The new XFR-S Sportbrake is the third model in the Jaguar's R-S range and is
an expression of Jaguar's longstanding sports saloon lineage. The XFR-S
Sportbrake incorporates engineering features from both the XKR-S and the all-new
F-Type two-seater sports car to create the most driver-focused, agile and
responsive iteration of Jaguar's award-winning XF model range.
The XFR-S Sportbrake's R-S powertrain, chassis and body enhancements enable the
car to push the performance boundaries.
Electrifying performance is provided by the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 petrol
engine, which now boasts 550 hp and 502 lb-ft (680 Nm) - up 40 hp and 40 lb-ft
(55 Nm) respectively over its XFR installation. The increases have been achieved
through revisions to the engine management system and optimisation of the flow
of air both into and out of the engine.
Fitted with an eight-speed transmission incorporating Jaguar's 'Quickshift'
technology (developed for the F-Type), the increase in engine output allows the
XFR-S Sportbrake to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8
seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).
In order to manage the extra rear mass of the XFR-S Sportbrake while retaining
the sharp turn-in and response of the XFR-S Saloon, the Sportbrake's rear
suspension has been modified with revisions to both rear spring rates and the
adaptive damper tune. These revisions work together to increase the feeling of
connectivity with the road surface, allowing for confidence-inspiring handling
and a supple, controlled ride. Recalibrated active electronic differential and
Dynamic Stability Control settings have been tuned to work with the XFR-S
Sportbrake's modified rear suspension to allow the enthusiastic driver to make
the most of the car's huge potential.
The XFR-S Sportbrake's closest competitors are the Mercedes E63 AMG Estate and
the Audi RS6 Avant.
Elegant Design
Reflecting the changes under the skin, the appearance of the XFR-S Sportbrake
has been subtly modified in order to allow the car to achieve its full
potential. As with the standard Jaguar Sportbrake, the combination of a flowing
rear window graphic, rising waist and estate roofline lends the XFR-S Sportbrake
a dynamic, broad-shouldered stance, while the extended roofline affords
rear-seat passengers an additional 48mm of headroom and the seats offer both a
60:40 split fold function and integral ski hatch. Remote-fold levers inside the
load-space opening allow the seats to be stowed flat quickly and easily,
creating a cargo volume of up to 59 cu-ft (1,675 liters). Rear lift has been
reduced through the fitment of a spoiler mounted on the top of the rear hatch to
manage the airflow off the top rear surface of the car.
The new, deeper front bumper incorporates larger lower central and side air
intakes - the former framed in carbon fiber - in order to provide adequate
airflow into the engine bay. A front splitter at the lower edge of the bumper
provides the first of a number of aerodynamic changes designed to smooth the
passage of the car through the air at very high speeds. The extended side sills
and aeroblade moldings behind the front wheels serve to create a sharp break-off
point between the lower bodywork and the road surface in order to keep the
airflow attached to the car's sides for as long as possible.
The same thinking dictated the deeper side mouldings behind the rear wheels.
This extended rear bumper also incorporates a central, carbon fiber diffuser,
deeper than the item found on the XFR and which travels further under the rear
of the car to reduce lift.
The wider, six-spoke, 20-inch lightweight Varuna forged alloy wheels provide the
XFR-S Sportbrake with a purposeful, broad-shouldered stance and come as standard
with a dual finish. A ceramic polish is applied to the outer surfaces, its
eye-catching appearance contrasting with inner gloss black areas. As an option
the wheels can be supplied in either full gloss black or technical grey
finishes.
XFR-S Sportbrake customers can choose from an exterior palette comprising five
colors: Ultra Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Polaris White and Italian
Racing Red.
This color palette is complemented inside the XFR-S Sportbrake with Warm
Charcoal leather trim on the seats and doors enhanced through the use of carbon
effect leather. Exclusive to R-S cars, this is used on the seat bolsters and arm
rests and reflects the use of exotic carbon fiber on the aerodynamic elements of
the car. The seats themselves are embossed with the R-S logo and can be finished
with a choice of contrast color micro-piping and stitching in either red, blue
or ivory. The same subtle enhancement runs across the top of the dashboard, the
fascia of which is finished in a Dark aluminum unique to the R-S, complete with
badging.
