2012 Jaguar XKR-S Reviews

2012 Jaguar XKR Series Car : The 2012 edition brings some minor improvements to the XK. A rearview camera is now standard, though the Jag's safety scores are still absent--who wants to crash one?--and new trim options come on all models. The XKR-S has its own package of frills, while it bundles up almost all the features available on to its standard equipment list, including an excellent Bowers & Wilkins sound system. The performance of the Jaguar XKR-S is reflected in both its interior and exterior styling, which feature exclusive new paint colours that reflect Jaguar’s racing heritage. As with competition Jaguars of the past, the exterior of the XKR-S adheres to the principle of form following function. In addition to the styling changes and in order for it to achieve 300kph, the XKR-S was the subject of extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics development work. The resulting changes reduced front and rear lift by more than a quarter and optimised lateral aerodynamic stability.

It boosted the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8's 503 horsepower to 542, jacked up torque by 41 lb-ft to 502 lb-ft, freed up the speed limiter from 155 mph to 186 mph (a metric-round 300 km/h), and shaved 0.4 seconds off the 0-60 mph time, to 4.2. It lowered the ride height by 0.4 inches, stiffened the front suspension uprights, and raised spring rates by 28 percent front, 32 percent rear. This will cost you $35k-plus more than a garden-variety XKR coupe, the only bodystyle in which the XKR-S will be offered when it goes on sale this fall.

MSRP: $ 84.500 - $ 132.000
MPG Range: 22 - 24 mpg
Body Style: Convertible, Coupe

XFR: Along with the standard model, the XFR gets a new front bumper, grille, trunk finisher and a more luxurious interior. The "J-Blade" daytime running lights now are light-emitting diodes. The XFR comes with a horizontal chrome side power vent. With the same 503-horsepower engine as the standard XKR, the XFR is 0.1-seconds quicker in its 0-60 mph time (manufacturer's estimate). On the road, it "drives" smaller than the XKR, with very nicely balanced handling. If/when Jaguar does an XFR-S, CTS-v, M5 and XKR-S had better watch out.

XJ Supersport: The aluminum-intensive XJ weighs just 2.2 pounds more than the XF, so the Supersport, with the XFR/XKR's 503-horsepower supercharged V-8, matches the XFR's 4.7-second 0-60 mph time (manufacturer's estimate). Despite all that, Jaguar has wisely chosen not to stiffen up the suspension, so it's no XJR. Our testing of a right-hand-drive model was limited to the Algarve circuit, where the luxury car leaned cushily into every turn. It's reminiscent of those classic British sports car races in which Jag Mk IIs lean into corners that MGs, Austin-Healeys, and Triumphs take flat. The Supersport is for the executive who has lots of access to Autobahn-like roads.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S Styling : Near-flawless looks and a cabin of the gods: the 2012 Jaguar XK renders other sultry sports cars second-rate.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S Performance : Blurring the line between GT and true sports car, the 2012 Jaguar XK muscles its way into the performance dogfight with thrilling power and deft handling.

 

2012 Jaguar XKR-S Quality : Front-seat passengers are coddled in the 2012 Jaguar XK, but the rear seats are afterthoughts and the trunk space isn't generous.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S Safety : It has reassuring safety features and a strongly built body, but no crash-test scores for the 2012 Jaguar XK exist.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S Features : It's brimming with luxury features and finishes, but we'd touch up the 2012 Jaguar XK's touchscreen controls for better responsiveness.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S :

Base price : $132,875
Vehicle layout : Front-engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe
Engine : 5.0L/542-hp/502-lb-ft supercharged DOHC 32-valve V-8
Transmission : 6-speed automatic
Curb weight : 3900 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase : 108.3 in
Length x width x height : 188.7 x 74.5 x 52.2 in
0-60 mph : 4.2 sec (mfr est)
EPA city/hwy fuel econ : 15/22 mpg (est)
Energy consumption, city/hwy : 225/153 kW-hrs/100 miles (est)
CO2 emissions : 1.11 lb/mile (est)
On sale in U.S. : September or October 2011

2012 Jaguar XKR-S