With the release of the F10 BMW M5 (552bhp) and the E212 Mercedes E63 AMG (549bhp with optional performance pack) in recent years, the 503bhp conjured by the Jaguar XFR was beginning to look a little skimpy. As a result, the firm has given the XF the same R-S treatment that was bestowed upon the XK range not too long ago.
In line with the XKR-S, power from the familiar 5.0-litre supercharged V8 has been boosted to 542bhp, which translates to a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.4 seconds and an E-limited speed ceiling of 186mph. It also incorporates technology borrowed from the forthcoming F-type – including a faster throttle response and ‘Quickshift’ function for the 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Tweaks to the front and rear suspension augment the ‘focused’ nature of the XFR-S by increasing lateral stiffness by up to 30%. Meanwhile, changes to the settings for the E-diff and stability control systems are said (by Jaguar) to enhance handling characteristics.
Though probably not to everyone’s taste, the XFR-S has a variety of aerodynamic and visual addenda to differentiate it from the XFR. Most obvious is the bootlid-mounted spoiler; the pictures show the larger version with a carbonfibre centre section, although – thankfully for some – UK customers can request a downsized version. Elsewhere, aggressively vented bumpers are present front and rear, while deeper sills, a carbonfibre rear splitter and wider 20-inch alloys round off the changes.
Inside, the overall layout remains the same as the rest of the XF range. However, contemporary materials and techniques such as ‘carbon leather’ and contrasting ‘micro-piping’ stitching should help to differentiate it from the non-S derivative.
Prices in the UK start at £79,995 with five exterior colours available: French Racing Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Polaris White and Italian Racing Red.
Photos: Jaguar
