New XKR-S from the UK
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Loughborough, UK
New XKR-S from the UK
Hi guys.....been a lurker on here for about a year and, now on my third Jag in 14 months, armed with some new pictures taken after a solid detailing session over the weekend with not much else to do tonight, I thought you guys might like a read on my new toy and those that went before! I guess most of you are based over the pond (or at least not UK-based) but, despite being a British car, the XKR-S is still extremely rare over here in the UK, something that I find very appealing.
Firstly, a little background on my entry into Jag ownership. This particular Jaguar (or at least the non-S version) was always one of those cars that I'd never seriously considered, always seeing it as an old mans car and what I imagined to be a bit soft to drive(I realise I'm in the XK forum so please don't take offence....it was an ill-informed opinion, and a wrong one at that!). I'd always disregarded it as I went though various BMW's, Mercs, Porsche's and even a Maserati...and then, after finally relenting after being impressed by what I thought to be a Jaguar for the younger man, I bought my first one, an XFR.
Then, only 5-weeks later and by sheer luck, I 'won' an XKR for a weekend at a raffle at my local dealer, and it was something that I wasn't all that fussed about at first as I genuinely thought I owned the better car! When I finally picked up my 'prize', I can honestly say that I was genuinely shocked....their demonstrator was the first of the facelift models (this was about a year ago) and had the much more modern sports seats, a beautifully finished interior and it drove absolutely fantastically. Within 5 minutes it had blown me away with how good it felt and, whilst not as focussed as a Porsche, as an everyday GT that still has the feel of a sports car, it's certainly one of the best compromises I've experienced.
It was only a matter of weeks before it was out with the XFR and in with a new XKR. Here was my first one (seen here on top of the Verzasca, aka 'Goldeneye' dam, and at the car park at the bottom of the Schilthorn summit, both in Switzerland which is, in my opinion, the very best country in Europe ....
Heres a few more of my first XKR in a clean state and of my previous XFR, which lasted just a few weeks....
The XKR was a fabulous car and had the unusual option of a Dynamic Pack which essentially gave it the upgraded XKR-S chassis and made it a much more focussed (and challenging) drive. Most people just buy the R-S for this but at the time, deals on the then-new R-S weren't as forthcoming as they are today.
By now, being a convert (and having aged by 20 years in my old-man Jag
), I was given an offer by my dealer to upgrade to a new XKR-S that I just couldn't refuse. And heres a few thoughts on my new toy....
Looks
OK, this R-S version is definitely not as 'classically' good-looking as the standard XKR and the spoilers/colour combination are extremely marmite but, I've really not had much else that attracts more attention, even if a lot of people don't actually know what it is (one of my neighbours thought it was some tuned Japanese car and I guess the spoilers and colour do give off that impression). I could have gone for a less lurid colour that would've had more widespread appeal but I like the fact it is very different and polarises opinion. It also seems to have a pleasant 'image', one that gets the thumbs up from many people and not something I ever felt when driving BMW's and Porsches.
Performance
Indecent. This car is simply rude! I had a Gen-2 Porsche 911 Turbo a couple of years ago and this car is similarly quick but nowhere near as easy to drive fast and, on any road that has a whiff of dampness, it's frankly dangerous. This, I like. The 911 would kill it as a device for getting from A to B as quickly as possible but as something to enjoy, to listen to and have a bit of fun with, I prefer the Jag. That I can't drive it silly fast without thinking about it means it's not a technically perfect, but it keeps me entertained and bodes well for it's longevity!
It's nicely refined in normal use (with really low wind noise too), it has a nice raspy, crackly soundtrack when it's in Dynamic mode and the power delivery is very, very satisfying. The power is even more instant than the Porsche (when you can get traction!) and the shove you get right across the rev range makes most other supposedly fast cars seem rather normal at best, which of course most aren't. I never thought the normal XKR needed another 10% more power and I also never thought you'd feel that extra when comparing the two but, the extra shove is definitely there at the upper end of the rev range! This engine makes it all seem so easy and, as long as you're not in stop-start urban traffic, it also manages to get 300+ miles out of a (£100) tank....about 22mpg.
