The
2010 Jaguar XFR is the highly touted extension to the popular XF series. The XFR is a sedan that reflects a coupe profile. That is just one of two remarkable characteristics of the XFR - the other is, of course, the power plant.
At its core, the XFR is a sports car. Refined and luxurious, this five-passenger sedan performs like a sports coupe.
The new performance-oriented XFR comes complete with new front-end styling featuring revised chrome air intakes, supercharged hood louvers, four polished exhaust outlets, an aerodynamically functional rear deck lid spoiler lip, extended side sills and subtle R badging.
"Stunning" is a term I reserve for special cars. The Jaguar XFR, with its athletic stance, short overhangs, bold lower grille with new black-finished mesh and chrome outboard air intakes, is like nothing else on the road. That's really hard to say about many cars in a realistic price range these days, even for luxury sedans.
Inside the cabin you get an extension of the exterior's unique look. The interior dash sits low; the instrument and door panels blend wood and metal with the supple leather to create a refined elegance.
According to Jaguar, there is more real wood inside this XFR cabin than in any Jaguar since the Mark II sedan in the 1960s. That attention to detail, along with the loads of state-of-the-art technology, makes this interior a pleasure to be within. My favorite detail upon entering is the start button that pulses red. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive rotary gear selector rises from the center console into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn 180 degrees from the flush parked position to their functional open position.
The XFR features a full, soft-grain leather interior as standard; a new Dark Oak veneer is the standard finish for the XFR's wood-trimmed areas. The optional radar-based blind spot monitor warns the driver when there is another vehicle nearby in a different lane, and XFR's optional rear camera parking aid provides a clear view of the area behind the car on the color touch screen while reversing. Convenient on-screen guidance lines indicate the area into which the car will reverse.
Multiway adjustable power seats are standard on all models, and my test car came with the optional actively ventilated heated and cooled seats and a heated steering wheel. Seating is comfortable in front and back and sightlines are outstanding.
If I had one gripe about an otherwise amazing audio system, it is the annoying delay on the screen whenever I adjusted the volume. If I changed it, a moment later the screen had a graphic showing where it was currently at - not necessarily the final stop. If I adjusted it again it took too long to come up on screen and then fade away.
The XFR is not just sporty looks and luxury seating; it is the new AJ Gen III, 5.0-liter V-8 engine with direct injection. The XFR's V-8 is enhanced by a sixth-generation twin vortex supercharger and produces 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque.
A six-speed automatic transmission is mated to the rear wheels, using the JaguarDrive selector - an industry-first rotary gear selector interface for an automatic transmission. Acceleration is swift off the line or anywhere throughout the broad torque range, while the engine and exhaust notes are a pleasure. Handling characteristics are truly fun, and the ride delivers a comfortable and compliant quality without being either too soft or too firm.
The XFR's drag coefficient is just 0.29 and the front-to-rear lift balance is precisely zero, giving the XFR outstanding aerodynamic performance.
The aerodynamics contribute to low wind noise and strong highway stability.
On the road, you'll be able to take advantage of the XFR's active differential control and adaptive dynamics. The electronically controlled differential and suspension system work together to optimize traction under hard acceleration and cornering, which will come in handy should you approach the electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. (I did not.)
Off the line, the XFR can do 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The XFR also adds a faster steering ratio and uses the XF's 14.9-inch diameter internally ventilated front disc brakes. The XFR uses unique 20-inch wheels and tires that were specifically chosen to enhance the dynamic character of the car and optimize wet weather grip.
The XFR starts at around $62,000 and my test car added blind spot cameras, leather and wood inserts and adaptive cruise control with collision warning. The final total came to just more than $64,000. Compare this to others in the class and you'd be hard pressed to find a more distinctly styled sedan.
The new XFR is one of the most visually unique, technically sophisticated yet driver-friendly sedans Jaguar has ever produced - an authentic and impressive premium sports sedan.
2010 JAGUAR XFRENGINE: 510-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8
TRANSMISION: six-speed automatic
DRIVETRAIN: rear-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 15 city/21 highway
BASE PRICE: $62,000
AS TESTED: $64,000
www.Jaguar.com