Jaguar XKR-S road test
by Stephen Walker
24th March, 2014
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Performance is nothing new to Jaguar, but please take notice if you spot
an "S" in the model name. If it has an "R" before the "S" then you are onto something - one mighty fine
performance car I suggest. Currently there is the XFR-S and XKR-S available in Australia. It's the latter that thrills
the Next Car team in Melbourne during a 372 kilometre driving excursion.
Test car particulars
The Jaguar XKR-S coupe, presented in Stratus Grey, has a 5-litre supercharged V8 lurking under the bonnet - ready to
excite in an instant.
Prices*
The starting price for the XKR-S coupe is $299,696*. Our test car was fitted with numerous optional features:
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System $1,100*
- 20” Gloss Black Vulcan Alloy Wheels $1,700*
- Adaptive Headlamps $2,100*
- Heated Suedecloth Sport Steering Wheel $1,710*
- Carbon Fibre Engine Cover $3,700*
This takes the price of thorough enjoyment, XKR-S style, to $310,006* as experienced in the test car.
Driving the XKR-S
The V8 provides a very good clue to the serious intent of this high performance luxury coupe. The firm ride suggests
serious high speed may be a specialty for this car. I accepted the challenge and got the Jag right up to the limit and
held it there for over 30 minutes, with extreme pleasure. Driving at the limit very much suits this car. The limit that
I encountered was the speed limit - 100 km/h. Oh, to have an autobahn in the neighbourhood!
You may expect excellent steering and braking along with typical super car handling with this machine. Expectations
met, the driving dynamics are stunning to say the least. Although using the accelerator is a thrill, it is the same with
brakes which sort of say to you "how does that grab ya?"
Make no mistake, the ride is firm and the power is raw. This is a serious high performance car that is pleasantly
manageable in experienced hands.
The factory indicate that the XKR-S can complete 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Let me be frank, I didn't check it
but I believe it!
Living with XKR-S
Typical Jaguar luxury abounds in the business-like interior that features both luxury and sporty features with
admirable quality and appropriate presentation.
Appreciated luxuries like the electrically adjustable bolsters on the front seats, the electrically adjustable
steering wheel reach and tilt and the electric parking brake are always welcome by myself. A reversing camera is included
and valued for the safety it provides during reversing manoeuvres.
However, features like front seat belt 'extenders' and blind spot recognition are not included. The door pockets
are disappointingly tiny.
The seating is superb with bolsters that are cosseting and comfortable for someone like me with an average sized
frame. The contrasting stitching on the seats, dashboard and door trims is a nice touch.
Specifications
The V8 is supercharged, it has a 5-litre capacity driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic
transmission. Maximum power is 404kW at 6,000-6,500rpm and maximum torque is a whopping 680Nm at 2,500-5,500rpm - no
wonder there is staggering performance available just under that ambitious right foot.
High performance disc brakes are standard.
Four 20" alloy wheels, dynamic stability control and 'active' differential are standard.
Fuel
The factory indicate the fuel consumption rating is 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle.
Perhaps the urban cycle rating of 18.9 litres per 100 kilometres is a more relevant figure for everyday city usage.
The car's trip computer indicated the Next Car team managed to average 20.3 litres per 100 kms during our time
with the car. Our average speed during our time of 19 km/h suggests we spent too much time in congested traffic and at
idle - although we did manage one trip out of town.
The fuel tank capacity is 70.6 litres (approximately).
Connectivity/Infotainment
Standard: AUX and USB audio input with iPod and Bluetooth telephone connectivity, MP3/WMA compatibility, navigation
and Bower & Wilkins sound system.
Dimensions
Length: 4,794 mm
Width: 1,892 mm (excluding external mirrors)
Width: 2,028 mm (including external mirrors)
Height: 1,312 mm
Wheelbase: 2,752 mm
Luggage capacity: 330 litres
Weight: 1,753 kg (approx).
Variants
There's XK, XKR and XKR-S in the line-up. Each is available as a coupe or a convertible.
After Sales
Jaguar XKR-S comes with a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (of course some conditions apply).
Servicing for the first three years or 100,000 kilometres is included (conditions apply).
Roadside assistance is included for the term of the new vehicle warranty.
Conclusion
If it looks like a racing car, sounds like a racing car, drives like a racing car then it must be a ....
Be assured, with its staggering performance this car will make you think of a racing car. The difference, though, is
that this car has number plates. The XKR-S will satisfy an enterprising individual who has time to get this thoroughly
exhilarating Grand Tourer out onto the highway.
This car is a superb excuse to hit the road more often than usual - it suits the highways and freeways best - and it
also commands attention in the urban environment as I frequently discovered.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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