Jaguar's highly anticipated luxury supercat, the XJR executive sports sedan, bowed at the 2013 New York Auto Show on Wednesday, March 27.
A highly effective formula, the 2014 Jaguar XJR is essentially a throbbing 550 hp 5.0 liter V8 engine shoehorned into the XJ's lightweight all-aluminum platform. Combined with the necessary adjustments to the suspension, steering ratio, aero, and grip, the new XJR is raring to go against the likes of the German Audi S8 and Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG.
A well rounded powerplant, the V8's power output of 550 hp and 502 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels translates to 0-to60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. If one dares to keep its foot down, expect the big Jaguar to accelerate all the way up to a governed top speed of 174 mph. Steel brake discs in 15-inch front and 14.8-inch rear diameters are standard.
A sophisticated brute, the 2014 Jaguar XJR features a very capable ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. In fact, the transmission can even sense when a driver is conducting some spirited driving. To complement the driver's excitement, the transmission will allow more aggressive upshifts to give the driver an enhanced driving experienced. Gears can also be selected by the driver himself with steering-wheel mounted flappy paddles.
Finally, an electronic active differential and re-tuned dynamic stability control system both improve the XJR's handling and performance ability, while actively protecting the driver when his talents run out.
In order to differentiate itself from the standard Jaguar XJ, the new XJR will feature a new front splitter, aerodynamic side skirts, rear spoiler, and hood vents.
The 2014 Jaguar XJR will start at $116,000, or $119,000 for the long-wheelbase variant.
Be sure to take a look at all the pictures of the new 2014 Jaguar XJR at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in the gallery below.
