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Jaguar models, news & reviews
5
Handling
Performance
Usability
4
Feelgood factor
Readers' rating
3.5
By Ben Barry
First Drives
23 May 2008 10:32
Here’s the car Jaguar fans have been waiting for: the XKR-S, the fastest, hardest-looking XK so far. Available only in Ultimate Black as a limited run of 200 in right- or left-hand drive for European-only markets, the XKR-S is yours for a fiver short of £80k. Read on for CAR Online’s first review.
Actually, it’s exactly the same as the standard supercharged XKR. Same 4196cc engine, same 410bhp, same 413lb ft torque. It’s faster because, while the electronic nanny is still there, it’s been raised to 174mph – a 19mph hike.
But for your extra cash, you get lightweight forged 20-inch rims with wider rubber (255/35 ZR20 Pirellis up front, chunky 295/30 ZR20 out back); specially tuned suspension (it’s stiffer and lowered by 10mm); revised steering; six-pot Alcon brakes up front with four-pots out back; a unique and subtle bodykit highlighted in graphite grey; and a classy interior upgrade previously offered only the Portfolio edition models. The latter includes soft-grain leather and a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound stereo system.
No doubt, but a power hike would have entailed lengthy (and costly) development trials to guarantee reliability. Yes, it’s a cop-out and some extra go would have helped make the XKR-S more desirable and differentiate it more clearly, but it’s hardly sluggish.
More disappointing is the lack of a limited slip differential. Again, it’s not really a huge deal, but this is a car tweaked to satisfy driving enthusiasts – it’s a comfortable road car that can double as an occasional track toy.
The vast majority of people won’t notice the absence of an LSD, but turn off the traction control completely (the Trac DSC mode is still to keen to intervene so you’ll have to hold down the button for more than 10 seconds to smoke the rubber) and the inside wheel will flare up flamboyantly out of junctions and through hairpins. It’s much more satisfying if you can get the power down cleanly through both rear wheels while winding on some opposite lock.
We’ll live with the power remaining the same, but the diff is a must-have.
Click ‘Next’ to read more of CAR Online’s review of the Jaguar XKR-S
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Jaguar XKR-S (2008) CAR review
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a t o m i c says
RE: Jaguar XKR-S CAR review
Not a fan of the bodykit, so I'd save the dough and take the standard XKR. It's a great shape, so why ruin it with extra plastic? If Jaguar wanted less lift, they should have done it via an undertray/diffuser. So much more complete a car than the Vantage IMO.
25 May 2008 02:08
JohnnyBimmer says
My AMV8 drive left me a bit cold so you're not the only one. Most fantastic shape on the road but the interior 'squeeked' on the potted cambered roads I took it on (trim round the 2 braces behind the headrests) with a cramped rear and side high windows and low arm rest which would mean a very tired shoulder with nowhere comfortable to rest your elbow (2 or 3 elbow resting points is a big consideration for 3-6 hour driving stints). Letter box front screen too. All in all the exterior is 10 times more agreeable than the interior!
23 May 2008 20:49
damo66 says
Jag every time - the new Astons leave me a little cold. Am i alone in that? As for the LSD, Jag must be saving that for the forthcoming new 5.0 V8 - probably called XKR-R
23 May 2008 19:18
V12 Migaloo says
Historically the Jaguar Coupe that followed the Aston has always been a better car so I'd have the Jag, but I doubt you'd be disapointed with either. Hopefully now we can see Jaguars competing with Astons on a more regular basis.
23 May 2008 15:09
Very very hard! I think I'd plump for the XKR now the bodies been beefed up. It's a £6k saving, slightly more practical and while the bhp figures are near identical with the new Vantage the Jaguar has a lot more torque. I do most of my miles on the motorway and torques what matter in the big numbers (80mph and above). Ask me 5 years ago and I'd take the Vantage for its beauty but posing wears off whereas £6k, torque and practicality provide more 'internal' benefits.
23 May 2008 12:21
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