Chassis
This is where I reckon every Jaguar I've driven comes into it's own in this country where our roads are broken, rutted and have some unique cambers...and is the primary reason for my recent admiration of the brand. This is the current hardest core of all Jag's and whilst it does ride quite firmly, it has well controlled (and quiet) body control (if not in Porsche league), it's rolls very little and yet it rides so nicely, you wonder why a road car would ever need to be any firmer.
I also really rate the eDiff (a mechanical LSD, which is electronically controlled and pro-active rather than reactive like a normal LSD) as you can feel it proactively working for you, and you get this benefit without needing to push the boundaries of grip too far as it responds before the grip threshold has exceed to help give you maximum forward (or sideways!) drive. It's especially noticeable on the exit of a (damp...it likes damp!) bend, when it gives a nice progressive forward traction combined with a delicate slide that requires just the smallest hint of opposite lock.
Its also worth noting the weight of the car as XKR's are often slated for an excess of it, despite the all-aluminium construction. I reality, I just don't notice it and I certainly don't think it feels lardy after, say, the 911. My BMW M6 and Maserati Granturismo felt a lot more hampered by weight so maybe I'm just numb to it....I've hardly ever been one to opt for the lightweight choice!
Transmission
I've owned or driven some very good 'boxes (BMW M DCT and Porsche PDK stand out for me as I've grown to dislike manuals for a daily driver) and the Jag gearbox is, simply........not as good. It's one of the better applications of the 6-speed ZF 'box and in manual mode, it's much more responsive than what you get in AMG's and, in auto mode, much better than any of the dual clutch boxes. But it's way behind the newer 8-speed ZF as it still has a bit too much of that elastic 'torque converter' feel (which the newer 8-speed version largely eradicates) and in any case, I'd much rather have a dual clutch. Still, it doesn't detract from the overall car like some I've had (BMW M6, step forward!).
Quality & Ambience
In my opinion, Jaguar still have some work to do to achieve that solid 'feel' you get from a German car, although it's telling when most German cars I've had seemed to rattle more than this car. I'm extremely, some would say unreasonably, intolerant when it comes to unwanted noises and this car is one of the best I've had. Nothing has gone wrong to date save for a squeaky seat which is about to be replaced. However, the material quality and ambience are right up there with the best of the premium 'volume' manufactures and the Poltrona Frau leather headlining is pure extravagance and really makes the interior feel, and smell, lush.
If you're still with me, here's some pictures of my car after a really thorough detailing session....
Finally, whilst I thoroughly rate this car, I'm afraid its' cards are already marked. At the recent Paris Motorshow (where I was treated to some rather nice hospitality courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover who sorted some special treatment out for me!), the new F-Type in real life instantly made the XKR-S parked next to it look dated (pictures do that new model no justice). The F-types' much sharper lines, shorter overhangs and more modern interior design has already got my deposit. Unfortunately, I'm not a convertible fan (for someone with an OCD tendency to rattles, it's just not a good idea!) so I'm probably going to hold out until this version arrives, hopefully looking just like this....
Firstly, a little background on my entry into Jag ownership. This particular Jaguar (or at least the non-S version) was always one of those cars that I'd never seriously considered, always seeing it as an old mans car and what I imagined to be a bit soft to drive(I realise I'm in the XK forum so please don't take offence....it was an ill-informed opinion, and a wrong one at that!). I'd always disregarded it as I went though various BMW's, Mercs, Porsche's and even a Maserati...and then, after finally relenting after being impressed by what I thought to be a Jaguar for the younger man, I bought my first one, an XFR.
Then, only 5-weeks later and by sheer luck, I 'won' an XKR for a weekend at a raffle at my local dealer, and it was something that I wasn't all that fussed about at first as I genuinely thought I owned the better car! When I finally picked up my 'prize', I can honestly say that I was genuinely shocked....their demonstrator was the first of the facelift models (this was about a year ago) and had the much more modern sports seats, a beautifully finished interior and it drove absolutely fantastically. Within 5 minutes it had blown me away with how good it felt and, whilst not as focussed as a Porsche, as an everyday GT that still has the feel of a sports car, it's certainly one of the best compromises I've experienced.
