Jaguar XF-R

By Sam Hardy

12th January 2009

It was all white on the night for Jaguar – the Big Cat took the wraps off three stunning high perfomance R models at Detroit, all carrying the same eye-catching paintwork.

Leading the way was the XF-R, which is Jaguar's most powerful sports saloon ever, thanks to a 503bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8. Backed up by 625Nm of torque, the 0-60mph sprint takes just 4.7 seconds, putting it right on terms with its chief rival, BMW's M5.

As well as the new V8 engine, the XF-R gets a pumped-up body with a raft of air intakes and skirts, revised suspension and uprated brakes. It was flanked by two R versions of the XK Coupe, in hard-top and convertible form. They both get the new V8 too.

"This direct injection 5.0-litre engine takes the performance of these cars to a new level," said Mike O'Driscoll, managing director of Jaguar. 

The Big Cat also had a surprise up its sleeve in the shape of a land speed record car, based on a modified XF-R. Achieving a top speed of 225.675mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats last November, the model becomes the fastest Jaguar in history.

And in a veiled reference to the forthcoming XJ replacement, company bosses also revealed that news on a new Jaguar would be released in a few months time – so expect to see a concept version of the new large saloon at the Geneva Motor Show in March. 

Click here to see the official pictures and read more about the Jaguar XF-R.

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