it is the first production Jag to hit 300kmh. Previously, the most powerful XK was the XKR. The XKR-S uses the same 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine as the XKR to drive the rear wheels but with a new ECU and bigger bore exhausts to extract even more power and torque. With 550hp and 680Nm, there an extra 40 horses and 55 Newton-metres compared with the R.
Naturally, acceleration has improved, with zero to 100 kmh now dispatched in 4.4sec, down from the R's 4.8sec. More than that however, the R-S drives like a totally different car. It is incredibly responsive. The slightest pressure on the accelerator pedal causes it to leap forward enthusiastically and there is always more torque to summon. One reason why it feels so different is that the torque curve is no longer flat but has a higher peak.
The accompanying soundtrack is equally exciting. In Dynamic mode and under hard acceleration, the V8 burbles and the exhaust crackles. On the other hand, quick downshifts elicit an intoxicating backfire like rolling thunder. Like the R, the R-S has a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts for fast changes.
To sharpen the steering, Jaguar engineers gave the XKR-S a new and more rigid aluminium upright that is fatter but not any heavier. Along with stiffer suspension all-round - the front springs by 28 per cent and the rear by 32 per cent - the steering becomes more precise than before. But because it also lightens up when travelling fast on a bumpy road, it can get slightly twitchy and requires more driver attention.
To increase downforce and stability, the R-S' ride height is lowered by 10mm and its aerodynamics overhauled. The new front end features a carbon fibre splitter and a pair of vertical air slots at the sides.
On top, the bonnet vents from the R are still there but they are now joined by another pair of air intakes between the slimmer LED headlights. At the back, there is a separate carbon fibre rear wing instead of the R's integrated boot spoiler. Together, there is an overall reduction in lift of 26 per cent.
The XKR-S rides on 20-inch Pirelli P Zero tyres - 255mm in front and 295 behind - for very good grip. Occasionally though, it will still show its playful side, like when its tail swings out if the accelerator is floored in a slow corner.
But overall, the ride comfort is surprisingly good, thanks to the retuned adaptive damping system which adjusts the settings up to a hundred times a second. With its effortless power and harder edge, the XKR-S is the extremely sporty option. Yet, the luxury of this big coupé also means it is a very comfortable grand tourer.
The R-S has a new interior with new performance seats and a new multi-function steering wheel. The centre console is also updated with new trim and the leather headlining above is nothing short of exquisite.
The XKR-S will arrive here in December and for now, there is no indicative pricing. It is certain though that it should cost more than the XKR, which is currently listed at $435,000. Still, this big cat should be highly desirable.
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