New Jaaaaaaaaag!
Discussion
I've had this car for a few months and previously posted in the Jaguar section but, with some new pictures taken after a solid detailing session over the weekend and nothing else to do tonight, I thought it deserved a new thread!
For those that haven't read my previous threads on how I got into these Jag's, first a little background. This particular Jag (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'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, something 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)....
It 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 bought 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 ever helpful local 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-2 911 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 and primary reason for my recent admiration of them. 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 JLR!), 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....
For those that haven't read my previous threads on how I got into these Jag's, first a little background. This particular Jag (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'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, something 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)....
It 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 bought 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 ever helpful local 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-2 911 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 and primary reason for my recent admiration of them. 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 JLR!), 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....
Edited by Palmball on Monday 17th December 23:01
Truly stunning car. I love the way it looks so purposeful and what it can do.
A bit random too but I really like how you've got the car a properly clean garage to live in with carpet. How all good cars should be kept!
There's a chap in my street with a 997TT who leaves it outside on the road all of the time completely filthy even though he's got a garage for it.
Lee
A bit random too but I really like how you've got the car a properly clean garage to live in with carpet. How all good cars should be kept!
There's a chap in my street with a 997TT who leaves it outside on the road all of the time completely filthy even though he's got a garage for it.
Lee
Thanks for the kind comments chaps.
Arthur Daley said:
Love every thing about that, especially the colour, nice to hear someone praising their local dealer, I hope some of my customers say the same about me!
The dealer are exceptional...I've bought a fair few cars and never been made to feel as special and appreciated as the way Sturgess make me feel. In my personal experience, they're in a class of their own and this is no doubt helped by them being independent, and not part of a national dealer group. It will make it hard for me to buy a car from elsewhere as they have set the bar high!Ordinary_Chap said:
A bit random too but I really like how you've got the car a properly clean garage to live in with carpet. How all good cars should be kept!
Ha ha...yes, thats my OCD again...it even does my head in that I have to have bikes and other stuff in the garage. I had the garage (which was just a bare shell when we moved in a few weeks ago) kitted out in a matter of days after moving in! Carpet and strong lighting makes it a more pleasant environment to spend time when detailing the car! However, theres far nicer garages on PH than mine which I look on with awe and envy! 
That is absolutely gorgeous. The black one's a lovely piece of kit. The blue one makes me think it's trying and failing (which is a shame as i'm sure a lot of work went into it) but I can't stand the carbon material on the seats.
The F-Type, great looking car but it's got one hell of a price tag - I just hope it lives up the to the name.
The F-Type, great looking car but it's got one hell of a price tag - I just hope it lives up the to the name.
Love the xkr because of its subtlety and I love the xkr-s, it just looks fantastic.
That f-type though! That's the first coupe pic I've actually seen and wow...I want that.
You must be like a kid waiting for Xmas if ur going to upgrade to that, even with the r-s currently sat in the garage
That f-type though! That's the first coupe pic I've actually seen and wow...I want that.
You must be like a kid waiting for Xmas if ur going to upgrade to that, even with the r-s currently sat in the garage
I've always dreamt of a £100k spending budget... just something I like to think about!
You know, for years and years it was the Audi R8, until I found out about these lovely Jaguar's.
I actually spec'd one up on their website and went for exactly the same as you, only probably with white stitching inside. Difference is, I'm dreaming about it, and you have it. You fantastic b
d lol, hope you enjoy it!
You know, for years and years it was the Audi R8, until I found out about these lovely Jaguar's.
I actually spec'd one up on their website and went for exactly the same as you, only probably with white stitching inside. Difference is, I'm dreaming about it, and you have it. You fantastic b
d lol, hope you enjoy it!Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff