Pure Sports Jaguar

The history of Jaguar Cars Limited, as we know it today, began in 1945, after the end of World War II. However, their involvement in the automotive business dates back nearly twenty years earlier, to 1927.

The founder, Sir William Lyons, who passed away in 1985, was initially involved in the business of fitting sidecars. The company name at the time, Swallow, reflected his product policy: "to create beautiful things."

Building on its success in races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Jaguar debuted the "E-Type" in 1961, a car that Enzo Ferrari himself would later call the most beautiful sports car in the world. With the decline of the British automotive industry from the 1970s onwards, Jaguar's brand image, once synonymous with "beautiful" and "sports car," gradually shifted towards "luxury" and "saloon." This is the perception of Jaguar commonly held today.

However, the spirit of the sports car was never abandoned within Jaguar. This is evident in the dynamic quality of their products. In recent years, there has been a discernible movement to re-establish the brand image as a sports car maker. The "XKR-S" is the result of this renewed focus, marking the return of a pure sports Jaguar after a long hiatus.

Jaguar's Fastest Ever

The "XKR-S" engine is based on the 5-liter supercharged unit found in the XKR, but with modifications to the intake and exhaust systems, as well as engine management.

With a formidable 550ps, it is undoubtedly the most powerful Jaguar ever produced, excluding race cars and special limited editions. Its top speed of 300 km/h, a benchmark for modern super sports cars, also makes it the fastest Jaguar in history.

To support this high-speed capability, canard-like elements have been added to the sides of the front bumper. The front and rear under-splitters, finished in a contrasting color to the body, and the rear wing feature real carbon parts, lending a sharp appearance. The front fascia, with its slim, newly designed headlights flanking intake slits, exudes a fierce presence, yet each component is elegantly styled to harmonize with the brand's image.

The interior, predominantly wrapped in leather with an embossed carbon-fiber-like texture, is also fundamentally race-inspired. However, the subtle blue piping accents throughout evoke a distinctly British aesthetic.

The seats are standard 16-way power-adjustable reclining bucket seats, designed to accommodate full harnesses. Despite their sporty appearance, they offer a comfortable fit that gently envelops the body without feeling overly restrictive.

Features such as climate control and the infotainment system are identical to the base model, and sound-deadening materials have not been omitted, thus maintaining a certain level of luxury.

Nothing But Jaguar

The sound emanating from the dedicated exhaust system is even more ferocious than that of the base XKR. Unlike the high-pitched tones of a Ferrari V8, the low, guttural growl that enters the cabin as the revs climb is unmistakably that of a Jaguar sports model.

Furthermore, the engine's characteristics have been clearly tuned for higher revs compared to the XKR. The feeling of the supercharger propelling the engine to over 6,000 rpm with a sharp surge is befitting of a super sports car.

At the same time, the ample torque in the low to mid-range is a hallmark of British sports cars.

The combination of unwavering stability, as if glued to the road, and the nimble agility with which it changes direction in response to steering inputs, is masterfully balanced. This ride quality, capable of 300 km/h, is truly characteristic of Jaguar and nothing else.

Two Cars Bearing a Special Mark

The "XFR," which allows for an even richer experience of Jaguar's unique ride quality, is the Jaguar saloon I would personally recommend the most right now.

Despite the large diameter tires, it smoothly glides over road imperfections from the moment you start driving. As speed increases, it conveys a sense of stability, as if the car is settling deeper into the road, all with a remarkable suppleness. The car maintains a consistently flat posture and shows no signs of disturbance even under significant inputs. The way it absorbs impacts alone is elegant enough to satisfy any car enthusiast.

The steering feel is consistently gentle yet rich in information, with no blank spots where the tires feel disconnected. Even when encountering bumps mid-corner or being forced to brake, the car's attitude changes in perfect sync with the driver's intentions, significantly reducing any sense of unease.

Whether driving fast or cruising, the setup is geared towards real-world performance, meaning it is exceptionally well-suited for public roads. On top of that, the quality of feedback is outstanding.

Among its direct rivals, the AMG E63 shares a similar character, but the XFR stands out as a car with exceptionally high potential, especially considering the price difference.

In essence, both the "XKR-S" and "XFR" are Jaguar sports models designated with a special mark. While their exterior and interior styling may not overtly express Jaguar's distinctiveness, when it comes to the driving experience, particularly the ride feel, these two cars possess the unmistakable character of a Jaguar. In the past, their superb handling was sometimes referred to as "cat's paws," a metaphor that is by no means a relic of the past.

In Jaguar's history, which has consistently prioritized beauty, this concept applies not only to design but also to power and handling. These two cars serve to remind the driver of this legacy.

Jaguar XKR-S Coupe
Body Size | Length 4,795 x Width 1,915 x Height 1,310mm
Wheelbase | 2,750mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,810kg
Engine | 5-liter V8 DOHC + Supercharger
Max Output | 405kW (550ps) / 6,500rpm
Max Torque | 680Nm / 3,500rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT
Drivetrain | FR
Fuel Economy | 6.6km/ℓ (10-15 mode) 6.6km/ℓ (JC08 mode)
Price | ¥17,500,000

Jaguar XFR
Body Size | Length 4,975 x Width 1,875 x Height 1,460mm
Wheelbase | 2,910mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,960kg
Engine | 5-liter V8 DOHC + Supercharger
Max Output | 375kW (510ps) / 6,000-6,500rpm
Max Torque | 625Nm / 2,500-5,500rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT
Drivetrain | FR
Fuel Economy | 6.6km/ℓ (10-15 mode) 6.6km/ℓ (JC08 mode)
Price | ¥12,000,000