It was only a matter of weeks before it was out with the XFR and in with a new XKR. Here was my first one (seen here on top of the Verzasca, aka 'Goldeneye' dam, and at the car park at the bottom of the Schilthorn summit, both in Switzerland which is, in my opinion, the very best country in Europe ....
Heres a few more of my first XKR in a clean state and of my previous XFR, which lasted just a few weeks....
The XKR was a fabulous car and had the unusual option of a Dynamic Pack which essentially gave it the upgraded XKR-S chassis and made it a much more focussed (and challenging) drive. Most people just buy the R-S for this but at the time, deals on the then-new R-S weren't as forthcoming as they are today.
By now, being a convert (and having aged by 20 years in my old-man Jag
), I was given an offer by my dealer to upgrade to a new XKR-S that I just couldn't refuse. And heres a few thoughts on my new toy....Looks
OK, this R-S version is definitely not as 'classically' good-looking as the standard XKR and the spoilers/colour combination are extremely marmite but, I've really not had much else that attracts more attention, even if a lot of people don't actually know what it is (one of my neighbours thought it was some tuned Japanese car and I guess the spoilers and colour do give off that impression). I could have gone for a less lurid colour that would've had more widespread appeal but I like the fact it is very different and polarises opinion. It also seems to have a pleasant 'image', one that gets the thumbs up from many people and not something I ever felt when driving BMW's and Porsches.
Performance
Indecent. This car is simply rude! I had a Gen-2 Porsche 911 Turbo a couple of years ago and this car is similarly quick but nowhere near as easy to drive fast and, on any road that has a whiff of dampness, it's frankly dangerous. This, I like. The 911 would kill it as a device for getting from A to B as quickly as possible but as something to enjoy, to listen to and have a bit of fun with, I prefer the Jag. That I can't drive it silly fast without thinking about it means it's not a technically perfect, but it keeps me entertained and bodes well for it's longevity!
It's nicely refined in normal use (with really low wind noise too), it has a nice raspy, crackly soundtrack when it's in Dynamic mode and the power delivery is very, very satisfying. The power is even more instant than the Porsche (when you can get traction!) and the shove you get right across the rev range makes most other supposedly fast cars seem rather normal at best, which of course most aren't. I never thought the normal XKR needed another 10% more power and I also never thought you'd feel that extra when comparing the two but, the extra shove is definitely there at the upper end of the rev range! This engine makes it all seem so easy and, as long as you're not in stop-start urban traffic, it also manages to get 300+ miles out of a (£100) tank....about 22mpg.
Chassis
This is where I reckon every Jaguar I've driven comes into it's own in this country where our roads are broken, rutted and have some unique cambers...and is the primary reason for my recent admiration of the brand. This is the current hardest core of all Jag's and whilst it does ride quite firmly, it has well controlled (and quiet) body control (if not in Porsche league), it's rolls very little and yet it rides so nicely, you wonder why a road car would ever need to be any firmer.
I also really rate the eDiff (a mechanical LSD, which is electronically controlled and pro-active rather than reactive like a normal LSD) as you can feel it proactively working for you, and you get this benefit without needing to push the boundaries of grip too far as it responds before the grip threshold has exceed to help give you maximum forward (or sideways!) drive. It's especially noticeable on the exit of a (damp...it likes damp!) bend, when it gives a nice progressive forward traction combined with a delicate slide that requires just the smallest hint of opposite lock.
Its also worth noting the weight of the car as XKR's are often slated for an excess of it, despite the all-aluminium construction. I reality, I just don't notice it and I certainly don't think it feels lardy after, say, the 911. My BMW M6 and Maserati Granturismo felt a lot more hampered by weight so maybe I'm just numb to it....I've hardly ever been one to opt for the lightweight choice!
