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Faster and better controlled than the regular XKR, but did it need to be?
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Would Jaguar have built a car like this before today? Sure, it has used the XKR-S nameplate before (in 2008) but I think it has taken a newfound confidence for Jag to serve up something as overt as this.
Something with a £97,000 price, as much power as the XJ220 (542bhp if you’re asking) and a colour scheme reminiscent of a GT Porsche.
So what exactly is the XKR-S? Well, firstly, it is a series production model rather than a limited-run special. The 39bhp increase over the standard XKR comes from ECU changes and a new exhaust (more of which later); there are no mechanical changes to the internals of the engine. Torque is increased by 41lb ft.
Jaguar claims the more assertive styling (which encompasses changes made across the XK range) is dictated as much by function as form. The front and rear aerodynamic enhancements are apparently required to maintain contact with the ground at the XKR-S’s higher top speed: an electronically governed 186mph.
Changes to the chassis mirror those previewed on the limited-run Edition 75 and amount to 28 percent stiffer spring rates over the standard XKR's, a new aluminium steering knuckle, reprogrammed damper and differential controls, wider tyres and lighter wheels.
Of the mechanical alterations, what you notice first is the new active exhaust. Compared with the standard XKR, the S is not only louder but also crisper; almost purer and less synthetic. Not everyone will love it – especially anyone who happens to live within three miles of your favourite roads.
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To reinforce that, we made a few new Portugese ‘friends’ while filming the video to go with this story. But you can’t argue with the fact that the new soundtrack certainly matches the way the XKR-S looks.
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And the way it goes. The standard XKR is hardly lacking propulsion, but the S is noticeably quicker again and freer revving at the top end.
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Partly this is because, subjectively, the S feels like it has a more aggressive throttle map – despite Jaguar's claims to have softened it (across all XKs) for the 2012 model year.
Either way, this is a car where you find yourself backing out of the throttle halfway down a straight in an effort to keep speeds broadly moral.
The dynamic changes bring an improved steering response (more weight and less hesitation), making it easier and more satisfying to commit to a corner. Overall, the step-up over the standard R is probably in the region of 20 percent.
In the spirit of completeness, we should report that we tried two XKR-S Jags and, in this regard, one felt noticeably better. However, in neither did the increased spring rates result in an uncomfortably harsh ride.
Amusing though the XKR-S is, there’s a nagging feeling that it is perhaps trying to be something it is not. For the drama and sheer performance, the XKR-S justifies its near-six-figure price but, in the final reckoning, it remains a large, relatively heavy GT. And as GT cars go, it’s difficult to argue against the XKR, especially at a saving of £20k. Some even say the sweet spot in the XK range is the standard 5.0-litre model.
The truth, I suspect, is that the XKR-S is about attracting a new type of buyer to Jaguar – one who is more extrovert and for whom 379bhp, or even 503bhp, is simply not enough.
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Jaguar XKR-S 2012-2014 First drives
Jaguar XKR-S Convertible
UK drive of sharper, more extrovert tourer. Shame about the price.
Jaguar XKR-S Convertible
Jaguar XKR Speed Pack
Top speed is somewhat pointlessly increased to 174mph, but it's still a fantastic car
Jaguar XKR Speed Pack
Jaguar XKR 75
Jaguar won't have trouble finding 75 buyers for this excellent sports car
Jaguar XKR 75
Jaguar XKR 5.0 V8 2009 first drive
Fettled interior, new engine and harder-edged drive make for a great GT
Jaguar XKR 5.0 V8 2009 first drive
Jaguar XKR-S first drive
Mechanical revisions transform this XK into the most driver-focused Jaguar yet
Jaguar XKR-S first drive
Jaguar XKR 2006 first drive
The XK was good - this, the XKR, is brilliant
Jaguar XKR 2006 first drive
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