Jaguar->ke39 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.

2013 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible
  • Engine/Motor: supercharged AJ-V8
  • Horsepower: 543
  • Torque: 502
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The most important part of designing the Jaguar XKR-S Convertible was prepping the aerodynamics to appropriately deal with the vehicle's 186 mph top speed. The Jaguar underwent extensive computational fluid dynamics, wind tunnel, and track work to make all of the needed changes. This resulted in a new bumper design which incorporates a wider, lower air intake, a carbon fiber splitter, and twin side nacelles. There are also new sills which serve to both smooth the horizontal airflow and emphasize the 10mm reduction in ride height. The rear has received a unique rear wing with a carbon fiber inlay and a new rear apron featuring a carbon fiber diffuser. All of these changes helped in reducing the overall lift by about 26% and balanced aerodynamics in the front and rear for added stability.

After the aerodynamics were where Jaguar needed them to be, the sports car was then treated to a gloss black paint job (available as standard) and a dark technical finish of the lightweight, forged 20" Vulcan design alloy wheels. All told, the XKR-S Convertible will be available in six optional colors, including Polaris White and British Racing Green, a tribute to Jaguar's competition heritage. The standard black and six other optional colors are also transferable to the convertible's hood, which opens and stows in just 18 seconds and has been proven at the car's maximum speed.

Interior

Once the hood is comfortably stowed, the luxurious and sporty interior is bared for all to see. It comes with carbon-leather trimmed versions of Jaguar's Performance seats with integrated head rests, racing harness cut-outs, and increased side and squab support to hold driver and passenger securely during high speed cornering. The comfort level is increased with the 16-way adjustable, heated seats featuring carbon leather highlights and contrast micro-piping only found on this particular model.

Jaguar has also added a multifunction three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and Jaguar-embossed bright stainless steel pedals. The center console is finished in gloss black and contrasts with the standard, but exclusive dark aluminum finish. A Piano Black finish is also available as an option.

Engine

The XKR-S Convertible is powered by the same 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 engine found in the Coupe model. This engine incorporates spray-guided direct injection and variable valve timing for great efficiency as well as prodigious power. It delivers a total of 543 HP and 502 lb-ft of torque, an 8 percent increase in power and 9 percent increase in torque when compared to the Jaguar XKR.

When combined with the six-speed automatic gearbox with Active Differential, this RWD sports car can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way up to an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.

The engine is combined with an active exhaust system for that deep and throaty exhaust note, but is handled by revised front and rear suspensions, including a redesigned aluminum front steering knuckle and revised rear geometry, as well as stiffer springs and dampers. These elements are joined by forged alloy wheels - which also offer greater traction and grip levels - a Dynamic Stability Control system, and a High Performance Braking System.

Prices

The new Jaguar XKR-S Convertible went on sale in early 2012. During its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Jaguar announced that the North American market will get a total of 25 units of the XKR-S Convertible. With a starting price of $138,875, this would be a dream car for any true sports car fan out there. But there's a catch: all the 25 units have reportedly been sold in advance of the car's debut.

Competition

It was hard enough to find a proper competitor for the XKR-S Coupe when it was unveiled, so we'll stick with the same formula for the Convertible. The Jaguar XKR-S Coupe was appropriately matched up with the BMW M6 Coupe, leaving the XKR-S Convertible to do its own thing with the M6 Convertible. Rumors state that the new M6 will use a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine with an increased output of up 600 HP. Clearly, the M6 Convertible has the hand with power, but only if the engine rumors are true. For right now. we'll stick with the facts.