Transmission
I've owned or driven some very good 'boxes (BMW M DCT and Porsche PDK stand out for me as I've grown to dislike manuals for a daily driver) and the Jag gearbox is, simply........not as good. It's one of the better applications of the 6-speed ZF 'box and in manual mode, it's much more responsive than what you get in AMG's and, in auto mode, much better than any of the dual clutch boxes. But it's way behind the newer 8-speed ZF as it still has a bit too much of that elastic 'torque converter' feel (which the newer 8-speed version largely eradicates) and in any case, I'd much rather have a dual clutch. Still, it doesn't detract from the overall car like some I've had (BMW M6, step forward!).
Quality & Ambience
In my opinion, Jaguar still have some work to do to achieve that solid 'feel' you get from a German car, although it's telling when most German cars I've had seemed to rattle more than this car. I'm extremely, some would say unreasonably, intolerant when it comes to unwanted noises and this car is one of the best I've had. Nothing has gone wrong to date save for a squeaky seat which is about to be replaced. However, the material quality and ambience are right up there with the best of the premium 'volume' manufactures and the Poltrona Frau leather headlining is pure extravagance and really makes the interior feel, and smell, lush.
If you're still with me, here's some pictures of my car after a really thorough detailing session....
Finally, whilst I thoroughly rate this car, I'm afraid its' cards are already marked. At the recent Paris Motorshow (where I was treated to some rather nice hospitality courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover who sorted some special treatment out for me!), the new F-Type in real life instantly made the XKR-S parked next to it look dated (pictures do that new model no justice). The F-types' much sharper lines, shorter overhangs and more modern interior design has already got my deposit. Unfortunately, I'm not a convertible fan (for someone with an OCD tendency to rattles, it's just not a good idea!) so I'm probably going to hold out until this version arrives, hopefully looking just like this....
Veteran Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 326
From: Dunsford, Ontario
Welcome, and thanks for sharing the story of how you came to own that beautiful XKR-S...an amazing 1st post! There are a few others in this forum with an XKR-S, and quite a few with your previous XKR. Great comparison of the two models...and now I'm even more eager to see the new F-Type!
Bruce
Bruce
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 500
Likes: 59
From: Dallas, TX
Great post! I was actually considering the same upgrade from my 11' XKR to an R-S. I was wondering if it was really worth an extra $30k over the XKR and was also wondering if I'd regret not getting say a 991, .2 997 GT3 or even a 1st gen Gallardo.
You mentioned throttle response. The XKR has crazy throttle response as well. Does the car feel noticeably different from behind the wheel? Or is it primarily the sound?
You mentioned throttle response. The XKR has crazy throttle response as well. Does the car feel noticeably different from behind the wheel? Or is it primarily the sound?
Veteran Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,466
Likes: 264
From: Atlanta
Great write-up - thanks for sharing. The F-Type Coupe looks much better than the ragtop. (That's just my opinion, so...)
I had the opportunity to drive the XKR-S at a recent Jaguar Alive driving event. I would own an XKR-S, but based on the "difference" between my XKR and the XKR-S I drove, I could not find $40,000 worth of difference.
I had the opportunity to drive the XKR-S at a recent Jaguar Alive driving event. I would own an XKR-S, but based on the "difference" between my XKR and the XKR-S I drove, I could not find $40,000 worth of difference.
Trending Topics
Palmball - I got a new Jaguar XKR-S in Italian Racing Red this last Sept - 170 miles on it so far..its absolutely amazing!! Its RARE in the states - all newer jaguars are due to their price point compared to japanese and german rivals.
I am curious as to your thoughts on the SOUND SYSTEM...did you think it was a bit bright especially at low levels even with bass adjustment?
Loth
I am curious as to your thoughts on the SOUND SYSTEM...did you think it was a bit bright especially at low levels even with bass adjustment?
Loth
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Loughborough, UK
Thanks for the feedback guys!
I've had a 997.2 Turbo previously and the XKR-S is, once rolling similarly fast, as long as it has traction. In reality however, the Turbo would still muller it due to the sheer efficiency and traction advantage that it had, but I found it a too good, too efficient and a little boring. IMO, the XKR-S looks better, sounds better, has a much nicer environment and whilst less technically perfect, is all the more interesting for it!
