New 2012 Jaguar XKR-S looks like racing car with two door and coupe body style. Although it’s based on the luxurious and athletic XKR coupe, the XKR-S features changes that make the car even sportier. The aesthetic changes are obvious: a carbon-fiber front splitter, rear wing and diffuser, plus a new front fascia with a blacked-out grille and turning vanes.
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| 2012 Jaguar XKR-S |
The primary changes involve engine mapping and exhaust updates. A new bypass-equipped exhaust reduces restriction to enhance power and sound. Front uprights are stiffened, ride height is reduced by 10 mm and spring rates are increased by 28 percent up front and 32% in back. The addition of an electro-mechanical locking differential rounds out the performance-enhancing revisions to the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S. Experiencing the car on Portugal’s technical Algarve race circuit proved the point. The active differential worked well, as we never experienced any inside wheel spin on Algarve’s numerous tight turns, or the sinuous roads surrounding Portimão.
TracDSC, the track-specific stability control setting, is surprisingly fun. On the road, the taut ride and raucous exhaust remind you that the S is no standard XKR. A unique leather headliner, stainless-steel pedals, and supportive, yet comfortable, race-style seats (with unique stitching) round out the interior.
Overall, an impressive effort. The new 2012 Jaguar XKR-S is expected in dealerships soon, priced at $132,000.
It’s hard to write about a 550 hp luxury performance coupe without resorting to clichés. It’s also hard to design and build a 550 hp luxury performance coupe without indulging in a few clichés, but the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S comes very close. The front end is elegantly expressive, with a small horizontal grille opening and a low carbon fiber splitter. Familiar Jaguar luxury surrounded me, complete with a leather headliner, sport front seats with 16-way power adjustment and carbon patterned leather. Depressing the brake pedal and touching the Start button results in some lovely growl engine sounds. Race the engine, and the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine snarls with challenge. Jaguar claims that the XKR-S can pounce from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, and it sure feels that way behind the wheel. 2012 Jaguar XKR-S benefits from some substantial suspension upgrades that result in very precise steering feel at all speeds. The vehicle’s controls allow you to select suspension settings, and there’s a competition mode that stiffens everything up nicely.
