Jaguar is finally relaxing into itself, building cars that compete with others but do so in a Jag way. Inevitably, the XF-R will draw comparisons with BMW’s M5, but truth be told it offers a completely different experience.
The XF-R doesn’t quite have the visceral appeal of the M5. If you want the last word in a touchy-feely technological masterpiece, then the M5 is still the car for you. But the XF-R does the super-saloon tourer thing so much better. It works far better than the M5 at low speeds, around town, stuck behind a lorry.
First then, to the engine. This is the big news on the Jag, as the brand new supercharged V8 produces 510bhp and 461lb ft. That’s enough for 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds. But it’s the manner of the delivery that’s so impressive. Loads of low down torque (no revving it to destruction like the M5) that just keeps pulling, and pulling, and pulling in an incredibly linear fashion.
It could do with being a bit louder, as the V8 burble gets drowned out. But as a way of going effortlessly fast, few come close. In fact, it’s so easy that you need to constantly check the speedo - 100mph creeps up on you all too quickly.
That relaxation is helped by the chassis. Leave all the switches in normal and you get a very fast XF - good but a bit numb. But put the gearbox in Sport mode and press the Flag button, which brings up a dynamic mode - the car’s suspension gets harder and the new trick rear differential gives everything a raw edge. The engine’s acceleration gets sharper as well. That’s the mode you want to leave it in.
The ride is still comfortable, but there’s less body roll on the entry to a corner and the steering, while never brilliant on a Porsche level, does get a bit weightier. And that’s the key thing. The overall character of the car isn’t altered and it still feels like a Jag, but one with more attitude.
May 1st, 2010 at 2:45 am
ahh, i keep trying to submit my comment but it’s not going through. I’m not sure if this will go through either. My internet connection is bad today
May 4th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
someone mentioned your site on myspace. just wanted to let you know and say hi
May 8th, 2010 at 2:48 am
You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about half an hour. I am a newbie and your post is valuable for me.
May 11th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
June 11th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
July 20th, 2010 at 6:56 am
I really liked reading your post!. Quallity content. With such a valuable blog i believe you deserve to be ranking even higher in the search engines
July 20th, 2010 at 7:23 am
much appreciated lots, I have to say your website is excellent!
July 20th, 2010 at 10:03 am
I just wanted to say that I found your web site via Goolge and I am glad I did. Keep up the good work and I will make sure to bookmark you for when I have more free time away from the books. Thanks again!
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:09 pm
One again, your articles is very good.thank you!very much.
July 24th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Nice Site layout for your blog. I am looking forward to reading more from you.
July 26th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Awesome post! Your writing is so fresh compared to most other writers. Thanks for writing when you do, I will be sure to return!
July 29th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
First time at your blog and I really enjoyed reading it. I will come back again in the future to check out some of the other articles.