Jaguar XKR at Detroit

09th January 2009

The big cat had the opposition licked at this year’s Detroit Show, with not one, but two 500bhp newcomers! As well as the XF, the entire XK line-up has undergone a mid-life facelift and engine revisions.

But the big story is at the top of the range, where the flagship XKR has ditched the old 4.2-litre unit in favour of a new 500bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8. The standard XK also uses the all-new 5.0-litre V8, but in naturally aspirated form with 380bhp. Other mechanical changes include the addition of the innovative JaguarDrive gear selector from the XF.

Interior changes are more subtle, but include new suede headlining and more leather trim in the cabin, while on the outside there’s a new front bumper, more chrome detailing and redesigned tail lamps.

The XKR delivers a storming 4.6 second 0-60mph sprint time. It’s also 24 per cent faster from 50-70mph than the outgoing XK-R, taking a mere 1.9 seconds, while CO2 emissions go down to 292g/km and fuel economy stays at 23mpg.

Prices are yet to be announced, but should see a slight increase, starting at around £60,000 for a 5.0-litre coupe and rising to £70,000 for an XKR.

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