One fast cat

MANILA, Philippines - With car enthusiasts and media in attendance, Jaguar Cars Philippines launched the new XKR-S at the Opus Restaurant in Resorts World Manila, Pasay City last week. The XKR-S is the fastest production sports car the British brand has ever made, and makes it part of the exclusive 300 km/h club.

Developed at the Jaguar Test and Engineering Center in Nürburgring, Germany, the new XKR-S can go from 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, thanks to its uprated supercharged V8 engine delivering 550 hp and 691 Nm of torque. In order to extract more power from the already potent AJ-V8 engine, Jaguar engineers revised the fuelling map of the direct-injection engine. A new Performance active exhaust also enhances the aural quality of the XKR-S while rewarding the driver with a dramatic, motorsports-inspired feedback.

Aside from being the fastest production Jaguar ever, the XKR-S is also considered as the most agile, responsive, and driver-focused that the company has ever produced. The lightweight aluminum body already contributes to increased torsional stiffness without the added weight. Add to that a reworked suspension together with stiffer springs and dampers that allow optimal response from the XKR-S. The car also benefits from a recalibrated steering and 20-inch light-alloy wheels for a more connected road feel and agile driving experience. Jaguar has also done some modifications to the XKR-S’s Active Differential Control to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds to increase stability. The Dynamic Stability Control System has also seen some changes to take full potential of the large wheels.

Outside, the XKR-S shows off its new-found performance thanks to a set of design tweaks that are necessary for speeds in excess of 300 km/h. All in all, Jaguar says that a reduction of 26 percent in lift has been achieved with these changes. Upfront, the new front-end has twin nacelles, side intakes, and a carbon fiber splitter. At the side, the side sills have been extended emphasizing the lower ride height. And at the back, a new rear apron with a carbon fiber diffuser and a large rear wing (the first for the XK range) complete the transformation. Of course, it’s a welcome bonus that these design changes connote a sense of speed and aggressiveness even when the XKR-S is standing perfectly still.

Capping of the exterior changes is a range of five paint colors, two of which are exclusive to the XKR-S: Italian Racing Red and French Racing Blue.

Aside from delivering a powerful performance, the XKR-S doesn’t take a backseat when it comes to luxury amenities; after all, Jaguar is known to produce some of the world’s most beautiful fast cars. Like the cabin of any Jaguar, the XKR-S feels very special to the driver with the red engine Start button and the Jaguar Driver Selector which rises from the center console. Exclusive to the XKR-S are carbon-leather trimmed versions of Jaguar Performance seats with integrated headrests, racing harness cut-outs, and increased side and thigh support. These seats feature 16-way power adjustment for the best seating position and offer several monotone and duotone color combinations. Aside from the sport seats, the XKR-S also plays host to new trim materials including ebony soft-feel paint for the switches and gloss black finish on the center console. Dark Linear Aluminum finish is standard, while drivers have the option to switch to the more classic wood veneers if desired.

“We are very proud to introduce the Jaguar XKR-S which elevates the entire XK range to a whole new level with its extreme performance. The XKR-S is the most responsive, agile, and driver-focused car that Jaguar has ever built,” said Jaguar Cars Philippines Chairman and President Wellington Soong.

Indeed, for those who want to have a taste of what it’s like to be part of the 300 km/h, they need not look further than the new Jaguar XKR-S. The new Jaguar XKR-S is available for order at the Jaguar Lifestyle Center at 32nd and 4th Crescent Park West in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. You may contact the sales department for more information at: +63-2-856-2277.