Jaguar has unveiled the XJR575, the most powerful version yet of its flagship saloon, in a bid to keep pace with rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG S63 and Audi S8.
First seen in camouflaged guise going up the hill at last month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the XJR575 uses the F-Type SVR’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine with 567bhp, 25bhp more than the outgoing XJR, and 516lb ft.
That enables a 0-62mph time of 4.4sec, 0.2sec faster than its predecessor but 0.2sec slower than the S63. Its top speed is 186mph.
The hot saloon is part of the updates across the XJ range that come as a mid-life refresh, ahead of a new XJ in 2019. That model is widely rumoured to be pure electric. If true, Jaguar would beat its rivals to having a battery-powered flagship saloon and target core markets such as China.
In the meantime, this new XJR575, available in standard wheelbase only, has tailor-made exterior details, including a rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper and lower air intakes with gloss black surrounds. XJR575 badging and twin bonnet louvres plus 20in gloss black wheels with red brake calipers distinguish the car from its standard XJ siblings. Inside, the model has embossed tread plates, 575 branding and diamond quilted seating in two colour options.
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I don't think this is the
I don't think this is the version of XJ that buyers will be flocking to, but I think it is a decent update at least.
What strikes me is this. How did Jaguar get the XE/XF interior look so wrong after designing the XJ'? It is a lot older, and admittantly looking a little dated now, but looks far better than its newer sister cars.
For the money I'd rather have
For the money I'd rather have a Tesla Model S. In London it's noticeable how many Tesla Model S's there are, and how few Jaguar XJ's. The times they are a changing.
paddyb wrote:
If I were in the market for one, I would probably agree with you. Looks like Jaguar think the same according to this article
wife beater
Love the XJ. Not sure of the red highlights and bonet louvres are really what the 'grace' of Jaguar are all about though..Jag already have the lairy R models in the other ranges, i would have thought the XJ could have had the sophisticated performance treatement, but evidently that doesn't exist in Jag these days.