The English don't go "to the ball" with the Germans, it's not new, we all know that. And so today we announce another chapter of this eternal battle: We present the Jaguar XFR-S 2014!
The British brand Jaguar is advancing not with tanks but with a super sports saloon for this war. That's not from nations, it's from automobiles! Before the respectful German armada formed by BMW, Mercedes, Audi and, more recently, Porsche. All of them, deeply connoisseurs of “war-sports” strategies, Jaguar responds in kind with the brand new Jaguar XFR-S.
The presentation of this model is taking place at this very moment in "Allied" terrain, USA, more precisely at the International Salon in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, we were unable to arrange plane tickets to watch this “open declaration of war” live from the USA.
If you find all this diplomacy boring, then smile because the XFR-S's specifications command respect… the same engine that animates the XKR-S is now present in this «ballistic» saloon. That's 550hp of power provided by the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, connected to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF gearbox equipped with the Quickshift system. Numbers that translate into accelerations from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 sec. and a maximum speed of 300km/h (electronically limited).
Because “firepower” is nothing without good terrain maneuverability (read circuits and mountain roads) Jaguar engineers have equipped the XFR-S with electronic differentials and stability controls tuned to provide maximum performance and fun behind the wheel.
Abroad, the strategy is to beat the opponent with just the "look". The "British" classicism was replaced by a more "warrior" posture. The entire car exudes power and aggressiveness.
We can only hope that this Jaguar XFR-S is what the brand promises it will be: the ultimate sports saloon. The German competition has half a year to prepare, Jaguar will start marketing this "bullet" as early as next year.
Text: Guilherme Ferreira da Costa