Jaguar certainly knew what they were doing when they presented the XKR-S at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and now they are bringing yet another spark to their lineup with an XF version of the speedier package. At this same event, the company also confirmed a future compact model that will compete with the BMW 3-Series, a four-cylinder diesel option for XF in Europe, a 4x4 drivetrain targeting North America, and a petrol V6 option for the XJ luxury sedan in China.
The firm’s global brand director Adrian Hallmark said in a recent interview: "’I can confirm there is a project to transfer the upgrades from the XKR-S to the XFR, but we haven’t confirmed it for production yet. But it would be great to see the XF with 550hp!"
Jaguar has yet to offer any real details on the future RS package for the XF sedan, but the 550 HP engine from the XKR-S will surely transfer over. Our recent spy shots show the wheels from the XKR-S will also used for the XFR-S.
UPDATE 02/02/2012: In an interview with Autocar, a senior company insider has confirmed that Jaguar is indeed working on an XFR-S sports sedan that will take on models like the BMW M5. The new model will be powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that will deliver a total of 550 HP. As for the exterior, it will receive the same treatment as the XKR-S. On the British market, the XFR-S will be priced at about £70K, or about $110,000 at the current rates.
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.
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After revealing the XJ Sport and Speed at the end of 2011, Jaguar has added two more special editions to their lineup, this time for the XF. The SE Business and Sport Editions can now be ordered on the British market, with prices starting at £31,500 ($49,000 at the current exchange rates) and £34,950 ($54,400 at the current rates) respectively.
The Jaguar XF SE Business version is based on the recently launched 163 HP 2.2 Diesel XF and adds a satellite navigation system complete with a seven inch touchscreen and HDD mapping. Next to these features, the model will be offered with intelligent start stop, a 400W sound system with DAB digital radio, leather and suedecloth seats, and bi-Xenon headlights.
The Jaguar XF SE Sport edition is based on the 190 HP 2.2 Diesel model and is distinguished by a full aerodynamic pack that includes a revised front bumper, a black grille element, side sill extensions, a subtle rear boot lid spoiler, and a black rear valance. The interior gets half leather suedecloth seats, a bond grain trim, and dove contrast stitch. The center console was dressed up with Piano black trim with ’Sport’ decals and the pedals in stainless steel. Practical additions include a heated front windscreen and front seats, a front parking aid plus a reversing camera, and 60/40 folding rear seats.
Startech has come out with a new program for the 2011 Jaguar XJ, complete with a new aerodynamic kit and a retooled interior that pushes the luxury refinements on the Big Cat saloon to a new level.
The German tuner is considered one of the best aftermarket companies in the market and it tripped out on the Jag with an aero kit that includes Startech front attachments mounted to the production bumper. The attachments also come with air inlets that add a touch of sportiness and aggressiveness to the XJ. Integrated into the side air inlets are LED daytime running lights that add an element of class and sophistication to the car. The front fenders on the car were also treated with integrated air outlets and side sills that have been attached to the wheel arches. As for the rear, Startech applied a new fascia that has its own integrated diffuser whereas two integrated ’design’ panels provide the trademark Startech looks and a subtle rear spoiler lip on the trunk lid creates aerodynamic balance on the XJ. The luxury car also sits on a new set of 21" Startech Monostar J Diamond Edition wheels that were designed using state-of-the-art forging technology.
The interior of the Jaguar XJ also got some fancy digs courtesy of Startech. It’s not a surprise that the German tuner dressed up the XJ with a multitude of different leather and Alcantara colors. The elaborate black, high-gloss polished piano wood is another highlight of the interior, as is the state-of-the-art multimedia system centered on an Apple iPad, and the electrically deployed tables with leather-trimmed consoles, a Bluetooth keyboard from Apple, and a 20 MBit/s GSM modem that has been integrated into the vehicle to provide a high-speed internet connection through EDGE, HSDPA or HSPA+ protocols.
We absolutely just love talking about wagons that we’ll never get to see on our side of the pond. Wait, scratch that. It actually sucks to hear that Jaguar has finally confirmed the XF Wagon and Europe will be one of the few that will actually revel in its luxurious five door space. It’s not their fault that the British brand is going where the wagon demand is at its highest nor that we decided bigger was better before giving these in-between vehicles a chance, but we’re still a little envious.
Details on the future XF Wagon are more than scarce considering we don’t even have a possible debut date on our hands, but Andrew Whyman, XF Vehicle Engineering Manager for Jaguar, has said: "I can’t say when or how much, but it is on the cards." Well, Whyman, it’s been in the cards since about 2009 so can we speed this up a bit? Our best guess is that we will see this wagon rolling in around the same time as the next generation XF scheduled for release in 2015, maybe as a 2016 model.
Whyman also said that we can expect something special in terms of the design: "Ian Callum [Jaguar design chief] will do something different with this. It will be slightly different, with character and panache."
When Jaguar finally does get around to building the XF Wagon, it will target models such as the Audi A6 Avant and the BMW 5-Series Touring, which have had the wagon market on a tight hold thus far.
UPDATE 11/29/2011: Jaguar has released a couple of images of the future XF Sport Brake testing! Check them out!
UPDATE 12/08/2011: Jaguar has found its holiday spirit and used it to tease the upcoming XF Wagon in a very cool Christmas card. Santa sure has some pull; it seems he’s ditching the sleigh this year in favor of the unreleased Jaguar XF.
Stay tuned for more details on the Jaguar XF Wagon!
