Jaguar

Jaguar XKR-S Exposed

By Ryan Konko

Posted on March 3, 2011

The fastest and most powerful series production Jaguar ever.

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar has unveiled their purest, driver-oriented XK yet, with the new XKR-S. Packed with the most powerful version of Jaguar’s supercharged V-8 to date, a retuned suspension, and new aerodynamics, the XKR-S has broken the 300 km/h barrier for the first time as a series production sports car.

“The styling of this car isn’t about image, it’s about true performance,” says Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars. “Like other iconic Jaguars before it, the styling has been driven by geometry and aerodynamics for genuine design purity. The physics required to achieve 300kph have led the aesthetic; if you don’t like the way it looks, you probably won’t like the way it drives either.”

The principal of form follows function is expressed in the new aerodynamic bodywork and redesigned components of the Jaguar XKR-S. In order to achieve the 186-mph top speed, certain aerodynamic components had to be added to maintain stability and reduce drag. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics and wind tunnel testing, Jaguar was able to reduce lift by 26 percent and achieve a 0.34 drag coefficient. These improved aerodynamics come as the result of a new front bumper with a carbon fiber splitter and lower spoiler. The new fascia also sports vertical slots on both sides to redirect air along the outside of the car for improved stability. The rear has also been redesigned with a large carbon fiber fixed wing and a carbon fiber Venturi component underneath the XKR-S. Five different exterior paint colors will be available for the XKR-S, with Italian Racing Red and French Racing Blue recalling Jaguar’s racing heritage.

Giving the XKR-S that pure driving experience that Jaguar sought to achieve is a newly designed suspension, larger wheels, and stronger brakes. The lightweight and stiff aluminum construction that Jaguar has developed helps to give the sporty coupe a curb weight of just 3,865 lbs. This stiff aluminum construction was also the basis for developing a new suspension. Both the front and rear suspension has been upgraded for precise handling and feedback. The front gains a redesigned steering knuckle, while the rear benefits from revised geometry designed for optimal rear steering and a reprogrammed Active Differential Control. Spring rates at the front and rear have been increased by 28 percent, while Jaguar’s Adaptive Damping system has also been retuned specifically for the XKR-S for even greater agility. The XKR-S also receives exclusive forged Vulcan alloy wheels that measure 20 x 9 up front and 20 x 10.5 at the rear with 255/35 R20 front, 295/35 R20 rear Pirelli PZero rubber. The new forged wheel and tire combination saves over 10 lbs in weight over the standard XKR wheels, further improving driving dynamics. Hidden behind the 20-inch wheels is Jaguar’s High Performance Braking System with either red or gunmetal cast iron and aluminum monoblock calipers. The braking system uses 380 mm front and 376 mm rear internally-ventilated discs to reduce brake fade and achieve a stopping distance that is 2.7 percent shorter from 124 mph than the XKR.

Underneath the ventilated hood of the Jaguar XKR-S is the most powerful AJ-V8 engine ever built by Jaguar. Now in its third generation, the 5.0-liter AJ-V8 engine benefits from spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) to provide a wide powerband, instantaneous throttle response, and greater fuel efficiency. Sitting in the “V” of the aluminum engine is a new twin vortex Roots-type supercharger. The supercharger is more than 20 percent more thermodynamically efficient than the previous generation, utilizing intercoolers with individual water-cooling circuits to decrease air temperature. Jaguar has also retuned the engine management system for optimal fueling characteristics and exhaust gas flow to achieve 542 bhp and 502 lb-ft. of torque. The increased power propels the XKR-S to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, 100 mph in 8.7 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph.

Jaguar’s goal for the XKR-S was to create the most driver-oriented XK model, but in doing so the company was still able to retain the level of luxury and comfort associated with the British brand. Drivers that enter the XKR-S will be greeted by a Start button pulsating in red to resemble a heartbeat. The interior cabin receives a minor refresh with new materials and trim. Exclusive options include a Dark Aluminum finish, ebony soft feel paint for switches, gloss black center console finish, and Jaguar-embossed pedals. The XKR-S also features new 16-way adjustable Performance seats that provide even greater lateral support, and can be fitted with carbon fiber accents, contrast micro-piping, and duotone color combinations.

The Jaguar XKR-S is the fastest series production sports car that the British marquee has ever built. Pricing will begin at £97,000 (+/- 158,000 USD), with orders beginning in September of 2011.

JAGUAR XKR-S SPECIFICATIONS

Engine:
Displacement: 5.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Valves per Cylinder: 4
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Bore/Stroke (mm): 92.5/93.0
Max. Power: 542 bhp
Torque: 502 lb-ft.
Power to Weight Ratio: 309 bhp/ton
Torque to Weight Ratio: 286 lb-ft./ton

Transmission:
Final Drive Ratio: 3.31:1
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
1st: 4.17:1
2nd: 2.30:1
3rd: 1.52:1
4th: 1.14:1
5th: 0.87:1
6th: 0.69:1
Rev: 3.40:1

Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds
Acceleration 0-100 kph: 4.4 seconds
Acceleration 0-100 mph: 8.7 seconds
Acceleration 100-180 kph: 7.6 seconds
Top Speed (mph/kph): 186/300
Aerodynamics (Cd): 0.34

Economy:
Urban: 15 mpg
Urban: 18.9 l/100 km
Extra Urban: 33 mpg
Extra Urban: 8.6 l/100km
Combined: 23 mpg
Combined: 12.3 l/100km
City EPA: 15 mpg
Highway EPA: 22 mpg
US Combined: 17 mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 74.0 liters
NEDC Combined CO2: 292 g/km

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 108.3 in/2752 mm
Front Track: 61.4 in/1560 mm
Rear Track: 63.3 in/1608 mm
Overall Length: 188.7 in/4794 mm
Overall Width excl. mirrors: 74.5 in/1892 mm
Overall Height: 52.0 in/1312 mm
Turning Radius: 10.9 m

Weight:
EU: Curb Weight: 3865 lbs./1753 kg
Federal: Lightest Weight: 3968 lbs./ 1800 kg

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kMq6Fyv2pw