Throttle response is similar in both XKR and XKR-S but you do notice the difference in performance above 4k rpm. In fact, above these revs the acceleration is so fierce that it seems to have more than 40hp more than the normal XKR, but the fact it, the chassis can't always deploy that power effectively.
The XKR-S feels noticeably different from behind the wheel to a normal XKR - it's MUCH stiffer, less body roll and the standard fit performance exhaust sounds as good as you ever need an exhaust to sound! In reality, it feels almost identical to my previous XKR, because that had the Dynamic pack so had all the XKR-S chassis upgrades.
For me, I made the change for different aesthetics (I won't say 'better' as I'm not sure thats the right word!), the unique interior (carbon leather, full leather headlining) and the extra power, but, would I say it was worth the extra £20k over a normal XKR that it costs in the UK? No, as you can probably get similar results in all this from the aftermarket, but, I was offered such a crazy deal, and, with the R-S having much better residuals in the UK compared to a normal XKR, it was an offer too good to miss.
170 miles since Sept.....lol! I also got mine in Sept and I have 3.5k miles on the clock. Either British miles are a lot shorter or I'm using my car more! It's my daily drive! 
Anyway, as for the sound system, I reckon it's fantastic. OK, so it's not quite as good as the newer Meridian systems as fitted to the XJ's and latest XF's but I think the interior has better acoustics in the XK.....you can really 'feel' the bass without it being overpowering. As for the treble, yes it is much too bright even with the treble set at zero so you need to move the setting 2-3 notches back from the mid point. This, combined with the subwoofer level at 4/5ths positive and bass setting at 3/4's positive gives a great sound. HTH.
Great post! I was actually considering the same upgrade from my 11' XKR to an R-S. I was wondering if it was really worth an extra $30k over the XKR and was also wondering if I'd regret not getting say a 991, .2 997 GT3 or even a 1st gen Gallardo.
You mentioned throttle response. The XKR has crazy throttle response as well. Does the car feel noticeably different from behind the wheel? Or is it primarily the sound?
You mentioned throttle response. The XKR has crazy throttle response as well. Does the car feel noticeably different from behind the wheel? Or is it primarily the sound?
Throttle response is similar in both XKR and XKR-S but you do notice the difference in performance above 4k rpm. In fact, above these revs the acceleration is so fierce that it seems to have more than 40hp more than the normal XKR, but the fact it, the chassis can't always deploy that power effectively.
The XKR-S feels noticeably different from behind the wheel to a normal XKR - it's MUCH stiffer, less body roll and the standard fit performance exhaust sounds as good as you ever need an exhaust to sound! In reality, it feels almost identical to my previous XKR, because that had the Dynamic pack so had all the XKR-S chassis upgrades.
For me, I made the change for different aesthetics (I won't say 'better' as I'm not sure thats the right word!), the unique interior (carbon leather, full leather headlining) and the extra power, but, would I say it was worth the extra £20k over a normal XKR that it costs in the UK? No, as you can probably get similar results in all this from the aftermarket, but, I was offered such a crazy deal, and, with the R-S having much better residuals in the UK compared to a normal XKR, it was an offer too good to miss.
Palmball - I got a new Jaguar XKR-S in Italian Racing Red this last Sept - 170 miles on it so far..its absolutely amazing!! Its RARE in the states - all newer jaguars are due to their price point compared to japanese and german rivals.
I am curious as to your thoughts on the SOUND SYSTEM...did you think it was a bit bright especially at low levels even with bass adjustment?
Loth
I am curious as to your thoughts on the SOUND SYSTEM...did you think it was a bit bright especially at low levels even with bass adjustment?
Loth
or I'm using my car more! It's my daily drive! Anyway, as for the sound system, I reckon it's fantastic. OK, so it's not quite as good as the newer Meridian systems as fitted to the XJ's and latest XF's but I think the interior has better acoustics in the XK.....you can really 'feel' the bass without it being overpowering. As for the treble, yes it is much too bright even with the treble set at zero so you need to move the setting 2-3 notches back from the mid point. This, combined with the subwoofer level at 4/5ths positive and bass setting at 3/4's positive gives a great sound. HTH.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)