The new 2010 Jaguar XFR is the performance version
of the Jaguar XF, which was just introduced last year. It is not a raw-edged
racing sedan; it is a supercharged 510-horsepower express that baits the BMW M5
with its sheer sophistication. It is a sports car that is fast and is an
image of pure beauty. It only improves upon the Jaguar XF that was
released last year to replace the S-Type. This car alone makes Jaguar live
up to its promise of producing a true performance vehicle. Competing
models in size and/or price include the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac STS,
Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
XFR Design
The XFR has been designed from the outset as a
sport sedan with a macho feel. The chrome-mesh air ducts in the redesigned
front fenders and the usual R-Type mesh grille are the most obvious visual
changes that contribute to the car's aggressive new face. The front bumpers are
deeper, there are louvers in the hood, extended rocker-sill skirts, a subtle
spoiler on the deck lid, quad exhaust tips and the big 20-inch wheels inscribed
with "supercharged." Overall, it is a very tasteful design.
Cabin Space
The interior combines traditional cues with
contemporary touches, like a rotary knob in the center console that serves as a
gear selector. The XFR gets discreet "R" badges on the steering wheel and
fascia, a new twist to the aluminum trim, plus sport seats that move in 14
different directions. The only other tweak is to the instrument dials, which now
boast a "supercharged" logo and a red needle. The Jaguar XFR remains a
thoroughly nice cabin, even if there isn't as much room in the rear seat as
you'd find in some competitors. When the engine is started, the JaguarDrive
Selector knob rises out of the console and closed air conditioning vents rotate
to the open position. The XRF also uses proximity sensors instead of switches
or handles for the reading lights and glove compartment lid--a wave of the hand
does the trick. The XFR comes with soft-grain leather in ivory or charcoal, with
red or tan accents also available. The trim includes dark oak and a darker,
mesh-patterned version of the regular XF's expansive aluminum dashboard panels.
The power front seats include 18-way adjustment for the driver and 14-way for
the passenger.
Driving the XFR
There are two significant chassis developments that
the R-Type designation brings to the XF sedan: Active Differential Control (ADC)
and Adaptive Dynamics. The differential control works in conjunction with the
stability control to manipulate the horsepower in all road conditions. It is
hugely effective, enabling the car to pull away smoothly and cleanly with
significant steering input, even on a wet surface. Meanwhile, the Adaptive
Dynamics system modifies the throttle and gearbox response depending on the way
you're driving, while also altering the parameters of the continuously variable
suspension damping. The ride, while significantly firmer than a standard XF, is
still pleasingly supple. Even with standard 20-inch wheels and tires, plus a
fast-acting steering ratio, the R-Type feels more sophisticated than the M-car. In high-speed corners, the XFR starts to feel lighter and smaller than it
actually is, helped by crisp, accurate and well-weighted steering that's
significantly better than that of the opposition. The six-speed ZF automatic is
also an ideal foil for the V8, swapping cogs swifty with the aid of the shift
paddles on the steering wheel and, in manual mode, refusing to change up without
human intervention. The stability control also has two modes: standard and
track. In theory, the latter allows you to play a little, but it still
intervenes strongly and relatively early.
Jaguar Power
Jaguar has all but eliminated the supercharger
whine that always laid down a soundtrack to the old blown 4.2-liter V8; the
5.0-liter V8 emits a deep, bass woofle that is never more than subdued. This
distinctive power production, together with the superbly smooth gearbox, is the
key to the XFR sedan's stealthy performance. Plus, the engine is so quiet that
you're never aware that it's working as hard as it is. For those looking for that
sweet noise of the sports car roar, the XFR is actually too quiet. The
supercharged motor, known as the AJ-V8 Gen III, is effectively an all-new
motor with just two parts shared with the old 4.2-liter V8. The key technology
in this R-Type application is direct injection, variable valve timing for intake
and exhaust, twin intercoolers and the latest Roots-type, twin-vortex
supercharger. Jaguar chose to continue its past work with supercharging in the
interests of throttle response, efficiency and packaging. The new engine is mated
to the familiar ZF 6HP28 six-speed automatic, although it's been uprated to
deal
with the extra thrust. The 2010 Jaguar XFR's supercharged 5.0-liter V8
offers up 510 hp between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm, with 461 pound-feet of torque
between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm. This compares pretty impressively with the Audi
RS6's ratings of 580 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, the BMW M5's output of 500 hp
and 383 lb-ft of torque and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG's 507 hp and 464 lb-ft of
torque.
Safety Features
Safety features include dual-stage frontal airbags, front-seat side-impact
airbags, and curtain airbags for front and rear side-impact protection. Active
head restraints come on the front seats. Antilock disc brakes with brake assist
and brake-force distribution are standard. Also onboard are traction control and
an electronic stability system. To learn more about the automaker, read an overview of Jaguar cars.
Conclusions 2010 XFR
The 2010 Jaguar XFR will come with a price tag of
$80,000, which is a long way from the $52,000 of the entry-level XF sedan, but
also a fair way below the supercharged $96,000 XKR coupe. Still, it is important
to remember the XFR sedan's price tag is $5,500 less than a BMW M5. The
XFR is handsome, quick and extremely capable; it lives up to the Jaguar name
in every sense.