Jaguar XKR

In March 2009 reached the market the new Jaguar XKR, the sportiest version of the XK coupe or convertible 2 +2 seater hatchback. It is basically the same car that Jaguar launched in 2006 but with a more powerful engine and light changes outdoors.

The XKR is available in two body variants (coupe and convertible) with a V8 engine of 5 liters and 510 horsepower (the same bearing the XFR). Both have a top speed electronically limited to 250 km / h. The XKR Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.6 seconds, while the XKR Convertible does it in 4.8 seconds. The XKR 2009 is slightly faster than the model it replaces, which performed the 0 to 100 km / h in 4.9 seconds (coupe) and 5.2 seconds (convertible).

The average consumption approved the XKR with both types of bodywork is 12.3 l/100 km, the same as the V8 engine of 4.2 liters and 416 hp Jaguar XKR fit them since it came to market in the Spring 2006. Both acceleration and consumption, the Jaguar XKR is similar to its alternatives, such as the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG and the BMW M6 (comparative tab).

Priced at 114,600 euros, the XKR is the second most affordable option, behind the Corvette Z06, between coupes of more than 500 hp. The XKR Convertible (123,700 euros) is the cheapest among the convertibles from 500 to 520 hp, ahead of the BMW M6 Convertible (136,500 euros) and the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG (165,200 euros).

The 510 horsepower engine has variable valve timing of the XKR and meets the Euro 5 emissions standard. The torque has increased from 560 Nm to 625 Nm. The XKR has a noise filter in the rear of the engine whose output is directed to the carrier for the driver to better perceive the sound of the V8. In this filter pressure pulses enter the air from the intake manifold under certain circumstances (the control unit is controlled by the engine).

The automatic transmission (ZF) six-speed has been enhanced with a more capable converter and additional clutch plates. The change is managed from the cams located behind the steering wheel or, in automatic mode, using a circular knob located between the front seats, the same bearing the XF. This switch is associated with a new electronic differential.

This box has two automatic modes ( 'Drive' and 'Sport'). In mode "Sport" tends to bring the engine into a higher regime. If, for example, the car is a curve, the transmission remains in the way in which it is as long as possible.

The minimum time for change, since the driver gives the order until it is in gear, is 0.6 seconds. The transmission of a Lexus IS F can do the changes in 0.1 seconds. The revisions to the XKR 2009 are every 24,000 km or 12 months, while the 2006 model had to be checked every 16,000 km or 12 months.

Aesthetically, it differs from the previous model by the hood, exhaust pipes, the front bumper and redesigned rear apron, new side power vents painted in body color and exterior mirrors with side blinkers and courtesy light LEDs also present in some of the functions of the rear lights.

In addition, the 2009 XKR is distinguished by the new tires on 19 or 20 inches, the 15 body colors (two of them, "Sauce" and "Blue Kyanite" exclusive) and chrome inserts in the upper and lower grilles of the front. The chrome accents are also present in the shape of the windows and in the bar of the tailgate.

The XKR, like the rest of the XK range, has the pedestrian protection system in case of impact, which acts by raising the hood 170 mm in just 30 milliseconds to create a space between this area of the vehicle and the rigid points fall below it. Also, energy-absorbing bumpers help reduce the severity of injuries on the legs of the victim is struck.

The system of emergency braking assistance ( "EBA") is another element of safety standard on the Jaguar XKR, which can be combined with active developer of speed ( "PCA") optional.

The XKR Convertible has a canvas roof made of three layers of tissue. The middle is made of 3M Thinsulate, a type of tissue that is used in some outerwear. The operation of the hood is fully electric (do not manually release no closure). The folding and unfolding process is completed in 18 seconds and can perform at speeds up to 16 km / h.

When the hood is folded is hidden beneath an aluminum cover behind the passenger compartment. The rear window is glass and is durable for demister. The convertible version of the XKR keeps a rollover protection system that deploys in a crash.

The Jaguar XKR 2009 also introduces new inside. Among them stand the seats' R Performance "electrically adjustable. These seats are memories, are heated and ventilated. The armrests and ceiling are finished in velvet. The instrument panel has red needles and white light illumination.

The lining of the doors also varies with respect to the previous version of the XKR, because now is sewn with a lockstitch and a new softer middle layer. The leather handles are also sewn double stitching. In addition, controls the positions of the seats become a single piece of chrome.

The upholstery is leather XKR 'Softgrain. The interior customization options provide a new combination of leather seats in ivory color and finish ceiling and floor mats in gray.