What more needs to be said? It’s a Jag. With a 420 horse power 4.2 supercharged V8, it’s a fast Jag to boot. All aluminum chassis with or course a double wishbone suspension system make it a comfortable Jag as well. Wrapped in the exquisite packaging that is known to be Jaguar, this fast and furious race car model has all the makings of a superior performance vehicle with the advantage of one of the world’s leading reputations.
Equipped with one of the most up to the minute sequential automatic transmissions, paddle shifting is seamless. When slipped into the Sport Mode, shifting lacks the normally associated lag time that is typically of these transmission, but rather react to driver commands nearly instantaneously. What else would we expect from a Jag?
Practical technology and state of the art finishing made this version of the Jaguar a remarkably enhanced version while still adding performance value to the deal. A feature such as the aluminum monocoque body places it in a class by itself of everyday performance vehicles.
With 413 pounds per foot of torque at 4000 RPM, get up and go is taking on a whole new meaning. The 20 inch alloy wheels and the intriguing design of the front bumper make it quite distinguishable. The sexy aluminum finish grills and hood vents add an aura of excellence with imagination to the overall presence of the car while maintaining its classic Jaguar good looks. The XKR convertible stands alone in a class by itself, echoing the voices of Jaguars of the past.
The springs and dampers were more than adequately upgraded to an optimal 38% in the front and 24% in the rear. The ride enhancing adaptation provides a smooth and clear ease of handling and butter-like suspension. The Servotronic steering system naturally enhanced the adapted suspension to provide mirror smooth handling in all driving situations.
In order to allow the convertible to utilize the identical dynamic settings as the coupe model, an additional rear suspension brace serves the rear of the vehicle. The convertible is over 40% stiffer than the original steel model. This not only encourages faster acceleration, but it does so while encouraging less intrusion, vibration, or noise.
The Computer Active Technology System and the revised Dynamic Stability Control with the Traction Control System, which of course are impressive features on their own, were all upgraded and specifically designed to handle the extra power given off by the supercharged engine. That means that the enhanced power of the engine does not impede the car’s ability to find the correct balance between handling and ride.
This rear wheel drive example of excellent craftsmanship tops out at 155 miles per hour. While there are undoubtedly faster cars out there, few rival the XKR in styling or functional beauty. With a 0 to 60 time of 5 seconds flat, there are few cars our there that can do it with as much grace and elegance even if they are able to do it faster. Of course, going fast is impressive. Stopping is essential. With larger newly designed ventilated disk brakes, braking performance has accelerated by about 30%. The new braking system is much more resistant to fading. The four channel ABS, coupled with the Electronic Brake Force Distribution System added to the Hydraulic Brake Assist increase brake pressure. They are specially designed to enhance braking function during an immediate stop situation and the electronic parking brake system.
Jaguar coined and perfected the ability to produce ample power on command, regardless of current cruising or acceleration speed. It is their calling card of the industry. The XKR is of course no different, and even with its impressive stats, she is a ferocious powerhouse in swan’s clothing. The limited top speed of 155 miles per hour is really just the beginning.
The supercharger as well as the intelligent addition of the two intakes has increased typical 4.3 engine power by about 120 horse power. When compared to the KX, torque has improved by 36%. This is naturally a significant addition when it comes to acceleration. The additional weight of adding the supercharger and the two intakes was only a 154 pound increase, which in turn increased the power to weight ratio by a phenomenal 34%.
The intelligent addition of the two air intakes contributes significantly to the increased torque, acceleration, and overall speed. A Variable Inlet Camshaft Timing system was added to the two intakes, creating a continuously adjusting to the timing of the camshaft intake which assists the increase in torque even at lower RPMs.
The entire system is controlled by an Engine Management System, which engine speed, throttle position, and oil temperature are perpetually reported to the system to determine the correct inlet timing camshaft. The necessary messages are sent to the two solenoids that in essence control the valve actuators through hydraulic force. The engine is essentially talking to its systems and telling it how to optimize performance.
To correct the undeniable sound that the supercharger echoes, a vehicle acoustic pack was added to reduce noise by 5 decibels in relation to the original XKR. This allowed the engineers to create optimum sound quality when focused on the exhaust system.
The Jaguar XKR Convertible comes with the sequential shift transmission, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel and the gear selector a handy reach down toward the center console. It has been heralded as the most up to date sequential shift package on the market today, with an automatic smoothness to its relative shifting. With three various gearbox modes for the driver to choose from, the transmission can match the driver’s style without hesitation.
Living up to Jaguar’s perpetual promise of quality, style, speed, and refined definition, the XKR convertible is no exception. For the newest member of the Jaguar family, she comes onto the scene with explosive style and grace. She has been modeled from bumper to bumper to reflect Jaguar distinct performance qualities while being special enough to outperform the rest of the Jaguar family. Rarely does a car burst into the limelight with so little criticism and so much brilliant praise. But after all, it is a Jag.
© 2007 Kiersten Stetser and Ken Leonard for www.sport-cars.org
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