The Jaguar XFR

The highlight of the new 2010 model year XF, (available to customers from March 2009, dependent on model and market) is a new flagship – the stunning XFR powered by the supercharged version of the new 5.0-litre AJ-V8 – the first XF to carry the ‘R’ badge, which defines Jaguar’s most performance focused models.

Driving Dynamics

The headline advances made by Jaguar’s new engines are hugely significant and impressive. They take Jaguar’s philosophy of ‘intelligent power’ to another new level and that means instant responses, seamless power and smooth, refined performance with comparable fuel economy and better emissions – all thanks to intelligent use of the most advanced technologies. And, of course, in XFR guise, it makes for the quickest XF yet.

In line with the additional performance, XFR adopts the largest brakes fitted to the XF range, with 380mm diameter internally ventilated front discs. XFR’s unique 20-inch wheels and tyres were specifically chosen to enhance the dynamic character of the car, and in particular to optimise wet weather grip.

Jaguar’s Emergency Brake Assist is standard on XF and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is now available as an option all models. Advanced Emergency Brake Assist is a new attribute of the ACC system on the new 3.0 V6 diesel and 5.0 V8 petrol models; it uses the ACC radar to calculate distance from and speed of approach to the vehicle ahead and pre-charges the brake-line pressure to minimise impact speed if a collision is predicted – as well as giving an audible warning to the driver.

To improve handling and steering responses, the XFR is fitted with a ‘fast ratio’ steering rack, and additionally benefits from the further improved front-to-rear aerodynamic balance offered by a new boot lid spoiler and deeper front bumper. This is a significant gain as XF’s lift balance was already best in class, and its low overall aerodynamic drag coefficient of only 0.29 Cd contributes to both low wind noise and inherent high-speed stability.

The XF’s body shell is already extremely stiff - in fact the stiffest in its class. This is key to the XF delivering superb ride and handling based on taut body control and precise, responsive steering. The bodyshell for the new XF 2010 Model Year is even stiffer, thanks to a new rear subframe and the adoption of a boot cross-brace that was previously only fitted to the XF SV8 supercharged model.

The biggest changes in chassis dynamics for the XFR, however, come from two new advanced technologies, Adaptive Dynamics – successor to the earlier CATS system – and Active Differential Control, which are both incorporated as standard.

XFR also features Handling Functionality, which is unique in this class. In conjunction with the DSC Off option and JaguarDrive Control™ with Dynamic Mode, this supplements all the advantages of Traction Only Functionality with a number of more driver-focused dynamic characteristics. When selected, Dynamic Mode (which is also standard on the new naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 petrol and new 3.0-litre V6 diesel models) modifies the throttle, stability and transmission parameters, and on XFR only it also modifies the Adaptive Dynamics responses. The combination of ADC and Dynamic mode with DSC Off allows controllable power-on oversteer, and improves off-throttle stability, allowing quicker, more spirited cornering. It can also improve stability in situations such as an emergency lane-change manoeuvre at high speed and, in combination with DSC, reduce the brake interventions which the more enthusiastic driver might see as intrusive.

So, working with DSC, the TCS traction control system and ABS braking function, ADC can significantly improve overall vehicle performance, and provide even more precise driving feel. Together with its very high performance potential, that is what defines the new XFR as a perfect home for Jaguar’s ‘R’ philosophy, and the sportiest of all XF models.

Unique new XFR styling for sporting expression

The enhanced exterior styling of the XFR carries a number of visual design cues that are intrinsic to Jaguar’s ‘R’ car philosophy. Its unique front-end design has a larger lower grille with new black-finished mesh, plus chrome outboard air intakes. The upper mesh grille retains XF’s bright finish, while the bonnet carries distinctive louvres, like those on the XKR sports car.

The XFR also features new sill extensions, while the rear bumper adds a unique body-coloured lower valance panel incorporating the ‘R’ signature of four large, bright-finished tail pipes. The new bootlid spoiler has a significant aerodynamic effect. Developed in conjunction with the new front bumper design, it further improves the XFR’s front/rear lift balance, and therefore its high-speed stability. A new exterior mirror design also offers aerodynamic improvements, plus improved functionality with its LED side repeaters.

The XFR’s sporting character is clearly apparent in the 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels. It is the only car in its class to offer this size of wheel as standard specification. The twin-seven-spoke wheels bear the wording ‘Jaguar Supercharged’ embossed around their centres, and behind which lay the silver-grey brake callipers, which carry the evocative ‘R’ logo. The R badge also appears on the right-hand side of the boot lid drop panel, to complete the XFR’s external visual identity.

The new XFR is offered with a select palette of just eight exterior colours: Ultimate Black, Indigo, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Porcelain, Botanical Green, Kyanite Blue and Salsa. All except Salsa and Porcelain are metallic colours and, within the XF range, Salsa and Kyanite Blue are unique to the XFR. For each colour – as across the entire XF range – Jaguar suggests a ‘Designer’s Choice’ of the leather trim colours that best complement each body colour and the Warm Charcoal upper facia that is standard on every XFR.

The interior design theme is modern and individual. The cabin environment is uniquely Jaguar and in the XFR more details hint at the car’s performance. A full soft grain leather interior is standard, with four colour choices – Warm Charcoal, Warm Charcoal/Red Zone, Warm Charcoal/London Tan, and Ivory. A new Dark Oak veneer is the standard finish for the XFR’s wood-trimmed areas. New 18x14-way adjustable sports seats have electrically adjustable squab bolsters for significantly improved support at higher cornering speeds. Each XFR seat has the ‘R’ logo embossed on its squab and the front seats have leather seat-back map pockets.

The fascia introduces a unique, dark mesh aluminium finish, and another discreet ‘R’ badge on the passenger side of the instrument panel. The speedometer and tachometer have the unique sporting signature of red dial pointers, and carry the ‘Supercharged’ motif. And at start-up, the ‘R’ logo appears on the Touch-screen as part of the XFR ‘driver handshake’ sequence.