| Year
(of specifications) |
2007 |
| Engine |
4196
cc V8 |
| Transmission |
6-speed,
sequential auto |
| Max
speed |
155
mph (limited) |
| 0-60
mph |
4.9
seconds |
| Horsepower |
420
bhp @ 6250 rpm |
| weight |
1665
kg / 3670 lbs |
The 2007 Jaguar XKR features an all-aluminium body providing
a stiff platform for little weight, a supercharged 4.2 litre
V8 developing 420 horsepower, and a 6 speed sequential manual
gearbox which allows the driver to shift using steering wheel
mounted paddles or a conventional automatic gear selector.
Available in coupe or convertible form, the 2007 Jaguar XKR
is lighter, stiffer and more powerful than the previous generation XKR. Uprated springs
and dampers and recalibrated Computer Active Technology Suspension
(CATS) provide enhanced ride and handling characteristics.
“Our aim when engineering the new XKR was to ensure that the
car’s characteristics remained in balance despite the significant
increase in power over the XK,” explains Jaguar’s chief engineer, Mike Cross.
“Working with that as our base, our brief was to create ‘XK
plus 30%’ – the ultimate sports GT for the real world.
“We wanted the performance and dynamism you would expect of
an XKR but were careful to retain that exceptional blend of
sporting luxury that every Jaguar must have and which is so
convincingly demonstrated with the XK. The bottom line is that
if you like the XK, you’ll absolutely love the new XKR.”
The addition of an Eaton supercharger and twin air intakes means
the new XKR benefits from a 120bhp (SAE) power increase over
the normally aspirated 4.2-litre XK with which it shares its
base engine. Torque has also been significantly increased –
up by 36% over the XK.
Styling enhancements over the standard XK are subtle yet noticeable,
especially from the front. Bonnet vents and a more aggressive
front facia are the main giveaways. However to the trained eye,
unique alloy wheels, black brake calipers, aluminum side vents
and quad exhausts also set the XKR apart.
Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum explains the thinking behind
the look of the 2007 Jaguar XKR:
“We talk at Jaguar of how our new generation of models are ‘beautiful,
fast cars’. It’s a phrase that sums up our brand and can be
applied to every car we design. We were extremely proud of the
reaction to the new XK when it was unveiled last year – it is
as beautiful as you would expect a Jaguar sports car to be.
Now the new XKR has a look that emphasises the ‘fast’ aspect
of our design statement.
“The ‘powerline’ that runs from the front wheel through the
cabin area and into the car’s rear haunches remains and we have
added to that latent feeling of power by adding some strong
performance features such as the louvres that signify the potent
supercharger and the stunning new alloys that fill the wheel
arches and give the car real purpose.”
Inside, the XKR’s cabin represents a truly sophisticated yet
driver-focussed environment. The XKR has world class ergonomics,
user-friendly in-car technology and simple, clear information
displays in the instrument panel and main dashboard area.
A unique sports seat design with additional lateral support
for both the driver and front seat passenger has been created,
with an ‘R’ badge on the headrests, tachometer, steering wheel
and gear selector. The design of the standard aluminium interior
trim is also unique to the XKR, featuring a ‘weave’ pattern
from the Jaguar
Advanced Lightweight Coupe design concept that was first
shown at the 2005 North American International Auto Show.
XKR customers can also specify the Luxury Sports interior option
which features softgrain leather on the 16-way adjustable seats,
instrument panel, door trim and centre console.
Similar and related vehicles:
- Jaguar XK (2006)
- Jaguar XKR 4.2 S Coupe (2005)
- Jaguar XJ220
- Jaguar XJR-15
- Jaguar
AL Coupe concept
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