Jaguar Introduces XKR-S | Jaguar Media Newsroom (2024)

1. The most powerful and fastest series production sports carJaguar has ever built with a top speed of 300km/h.
2. The ultimate expression of Jaguar's sports car strategy;offering intelligent performance with everyday driveability.
3. Uprated supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III R direct-injection engineproduces 550PS and 680Nm of torque.
4. Maximum speed raised to 186mph (300km/h) with 0-60mph reachedin just 4.2 seconds.
5. The only car in its class to emit less than 300g/km ofCO2.
6. Active sports exhaust delivers an authentic, race-car inspiredsoundtrack.
7. Exploits the XK's strong, lightweight advanced aluminium bodyarchitecture to maximise performance, agility and economy.
8. Bespoke suspension changes front and rear for ultimateprecision, control and driver appeal.
9. Unique styling changes incorporate Computational Fluid Dynamicscalculations in order to reduce lift and maximise aerodynamicstability.
10. Revised interior features 16-way adjustable memory sports seatswith carbon-fibre effect leather.
11. Reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics allow the enthusiastic driver toexplore the outer edges of the handling envelope.
12. Jaguar's performance flagship competes in the sub-exoticsegment, new territory for the company.

Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2011, the XKR-S is themost extreme expression yet of Jaguar's passion for buildingbeautiful, fast cars. For the first time with a series productioncar, Jaguar gains entry to the exclusive '300km/h club' thanks tothe effortless performance of the supercharged 5.0-litre AJ-V8engine. A revised fuelling map means the direct-injectionpowerplant now produces 550PS and 680Nm of torque. Extensiverecalibration has ensured that power delivery and performance areseamless, contributing to a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds. ThePerformance active exhaust encourages and rewards the enthusiasticdriver with dramatic, motorsport-inspired aural feedback.

The XKR-S is not merely the quickest Jaguar ever but also themost agile, responsive and driver-focused. The pinnacle of the XKrange builds on feedback gathered from the supercharged XKR and hasbeen developed to extend the performance parameters of the car.This new harder-edged character allows the enthusiastic driver toexplore the outer limits of the car's dynamics without losing therefinement and usability for which Jaguar is famous. The structuralintegrity of the lightweight aluminium platform allowed thesuspension to be reworked using bespoke components for increasedstiffness without a commensurate loss in either refinement orJaguar's legendary ride comfort. A reworked aluminium frontsuspension knuckle and revised rear geometry are allied to stiffersprings and dampers, lightweight forged alloy wheels andrecalibrated steering effort to minimise any response delays andproduce a more connected and agile driving experience.

The performance of the XKR-S is reflected in both its interiorand exterior styling, the latter featuring exclusive new paintcolours that reflect Jaguar's racing heritage. As with competitionJaguars of the past, the exterior of the XKR-S adheres to theprinciple of form following function. In addition to the stylingchanges and in order for it to achieve 300km/h, the XKR-S was thesubject of extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics development work.The resulting changes reduced front and rear lift by more than aquarter and optimised lateral aerodynamic stability.

The sporting intent of the XKR-S is clear from the moment thedriver enters the cabin thanks to new cosseting Performance seatswith prominent shoulder wings for close support during hardcornering. The seats feature 16-way adjustment, memory and heatingfunctions while a new three-spoke steering wheel provides theperfect interface between car and driver.

Styling

• Unique, new front-end design with twin nacelles, side intakesand carbon-fibre splitter.
• Extended side sills emphasising the 10mm lower rideheight.
• New rear apron incorporating a carbon-fibre diffuser.
• Unique to the XKR-S is a rear wing with carbon-fibre centresection.

Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars: "The styling of thiscar isn't about image, it's about true performance. Like othericonic Jaguars before it, the styling has been driven by geometryand aerodynamics for genuine design purity. The physics required toachieve 300km/h have led the aesthetic; if you don't like the wayit looks, you probably won't like the way it drives either."

The first Jaguar designed entirely under the aegis of DesignDirector Ian Callum, the XK has received awards worldwide for itselegant appearance. Now further styling changes keep the XKR-S atthe forefront of modern sports car design. Slimmer, LED headlights,a more compact main air intake and vertical side power vent allcontribute to a more purposeful front-end appearance. At the rearof the car the famous Jaguar 'Leaper' now takes pride of place inthe centre of the bootlid.

The XKR-S also required aerodynamic modifications to achieve its300km/h top speed in the unruffled manner expected of a Jaguar andhas been designed solely with an eye for purity of line andsingularity of purpose. As the XKR-S approaches its top speed,there is a requirement to channel air cleanly over, around andunder the car in order to maintain stability and ensure balanceddownforce front and rear. An overall reduction in lift of 26 percent has been achieved.

