The Jaguar XF has done more to bolster the Coventry brand’s image than anything else in recent years; now the new XF-R should give Jaguar a further shot in the arm, and we’ve got the full lowdown on 2009’s hottest new car.
Caught in CAR Online’s exclusive new spy photos, it’s plain to see the new performance XF is aimed squarely at the BMW M5, Audi RS6 and Merc E63 AMG.
Jaguar XF-R, you say? What’ll she do?
We won’t see the XF-R for another year, but we’ve been digging around for snippets of concrete information about the hottest XF and have discovered that this prototype runs a 4997cc V8 – the new-generation engine that will be rolled out across Jag/Land Rover, with direct injection and the latest tech to trim the naughty numbers (g/km and mpg) and boost those desirable digits (bhp and lb ft).
The R version is said to be supercharged, so you can safely expect the uber-XF to put out a whopping 500bhp. Helping that big-capacity V8 breathe is a pair of bonnet scoops and enlarged spoiler ducts, largely disguised under the black duck tape on this prototype.
Click ‘Next’ to read more about the new Jaguar XF-RSo how will the Jag XF-R be distinguished from lesser XFs?
Where to begin? The XF-R has a noticeably different snout, as witnessed by the larger air intakes and bonnet scoops, but the rest of the front of the car is admirably restrained. The side profile is differentiated by stout side sills.
If you’re looking at the rear of the XF-R (and let’s face it, most of us will be), you’ll be following a subtle lip spoiler on the bootlid, chunky quad pipes and we’d guess lurking under that white plastic disguise is a discrete diffuser. Naturally, there is also a new design of alloy wheel reserved just for R models. Even standard cars can be specced with 20-inch wheels, so big rims are a must for the XF-R.
Naturally, there is also a new design of alloy wheel reserved just for R models. Even standard cars can be specced with 20-inch wheels, so big rims are a must for the XF-R
And the driving experience?
Sadly, our ace spy photographers haven’t yet managed to wrestle the keys to an R model, but they have seen one driven in full anger. Moments after these shots were taken, this white prototype shot off up the road as the test driver spotted our long lens.
From the engine spec, we know this car will be quick. Damn quick. It’s difficult to judge from these spyshots, but it looks as if the R is lower and we know that Jag’s chassis specialists are preparing a more focused ride and handling balance. Not that there’s much wrong with the standard car; read CAR Online’s first drive of the XF here.
We’ll be posting more information on the XF-R on Wednesday when we can call our sources at Jaguar. It’s well into the evening now at the UK and everyone’s at home…