New Jaguar XFR-S in Depth, Sports a Tuned 542hp Supercharged V8

We've already had the opportunity to show you what the brand-new Jaguar XFR-S looks likebefore its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, so now it's time to tell you what lies under its sported up body.

Billed as an "ultra-high performance" version of the XF series, the XFR-S is the fastest and most powerful production sedan in the history of Jaguar.

It makes use of the same souped-up 5.0-liter supercharged V8 as the XKR-S, producing 40hp and 41 lb-ft more torque than the standard XFR's V8 for a total of 542hp (550PS) and 502 lb-ft (680Nm). An 8-speed Quickshift automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles drives the rear wheels.

Jaguar quotes a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds1 (0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds) and an electronically-limited top speed of 186 mph1 (300km/h) – an improvement of 0.3 seconds and 31mph (50km/h) respectively over the plain-Jane XFR.

Fuel economy is equal to the XFR with 23 mpg highway, meaning that no gas guzzler tax applies to the 'S' model.

Jaguar says it has upgraded a number of key driveline components with new half-shafts, a larger central bearing on the driveshaft, and a new torque converter, to help cope with the added power.

In addition, the XFR-S exhaust system replaces the central muffler with an X-piece and near straight-through rear pipes for a more audacious sound.

To improve handling, Jaguar's engineers uprated the suspension on both ends of the car and revised electronic programs controlling the Adaptive Dynamics, active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems, while the XFR-S now rides on forged 20-inch Varuna alloy wheels shod in exclusive Pirelli tires size 265/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear.

The braking system comprises 380mm (14.96") front and 376mm (14.80") rear internally ventilates discs.

"What we have given the XFR-S is greater handling capacity, greater precision and greater capability," says Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar. "It's a car for driving purists – it will feel engaging within the first 50 meters but remains accessible and confidence-inspiring at any speed."

On the outside, the 'S' model gains new aerodynamic parts, including a redesigned front bumper with larger lower central and side air intakes, extended side sills, deeper side moldings behind the rear wheels and a rear wing available in two sizes.

"The Design Team was very conscious that it would be the aerodynamic solutions required to deliver the performance of the XFR-S that would dictate its aesthetics," explained Wayne Burgess, Studio Director, Jaguar Design. "This is a concentrated and focused car and the design revisions and the materials used all reflect that."

Jaguar's designers also decorated the exterior of the car with carbon fiber trims.

Changes have been made to the interior as well with carbon leather on the seat bolsters and armrests, a dark mesh aluminum fascia, available contrasting color stitching and micro piping, and R-S badges.

For the 2014 model year, Jaguar will offer only 100 examples of the XFR-S in the United States, with another 100 cars to be sold the following year. Prices have yet to be announced.

 

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