Not that the engine in the supercharged XKR appears to be much changed from the previous XKR's, either. There’s now an extra 20bhp, taking the peak power to 420bhp, and a slight increase in torque to 413lb ft. Most of these gains are achieved through new twin air inlets and a variable timing system fitted to the inlet cams of the 90-degree V8.
Overall engine capacity stays at 4196cc, with an Eaton-type supercharger continuing to provide the forced induction into the cylinders. But, as with the XK, the XKR proved disappointing on our scales, despite its aluminium construction. Weighing in at 1780kg (with options), our test car was 100kg heavier than Jaguar’s claim.
It takes a keen eye to spot an XKR, but the differences are there. The frontal area is considerably more aggressive, with deeper mesh grilles and separate mesh-filled side intakes. The bonnet also features slightly crass air intakes. On the flanks, the side strakes are now alloy-effect plastic, while a quartet of no-nonsense tailpipes exits at the rear. Overall, it’s a successful tone-up.
