The Jaguar XJR represents the pinnacle of the XJ model line, seamlessly blending British luxury with exhilarating sports car performance. This flagship sports sedan, reintroduced to the Jaguar range, is engineered to deliver an extraordinary driving experience. It caters to discerning drivers who demand both opulent comfort and dynamic capability in their vehicle. The 2014 Jaguar XJR stands as a testament to Jaguar’s commitment to technology, performance, and seductive design, offering new levels of dynamism within the luxury sedan segment.
Potent Powertrain: Supercharged V8 Engine
At the heart of the Jaguar XJR lies a formidable 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, the source of its breathtaking performance. This powerhouse delivers an impressive 550 horsepower and 502 lb/ft of torque, propelling the XJR from 0 to 60mph in a mere 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds). The engine’s capabilities extend to an electronically limited top speed of 174mph (280km/h), placing it firmly in supercar territory.
Engine Details: Advanced Engineering for Exhilarating Power
This all-aluminum V8 engine is a marvel of engineering, designed for both exhilarating performance and relative efficiency. It incorporates advanced technologies such as spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT). The lightweight aluminum block, strengthened with cast-iron liners, ensures both robustness and refinement. The engine breathes through aluminum four-valve cylinder heads, and forced induction is provided by a Roots-type twin vortex supercharger. To optimize power and efficiency, two air-to-liquid intercoolers with a dedicated water-cooling circuit are employed to reduce the temperature of the intake charge.
Transmission: Eight-Speed ZF for Performance and Composure
Complementing the potent engine is an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, specifically tuned for the performance characteristics of the XJR. This transmission is engineered to extract the maximum sporting potential from the car while maintaining a composed and refined character in everyday driving scenarios.
In automatic mode, the intelligent transmission system adapts to the driver’s style by monitoring various inputs, including acceleration, braking, cornering forces, and throttle application. It intuitively adjusts gear shifts to become more aggressive during spirited driving, holding gears for longer and downshifting more readily. For drivers seeking manual control, steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles provide fingertip gear selection.
Further enhancing the driving experience, Corner Recognition technology ensures the transmission holds the optimal gear when cornering for improved exit performance. The transmission also intelligently adapts during overtaking maneuvers, maintaining a lower gear to provide instant acceleration when needed.
The Jaguar Intelligent Stop/Start system is included as standard, improving fuel efficiency by automatically stopping the engine during brief stops. The system is designed for seamless operation, restarting the engine rapidly upon release of the brake pedal, ensuring minimal interruption to the driving experience.
Dynamic Driving Experience: Precision and Control
The Jaguar XJR is not just about straight-line speed; it’s engineered for exceptional handling and dynamic prowess. Extensive suspension tuning, conducted on both public roads and demanding circuits like the Nürburgring, ensures the XJR delivers both engaging performance and Jaguar’s renowned ride comfort.
Suspension and Handling: Tuned for Sporting Agility and Refinement
The suspension system features performance-tuned dampers and spring rates, striking a balance between sporting agility and the luxurious ride expected of a Jaguar. Adaptive Dynamics, Jaguar’s continuously variable damping system, actively manages body movement, roll, and pitch rates. By monitoring driver inputs and road conditions and adjusting damper settings up to 500 times per second, the system provides optimal control and comfort in all driving situations. Selecting Dynamic Mode further firms up the damping for a more focused and responsive driving experience.
Electronic Differential and DSC: Enhancing Grip and Driver Confidence
An electronically controlled active differential enhances traction and control, capable of applying full locking torque almost instantaneously when required. Calibrated to manage the XJR’s substantial power and grip, it works in harmony with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. The ‘Trac DSC’ setting allows more experienced drivers to explore the limits of the car’s handling with greater confidence. The steering system’s hydraulics and calibration have also been meticulously engineered to provide enhanced steering feel, responsiveness, and feedback across the driving spectrum.
Wheels, Tires, and Brakes: Performance-Focused Components
To maximize the benefits of the sophisticated suspension system, the XJR is equipped with lightweight, forged 20-inch alloy wheels. High-performance tires, developed in collaboration with Pirelli and sized 265/35-20 front and 295/30-20 rear, are specifically designed to deliver exceptional cornering grip, traction, and stability across a wide range of speeds and performance demands.
The Jaguar High Performance Braking System provides immense stopping power, stability, and precise modulation. Large 15-inch (380mm) front and 14.8-inch (376mm) rear discs, internally ventilated, ensure consistent and reliable braking performance even under demanding conditions.
Exquisite Design: Aerodynamic and Luxurious
The design of the Jaguar XJR is a harmonious blend of functional aerodynamics and luxurious aesthetics. Exterior enhancements not only contribute to the car’s purposeful and muscular stance but also improve aerodynamic performance. The interior is meticulously crafted, offering a sanctuary of luxury and sporting intent.
Exterior Design: Functional Aerodynamics and “R” Signature
The XJR’s exterior incorporates functional aerodynamic elements, including a front air splitter, aerodynamic rocker sills, a rear spoiler, and hood vents. The side rocker sills are uniquely designed to optimize airflow along the car’s flanks, while the trunk lid-mounted lip spoiler reduces rear lift. Hood vents contribute to both aerodynamics and engine cooling.
The gloss black front grille and lower intake mesh, accented with chrome surrounds, create a distinctive and aggressive front fascia. Chrome-rimmed intakes on the front bumper serve as a visual signature for “R” models, referencing the car’s twin superchargers. Customers can personalize their XJR with a wide palette of exterior colors, including Polaris White, Ebony, and British Racing Green, among others.
Interior Design: Luxurious Sportiness and Premium Audio
Inside the XJR, Jet Black leather trim creates a sophisticated and sporty ambiance. Customers can choose from Ivory, London Tan, or Red Zone inserts on the seat facings, or opt for contrast stitching in Red Zone or London Tan. The seats themselves are embossed with the “R” logo, further emphasizing the car’s performance pedigree. A Jet Black suede cloth headlining adds to the luxurious feel. Interior veneers are available in Carbon Fiber or Piano Black, allowing for further personalization.
The XJR comes standard with an 825-watt, 18-speaker surround-sound system from Meridian™, renowned British audio experts. Meridian’s proprietary Trifield™ System ensures an immersive audio experience for all occupants, placing everyone at the center of a perfectly focused sound arena.
Conclusion
The 2014 Jaguar XJR is more than just a luxury sedan; it is a high-performance machine that delivers supercar levels of performance without sacrificing the refined comfort and opulent features expected of a Jaguar. It stands as the flagship of the XJ range, epitomizing Jaguar’s commitment to blending thrilling dynamics with sophisticated luxury. For drivers seeking a vehicle that offers both exhilarating performance and unparalleled refinement, the Jaguar XJR is a compelling choice, representing the ultimate expression of the Jaguar sports sedan.
