Jaguar made a sensational decision in producing the XKR-S Coupe and they have decided it’s time to expand the impressive line-up with the addition of a new Convertible model. The new XKR-S Convertible made its world debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and is the most powerful and fastest open-topped GT Jaguar has ever built.
The convertible uses the same 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 engine as the coupe version. It delivers a total of 543 HP and a peak torque of 502 lbs-ft; enough power to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way up to a top speed of 186 mph.
Just like the coupe version, the XKR-S Convertible received an impressive aerodynamic package that helps maintain stability in an open-topped car capable of speeds as high as 186mph. More than that, all the exterior changes make the XKR-S look more aggressive and sportier than ever.
Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Global Brand Director says, "There is nothing as liberating as life behind the wheel of an open-topped Jaguar and the new XKR-S Convertible takes the Jaguar GT experience to new heights."
UPDATE 02/02/2012: Jaguar has unveiled a new video showing the XKR-S Convertible as it plays in the snow somewhere in Finland. Enjoy!
More details on the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S after the jump.
Before we even get into the top list of sportscar for 2011, we think it would be best to clear something up: the new Porsche 911 would have definitely made the list if it wasn’t for the fact that it won’t be hitting Stateside until 2013.
That being said, we have a few top hitters for 2011 that we would be foolish not to take notice of. It was a battle trying to choose between the plethora of options provided in the sports car segment, but what we ended up with was a range of 450 HP to 560 HP, 0-60 mph sprint times between 4.6 seconds and 3.7 seconds, and speeds topping out between 186 mph and 198 mph.
We don’t usually associate Playboy with cars, unless scantily clad women were somehow involved, but the American men’s magazine has just unveiled the top 11 hottest models people should buy in 2012. Now guys can really say they are picking up Playboy’s latest issue for the articles!
There are certainly many fabulous vehicles to choose from on this list - and some not so fabulous vehicles - so do you agree with the top spot? Let us know in the comments section below!
Twenty years ago, Jaguar hit it big with the XJ220 supercar which set a production-car lap record at the Nurburgring race track. Time has past, but Jaguar is still churning out some pretty fantastic models, including the Jaguar XKR-S launched this year at the Geneva Motor Show.
So what happens when you put the two supercars next to each other? That’s what Chris Harris from British magazine, EVO, did when he had the opportunity to test the two vehicles. The XKR-S may have been left way behind the XJ220, but who cares? We still love the XKR-S with its AJ-V8 all-aluminum powerplant with twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger delivering 550 HP and its impressive top speed of 186 mph! By comparison, the XJ220 is powered by a 3,498cc 24-valve twin turbo V6 engine with 542bhp and can hit a top speed of 220 mph.
Jaguar is known for a lot of things with the words "luxurious," "classy," "elegant," and "powerful" being thrown around most often. Their full lineup of vehicles exude power and class, and have done so since 1949 when the XK 120 was born. They have followed the bigger and better trend over the years, but their elegance and sport have always been a staple in their production.
Their new lineup continues this trend with the XJ, XK, XF models glistening in the light of Jaguar’s success, and offering even more sparkle for the future. This is the face of Jaguar and might we add, it’s something that a lot of us have always dreamed of.
More videos highlighting Jaguar’s Lineup can be found after the jump.
