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First Drives

Jaguar XKR Coupe CAR review

07 September 2006 08:50

Another old engine in a new shell; why should I get excited?

True, both the new XK and now the new XKR use drivetrains largely carried over from the last-generation XK. But there wasn't much wrong with the old engines, and a whole lot right with the new chassis. The extra power of the supercharged XKR - 420bhp versus 300bhp in the XK - gives the halo Jag the chance to show how good it really is. Carmakers are often guilty of charging more for high-performance models than their extra ability justifies. Not in this case - the XKR is the one to have.

The old XKR only had 400bhp…

Changes to the Eaton supercharger and the induction system and the addition of continuously-variable valve timing account for the new R's extra 20bhp, and Jaguar has worked to reduce whine from the supercharger. The 4.2-litre V8 block is unchanged, as is the superb ZF six-speed auto 'box, although you now get paddles behind the wheel for manual shifts.

By: Ben Oliver
Click Thumbnails to Enlarge

Statistics

How much? £70,097
On sale in the UK: Now
Engine: 4196cc supercharged V8, 420bhp at 6250rpm, 413lb ft at 4000rpm
Transmission: six-speed automatic, paddle-shift manual override, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 0-60mph in 4.9sec, 155 mph (ltd) 22.9mpg, 294g/km
How heavy / made of? 1665kgs/aluminium
How big (length/width/height in mm)? 4791/1892/1322
Need to know

CAR's rating

Rated 5 out of 5

Handling

Rated 5 out of 5

Performance

Rated 5 out of 5

Usability

Rated 4 out of 5

Feelgood factor

Rated 5 out of 5

Readers' rating

Rated 4 out of 5

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Average rating: Rated 4 out of 5 (5 votes)

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