XKR-S Coupe and Convertible. Only 25 XKR-S Convertibles are scheduled to come to our shores, with an allocation of only 100 Coupes. All have sold out.
Fortunately, even though all of the 2012 examples have been sold, this special sports car is a halo vehicle for Jaguar and is scheduled for a three-year production run.
Both XKR-S models are propelled by an AJ – Gen III, 5.0-liter DOHC, 32-valve Roots-Type twin-vortex Supercharged V8 engine with spray-guided Direct Injection. The modified V8 engine produces 550 hp in a range from 6,000 to 6,500 rpm, while also generating 502 lb ft of torque from 2,500 to 5,500 rpm. It is positioned longitudinally up front. Both cars sit 10mm lower than the XKR, with increased spring rates fore and aft. Both cars share the same mechanicals and fuel economy.
The engine’s driving force is delivered to the rear wheels through an electronically controlled, six-speed, revised ZF automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters controlling Jaguar’s Sequential Shift function.
The XKR-S Convertible is the most powerful and fastest convertible that Jaguar has ever built, rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed capability of 186 mph.
The XKR-S Coupe and Convertible differ in appearance from the XKR in several ways. The XKR-S features functional twin hood scoops and twin hood vents, side quarter gills are horizontal rather than vertical and lower rocker panels are pronounced and extended. A functional four-stanchion rear spoiler, with an integrated carbon fiber panel, perches atop the rear deck lid. The wheels are forged 20-inch alloy, six-double-spoke units (9.5- inches front and 10.5-inches rear), shod with staggered Pirelli P-Zero rubber. Out back is a blacked-out, straked diffuser with cutouts for the twin dual exhaust outlets. There is also special badging front and rear, and special vertical vents appear at the leading edge of the front wheel well, to facilitate brake cooling.
The Coupe was priced at $132,000, while the Convertible added $6,000. Add $875 for destination and handling charges.
To prove the capability of the new XKR-S, Jaguar arranged for high-speed test runs made on the same runway used by the U.S. Navy’s crack Blue Angels precision flying team at the El Centro Naval Air Facility in California, where portions of the movie “Top Gun” were filmed.
Acceleration is blistering, handling characteristics are spot on, stability is incredible, braking is positive, and the ride quality, though firm, is also quite comfortable. Changing gears via the paddle shifters is both smooth and rapidly responsive, with the automatic mode being considerably quicker and much more efficient than the reaction time delivered by mere mortals.
Bottom line, the Jaguar XKR-S truly represents what may well be the pinnacle of British exclusivity, and promises to become an iconic collectible vehicle for years to come.
