2010 Jaguar XFR and XKR

2010 Jaguar XFR
2010 Jaguar XKR
Jaguar unwrapped a pair of high-performance cars at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The 2010 XFR (top photo) is a new addition to the brand's midsize-sedan roster. The 2010 XKR (bottom photo) is an updated version of an existing model.

The struggling British automaker (now owned by Tata Motors of India) introduced the XF for model-year 2009 as a replacement for the aged S-Type midsize sedan. Press impressions have been solid thus far, with XF earning a Consumer Guide Recommended award for its polished powertrains and luxurious interior.

CG Says...
Mega-horsepower cars might not be politically correct, but these Jaguars exude so much style that even the most jaded person can't help but look twice at these sculpted cats. The company has established German competitors in its sights (Audi S4, BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG), and it looks like a serious contender, one that could be especially appealing if the XF-R can undercut them on price.
The 2010 Jaguar XFR ratchets up the performance aspect a few notches. The current top-end XF is the Supercharged model, which has a 420-horsepower supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engine. XFR is also supercharged but benefits from a displacement boost to 5.0 liters, as well as high-pressure direct injection. Jaguar says the engine is good for 510 horsepower. A beefed up 6-speed automatic transmission is included to handle the extra power. Other go-fast goodies include specific suspension tuning and tires. Unique exterior and interior trim bits complete the transformation of this more-aggressive kitty.

The 2010 Jaguar XKR also receives the 510-horsepower engine. XKR is the top-end trim level for the company's premium 2-door performance car, which comes as a coupe or convertible with a power soft top. Aside from the powertrain improvement, the car is otherwise unchanged.

On another powertrain note, a non-supercharged version of the 5.0-liter V8 engine is slated to appear in future XF and XK models. In naturally aspirated form, the engine is good for 385 horsepower and, according to company officials, no decrease in fuel economy. Figure on the new engine making its way into these products sometime in the 2010 model year.

No pricing was announced for either the 2010 XFR or XKR. Figure on the former commanding at least $70,000 (the current XF Supercharged starts at about $63,000), with the latter checking in with a base price of at least $95,000 for the coupe and $100,000 for the convertible. Both "R" models should be at dealers this fall.

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