The necessary revisions were made after extensive ComputationalFluid Dynamics work, proven through wind tunnel testing and areunique to this flagship of the XK range. The most dramatic changeshave been applied to the front of the car, radically altering itsappearance and lending it a more assertive look. A new bumperdesign incorporates near vertical feature lines running down fromthe edges of the oval air intake and supporting the newcarbon-fibre splitter and lower spoiler. At the extreme edges ofthe front fenders, vertical slots channel air down the sides of thecar and along the wider sills for increased high-speed directionalstability.

In order to balance front and rear lift, the XKR-S features aseparate rear wing, a first for the XK range. This addition, withits carbon-fibre centre section, works in concert with thesimilarly constructed Venturi structure underneath the rearbumper.

The assertive new appearance of the XKR-S is subtly highlightedby some carefully chosen details exclusive to this model. Exteriortrim is finished in gloss black, complemented by 20-inch Vulcanlightweight forged alloys in a dark technical finish.

The XKR-S is available in a range of five paint colours, two ofwhich evoke Jaguar's competition heritage: Italian Racing Red andFrench Racing Blue.

Like the lining of a bespoke suit, the finishing touch isprovided by the brake calipers, available in either red or gunmetaland emblazoned with the 'Jaguar' name.

Performance/Powertrain

• Third generation of the award-winning AJ-V8 all-aluminiumpowerplant with twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger.
• Revising the fuelling map boosts power and torque to 550PS and680Nm.
• Spray-guided direct injection delivers precisely measuredquantities of fuel into the cylinder heads at 150bar.
• Variable timing system on all four camshafts features actuationrates of more than 150 degrees per second.

Russ Varney, Chief Programme Engineer, XK: "With the XKR-S wehave exploited the inherent capabilities of the aluminiumarchitecture to its fullest extent to create a track-capableperformance derivative extending all of the car's attributes in theperformance envelope and delivering an irresistible 'smile ofsatisfaction' response from the driver."

Astonishing engines have always formed the strongly beatingheart of Jaguar's road and race cars from the record-settingstraight-six in the XK120 to the smooth V12 that made the XJ12 thefastest four-door in the world when it was launched.

The AJ-V8 joined this illustrious list from the moment the firstone was fired into life and in the XKR-S it is presented in itsmost potent form to date. Now in its third generation and with theaddition of supercharging, the all-aluminium quad-cam powerplantdelivers not only extreme performance but also tremendousefficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it,including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independentvariable cam timing (DIVCT).

Fuel is delivered directly to the centre of the combustionchambers at a pressure of up to 150bar by the centrally-mountedsix-hole spray-guided injection system in order to maximisefuel-air mixing and improve responsiveness, particularly at lowspeeds. It has also allowed an increase in compression ratio from9.1:1 to 9.5:1 to improve fuel economy while multiple injectionsreduce the warm up phase to increase catalyst efficiency and reduceemissions.

Each of the four camshafts features a variable timing systemwhich rather than being controlled by oil pressure, are activatedby the positive and negative torques generated by the movement ofthe intake and outlet valves, allowing for a smaller, moreefficient oil pump to be fitted, further reducing fuel consumption.The VCT units respond up to three times faster than previously withactuation rates of more than 150 degrees per second at every pointin the speed range, making this the most responsive engine Jaguarhas ever built, with no gaps in its power delivery.

Like the car itself, the AJ-V8 features aluminium architecturewith the high pressure die-cast lightweight block augmented by castiron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps which contribute torefinement to match its power. The four-valve cylinder heads arenow constructed from recycled aluminium to reduce the environmentalimpact of engine manufacture.

Nestling in the 'V' of the cylinders is the Roots-type twinvortex supercharger with its two intercoolers that help provide theXKR-S with such urgent motive power. This sixth-generation forcedinduction unit is 20 per cent more thermodynamically efficient thanits predecessor, while the intercoolers feature their ownwater-cooling circuit to reduce the temperature of the pressurisedair to optimise power and efficiency.

The surfeit of power produced by this system meant that it was arelatively simple matter to liberate an extra 40PS and 55Nm overthe standard XKR. Remapping the engine's fuelling characteristicsand increasing exhaust gas flow through the use of an activeexhaust system has lifted total output of the 5.0-litre V8 to 550PSand 680Nm. This is the most powerful Jaguar road engine ever madeand allows the XKR-S to hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds and reach themagical 300km/h barrier with ease.

The Performance active exhaust system that helps provide suchspirited power also produces a thrilling motorsport-inspiredsoundtrack to aurally reward the enthusiastic driver.

