What is it?
A facelifted version of Jaguar ’s 543bhp XJR. Outside of some minor cosmetic and equipment tweaks, including a more modern infotainment system, the key update is the addition of electronic power assistance to the steering.
Jaguar says the conventional hydraulic rack, which previously featured in the XJ and XJR, had: “reached the limits of its potential.” That might sound like an odd statement, given that all you want is to have the rack communicate your inputs to the front wheels and deliver appropriate feedback, but then a lot more is expected from cars these days.
Consequently, fitting electromechanical power assistance grants two benefits: an an improvement in efficiency and the ability to support more advanced driver assistance systems that require steering control.
There are fewer parasitic losses with an EPAS system, which Jaguar claims can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%. A moot point for most considering cars in this class, perhaps, but for a manufacturer those minor improvements can add up quickly.
In an effort to quell those concerned about its fitment, the company is also keen to stress that the system responds and feels far better than the previous hydraulic set-up did. We've always liked the way Jaguar the XJ and Jaguar XJR drive, so hopefully its fine handling hasn't been affected.
One thing the XJR never lacked was power, however, which is why you’ll find the supercharged all-aluminium 5.0-litre V8 unchanged. It still churns out a stout 543bhp and 503lb ft, allowing the XJR to sprint from 0-60mph in 4.4sec.
What's it like?
We had just three laps of the Silverstone track in which to find out whether the addition of electronic power steering had tainted Jaguar the XJR. Fortunately, however, it was immediately clear that it hasn't detracted from the Jaguar's driver appeal at all.
There's plenty of weight to the steering, and that weight builds progressively as the speeds and angle increases. It's got a slick, smooth action to it, making it easy to adjust, and you're further kept involved by a plentiful amount of feedback. You're ever conscious of the sheer mass of the otherwise agile Jaguar, but it rarely feels as weighty from the behind the wheel as the numbers suggest it might.
The XJR is also still a deceptively fast car, especially once moving. The supercharged V8's substantial urge means that 30mph-80mph takes seemingly no time at all, and it continues to pull with conviction deep into triple figures.
Strong brakes with good pedal feel make it quick and easy to then bleed off that speed, while the Jaguar's firm suspension keeps the body in check through the corners. The eight-speed automatic does a fine job on track, too, changing gears quickly when manually commanded and rarely getting flustered during more aggressive driving.
All in, it's a satisfying and confidence-inspiring car to drive fast, further aided by elements such as an easily modulated throttle and switchable stability modes that allow a modicum of oversteer while retaining an electronic safety net.
The XJR's engine is still a bit quiet, though, and the option of a louder exhaust system would be appreciated. There's still no ancillary instrumentation either, so you can't view boost pressure or other readouts you might consider relevant.
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probably one of the ugliest
JLR
And I don't believe for a second that Lewis would actually buy a Cadillac.. you'd soon get bored of not being able to overtake in a car which you would image is sold for that very purpose.
Final point. It looks dated, not very attractive, ugly interior...and NO Jag is worth 91k.
RE: LHD
Evening NY_69. Several of my past cars have been LHD and I must admit that I've never really had any issue with them here, even on some of the tighter country roads, so it wouldn't be of any concern for me. I understand your point, though, and see how some situations could prove frustrating.
boost pressure guage
RE: Instrumentation
Evening dipdaddy. The Mercedes-AMG S63 features some additional instrumentation, including oil temperature and transmission temperature. I've not seen a boost gauge in one, but there may be an option for it. It's not the lack of a boost gauge alone that I find annoying in the Jaguar, although I'd personally like to see one, but it's the fact that there's no option for any extra gauges or readouts at all. Given that the XJR features a virtual instrument cluster, it seems a bit of an oversight - particularly for a high-performance variant - that there' s no option for additional info for those that may want it. Not the be-all and end-all, by any stretch, but it would have been a pleasing detail.
Lewis Kingston wrote: Given
Apologies I question the validity of it as the lack of such gauges has never come up for any XKR/XFR variants or previous XJR's here or in other articles from other magazines so why here suggests its a personal opinion that it should have one