Wednesday 16th November 2011

Wraps come off Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

Drop-top XKR-S: like the XKR-S, only with less roof...

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Jaguar has revealed the full technical gen on the most powerful open-topped road car it has ever built - the 550hp XKR-S Convertible.

Somewhat predictably, it is a drop-top version of the undoubtedly epic Jaguar XKR-S coupe, so you get the same stonking 5.0-litre supercharged V8 (we're talking 550hp, 502lb ft of torque, and even identical performance stats of 0-60mph in 4.2secs and a top speed of 186mph).

You'll also get the same Performance Active exhaust (which should sound truly, heart-meltingly wonderful with the roof down) and revised suspension front and rear, as well as an updated Adaptive Dynamics system.

The car's styling tweaks, informed by Computational Fluid Dynamics to reduce lift and maximise aerodynamic stability, are also broadly along the same lines

But what about the fact that it's a convertible? Won't that make it either heavy or wobbly? (We hear you cry.) Apparently not: "Because the XK was designed as a convertible it has great structural integrity," says Jaguar's making-cars-drive-well boss.

"This allowed us to apply the XKR-S coupe's sporting suspension settings to create a convertible with no compromises. Its blend of great speed, precision and dynamism is given an extra dimension with the roof down and that thrilling exhaust soundtrack."

The price for the new soft-top XKR-S is £103k, and the car arrives in the UK at the beginning of 2012.

 

[GTEYE]

Looks good, real good. Want.

[Stew2000]

I would end up changing that spoiler.

[George H]

Looks awful compared to the standard XK-R convertible

[Dr Z]

Looks like something you'd see in Need For Speed: Underground 2. Too much bits on the bonnet, front bumper etc. I'll take the standard XKR Convertible, thanks.

[[AJ]]

I bet that's quite a thrill with the roof down, they sound incredible. I'm still not a fan of the extra stuck on bits though. Just some wider arches, a nice front splitter and DBS boot tip spoiler / defuser would have made this look better in my opinion.

[Garlick]

I rather like it, bar the boot spoiler.

Perhaps it's just a bit too brash in looks....perhaps.

[SLCZ3]

Looks like an overgrown MG to me!

[pSyCoSiS]

Love this car.

Impressive bit of kit.

However, not sure I would pay £103k for one (if I had the cash, that is).

[BarnatosGhost]

Probably a useful addition to the range, but I don't like it.

No grace.

[badlands1]

I have got the perfect plate for sale for that car ... JA61 XKR

[T0b1esH]

Is this seriously better than a £23,000 cheaper XKR convertible, tuned with a remapped ECU, aftermarket exhaust and suspension?

[badlands1]

[quote=pSyCoSiS]
£103k quote]


Yikes.

[rob.e]

"Computational Fluid Dynamics" you say??

Must be good then!

[Tyson1980]

very very sexy

[ArnieVXR]

Does the front end looks like an old (jowley) person in need of a facelift?

[jagnet]

ArnieVXR said:

Does the front end looks like an old (jowley) person in need of a facelift?

Yep, it pains me to say it, but:

[Stew2000]

ArnieVXR said:

Does the front end looks like an old (jowley) person in need of a facelift?

It's a bit...

[snaelro]

funny that Jaguar needs to communicate on the use of Computational fluid dynamic to develop all those wings and spoilers to allow it to reach 186mph...a standard corvette C6 reaches 190 and a mustang GT500 200mph, none of them need these type of aftermarket aero kit

[cookie1600]

I'm liking it all until I get to the front profile and then it goes all:

[geepee]

jagnet said:

Yep, it pains me to say it, but:

Exactly what I was thinking - only more like