Handling

Incredibly light and rigid with a kerb weight of 1753kg andtorsional stiffness of 28,400N per degree

• New aluminium front knuckle increases stiffness by 0.13Deg/kN
• Front and rear spring rates increased by 28 per cent
• New 20" Vulcan wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tyres reduce unsprungmass by 4.8kg
• Rewritten stability control software optimises the system forenthusiastic driving
• Jaguar High Performance Braking System fitted as standard

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity: "This carencompasses everything a performance Jaguar should be; as capable,precise and thrilling on a wet Welsh B-road as it is at theNürburgring. Every response delay has been minimised in order togive the car a more connected feel in the manner in which itsteers, handles, stops and goes."

Jaguar pioneered the use of aluminium construction for seriesproduction cars, exploiting the metal's low mass and high tensilestrength to maximise benefits in terms of performance, agility,fuel consumption and emissions.

The platform underpinning the XK range makes the car one of thelightest and most rigid in its class with a kerb weight of 1753kgand torsional stiffness of 28,400 Newtons per degree. Thisfundamental strength allowed Jaguar's Vehicle Integrity team, ledby Mike Cross, to develop the dynamic attributes of the XKR-S tothe full, without affecting refinement. Every Jaguar achieves anunrivalled mix of sporting appeal and luxurious comfort and theXKR-S is the most driver focused Jaguar ever made.

Taking the solid foundation of the aluminium architecture as astarting point, both front and rear suspension systems have beenupgraded. The double wishbone front suspension has beencomprehensively revised with a new aluminium steering knuckle thatsignificantly increases camber and castor stiffness by 0.13 degreesper Kilonewton to transform the accuracy and weighting of thesteering for greater levels of connection, feedback and precision.The Active Differential Control has been reprogrammed to reducesteering sensitivity at the very high speeds of which the car iscapable, increasing stability and driver control.

Rear suspension geometry has been revised with rear wheel steeroptimised for maximum agility while spring rates have beenincreased at both ends of the car by 28 per cent. Bespoke softwarefor Jaguar's Adaptive Damping has been written for the XKR-S,ensuring both total body control and maximum traction and grip.

Wheel sizes have been increased with the unique lightweightforged Vulcan 20-inch alloys now having a width of nine inches atthe front and 10.5-inches at the rear for greater precision andgrip. The new wheels wear Pirelli P Zero tyres measuring 255/35 R20at the front, 295/35 R20 at the rear. This combination has reducedoverall unsprung mass by 4.8kg with a commensurate improvement inhandling and dynamism.

The Dynamic Stability Control System has been reworked tomaximise the benefit of these wider tyres. In Trac DSC mode thisutilises specific traction, stability and eDiff settings to alterslip thresholds, differential torque distribution and interventionlevels to allow the experienced driver to explore the outer edgesof the performance and handling envelope.

The XKR-S is equipped as standard with Jaguar's High PerformanceBraking System. Lighter and more powerful, this features cast ironand part aluminium monobloc calipers for a combination of power,stability and feel. The brake discs - measuring 380mm at the frontand 376mm at the rear - are internally ventilated to providerepeated, fade-free stopping power. In combination with pad surfaceincreases of 44 per cent front and 31 per cent rear the systemprovides total security and confidence on both road and track.Stopping distance from 124mph (200km/h) has been improved by 2.7per cent over the already impressive XKR.

The end result is a car that captures the essential duality thatis a characteristic of every great Jaguar; capable of transportingthe driver to the fabled Nürburgring in total comfort and hushedsilence, and yet still able to deliver a sub-eight minute lap timeand then return home with total ease.

Interior

The cabin of any Jaguar is always a uniquely special place inwhich to spend time and the XKR-S exceeds all expectations from themoment the driver enters to be greeted by the red Start buttonpulsing like a heartbeat. When pressed, the engine fires with anrich, deep reverberation and the Jaguar Drive Selector rises fromthe centre console as a point of first contact to begin the processof bonding man with machine.

The interior of the XKR-S has been subtly refreshed with a hostof new trim materials including ebony soft-feel paint for theswitches and gloss black finish to the centre console. The modelwill also be exclusively available with a Dark Linear Aluminiumfinish as an option to the wood veneers.

A new leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel has alsobeen added, providing a beautiful, tactile interface between carand driver as do the bright, Jaguar-embossed, stainless steelpedals.

Exclusive to the XKR-S are the new Performance front seats withintegrated head restraints and increased lateral and squab supportto hold driver and passenger securely and comfortably in placeduring the high speed cornering of which this car is capable. The16-way adjustment of squab, cushion, lumbar and bolster elements issupplemented by memory and heating functions.

The sense of occasion offered when driving the XKR-S will beheightened by the new carbon leather accents covering the seats,featuring unique contrast micro-piping and stitching combinationsin Reims Blue, Red and Ivory. Duotone combinations of Charcoal withTan and Charcoal with Red are also available.

Technical Specifications

All data based on manufacturer's own testing and subject tochange.