Jaguar XFR fans on less expansive budgets than us (really, we're kidding -
ours is a long term test loaner
) are to benefit from a taste of our favourite PH fleet super saloon's sporting character, thanks to a series of 2010 model year upgrades to the Diesel S model. Meanwhile the entry price for the 3.0-litre V6 petrol Luxury model has been dropped to £29,900.
The punchy 271bhp XF Diesel S now comes with an XFR derived interior as standard while the Adaptive Dynamics system, currently featured on the XFR and XK range, is available as an option.
All of which leads us to speculate that the next round of XFR model upgrades could include a slightly harder-edged set-up for the chassis, at least when 'Dynamic' mode is selected. We had a chat with the engineers on just that topic at our recent visit to Castle Bromwich, and although there's been no official word on the subject, our impression that there might be room for an XFR with an even sportier feel seemed to be met with interested nods. Of course they may just have been being polite...
Diesel S gets XFR seats and finishes
But back to the Diesel S: "We have applied the lessons learned from the XFR to bring more sophisticated, sporting driving dynamics to the model," says Mike Cross, the chief engineer in charge of these sorts of things at Jaguar. "Fitted with the state-of-the-art Adaptive Dynamics system, the latest Diesel S provides driving enthusiasts with taut handling and superb body control, but without the noise and harshness often associated with 'sports' suspension packages."
The system is featured in one of the two new option packs which are available exclusively on the XF Diesel S - the Dynamics Pack and the Aerodynamic Pack.
The Adaptive Dynamics system analyses chassis movement and driver and wheel inputs 500 times every second, continually adjusting the suspension to improve handling without loss of comfort. This optional pack also includes Shadow or Silver finish 20-inch Volans five-spoke alloy wheels, and costs from £1,250 depending on model.
Diesel S also gets XFR side sills
The Aerodynamic Pack is basically a cosmetic option for existing 'aero' parts with new black mesh inserts for the grille and lower air intakes, plus the new addition of XFR side sills. The lower air intake blades can be supplied with DRLs, and the pack costs £2000 (or £1500 without the extra illumination).
Inside, the Diesel S now features the superior specification from the XFR as standard, which means you get the leather sports seats from the XFR, featuring 18-way adjustment for the driver and 14-way for the passenger, while the rest of the cabin's sporting style is enhanced with high-gloss Piano Black veneer and Jet Suedecloth headlining available as an option on Premium Luxury and Portfolio versions.
Other model year changes for the XF are minimal, with red brake callipers available on the XFR at no extra cost, and a black mesh grille insert becomes standard.
The final change for the XF range in 2010 is the entry price. An XF 3.0 V6 petrol Luxury will now be priced at £29,900 on the road. The 275hp 3.0-litre Diesel S starts at £38,475, while the top of the range XFR is available from £62,055.