Jaguar has crowned its performance saloon line-up with a new R version of its flagship XJ. The Jaguar XJR is the firm’s star of the New York motor show next week.
Power for the XJR comes from Jaguar’s famed supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine. In the XJR, it produces 542bhp, the same power output as the recently unveiled XFR-S.
Jaguar hasn’t confirmed any performance figures for its new rear-wheel drive saloon, but a 0-62mph time close to 5.0sec would be expected. Jaguar has promised “supercar performance” for the new model.
A single image released by Jaguar of the car ahead of New York reveals an aggressive new look for the XJ in its transformation into the XJR super-saloon.
Darkened mesh is used for the front grille and air intakes, a front lip spoiler is added, and chrome trim contrasts against the gun metal grey paint finish. Large five-spoke alloys wrapped in low-profile tyres are further additions to the most potent XJ ever.
Jaguar hasn’t gone into detail on the “bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments” the XJR has compared to the Jaguar standard XJ. Full details will be confirmed at the New York motor show.
“The XJR is the most focused, agile and responsive Jaguar XJ ever made,” according to the Gaydon-based firm, mixing “supercar performance and assertive looks with the highest levels of luxury”.
Jaguar boss Adrian Hallmark said: “The new XJR epitomises the three pillars of technology, performance and contemporary design which the Jaguar brand stands for in the twenty-first century, while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury saloon.”
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