The Jaguar XFR is the British company’s rival to the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-AMG E63.
The XFR builds on the now familiar XF saloon recipe but is powered by a 503bhp direct injection supercharged V8. It also gets substantial chassis changes, including different spring rates, a newly developed continuously variable electronic damping system and a new electronically controlled rear differential.
The new XFR also benefits from enhancements to the steering over the standard car.
The visual changes are subtle but effective. There’s a redesigned, XJ-esque front end with a more aggressive look and added air intakes. It also gets flared sills, a discreet boot lid spoiler and standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside there are further additions such as special dials, dark wood and more heavily bolstered, but extremely comfortable, seats.
The supercharged V8 in the Jaguar XFR is an absolutely magnificent engine. It makes the car almost indecently quick.
And it’s this engine, allied to the familiar but fettled 6-speed ZF auto ‘box - now operated by a rotary dial - which gives the Jaguar XFR such headway over its rivals. The torque and the effectiveness of this gearbox make it brilliant docile when you want to make chilled progress, but also crushingly effective when you want to flex your right foot and get moving.
