WORLD OF COUPE CARS

Jaguar XKR175

05.January, 2011 @21:01     Coupe News

 

2011 Jaguar XK Range Marks Brand Milestone with XKR175 75th Anniversary Coupe

Following a transformation for model year 2010 that introduced new-generation powertrains, new dynamic chassis systems and added luxury, the Jaguar XK sports car models enter the 2011 model year with a special edition, the XKR175 75th Anniversary Coupe. Limited to just 175 cars for the U.S. market, the XKR175 commemorates the 75th anniversary of the first cars to bear the Jaguar name.

New for 2011, all Jaguar models come standard with Jaguar Platinum Coverage, which includes for 5 years or 50,000 miles (which ever comes first) complimentary scheduled maintenance, no-cost replacement of basic wear and tear items including: brake pads and discs, oil and brake fluid changes and wiper blade inserts, 5 year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance.

 

XKR175 75th Anniversary Coupe

The Jaguar XKR175 75th Anniversary Coupe is painted Ultimate Black and is also distinguished by aerodynamic enhancements, including front and rear spoilers, side sills and a rear diffuser. The 20-inch Kasuga alloy wheels are exclusive to this special edition model and highlight the standard red brake calipers. Raising the electronically governed top speed from 155 mph to 174 mph exclusively for this special edition underscores the formidable performance capability of the XKR. All XKR models are powered by a 510-hp direct-injection supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that was introduced for the 2010 model year.

Inside the XKR175 75th Anniversary Coupe, the Charcoal leather trimmed interior is accented with Cranberry stitching and Piano Black veneer trim. All of the XKR175 75th Anniversary Coupes feature doorsill tread plates inscribed “XKR175 – 1 of 175.”

Advanced Engines, Advanced Construction

The Jaguar XK range includes the naturally aspirated XK and supercharged XKR models, each available as a 2+2 Coupe or Convertible. All models are based on a lightweight body shell architecture constructed from a combination of pressed, cast and extruded aluminum alloy components. These are riveted and bonded together using aerospace industry techniques adapted for automotive use by Jaguar. The advanced XK construction produces a body shell with very high structural integrity that is also the lightest in its class by a significant margin. The structure’s strength, rigidity and lightness provide the foundation for the Jaguar XK’s scintillating performance, as well as for its occupant safety systems.

The AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter V8 engines introduced for model year 2010 and carried over for 2011 are the most advanced Jaguar has ever produced, and the most powerful ever offered in the XK models. The naturally aspirated version in the XK produces 385 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. An XK Coupe can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The XKR’s supercharged version of this advanced V8 produces 510 hp and 461 lb.-ft. of torque. A twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger and twin water-cooled intercoolers are efficiently packaged in the engine’s V. The XKR Coupe can sprint from rest to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The all-aluminum four-cam Jaguar V8 engines combine high power with high efficiency, thanks to such technologies as spray-guided direct fuel injection and dual independent variable cam timing, plus a variable inlet manifold on the naturally aspirated version. Both the naturally aspirated and supercharged engines have 15,000-mile or one-year service intervals, with complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first 5 years or 50,000 miles courtesy of Jaguar Platinum Coverage.

Jaguar tuned the XK’s exhaust sound for a deep, powerful character befitting a high-performance grand-tourer. The XKR is additionally equipped with an active exhaust system in which valves open at higher speeds to provide an even more powerful note. Also in the XKR, a special acoustic filter at the rear of the engine, tuned to “tenor C”, feeds intake sound to the cabin under hard acceleration.

All Jaguar XK and XKR models employ an electronically controlled, fully adaptive six-speed automatic transmission with the unique cast alloy JaguarDrive Selector™ as well as the Jaguar Sequential Shift™ function operated by steering-wheel paddles. The transmission is designed to be maintenance-free with “filled-for-life” fluid.

Cat-Quick Chassis Reflexes

In both the XK and XKR models, the Adaptive Dynamics active damping system optimizes handling agility and ride comfort. The system monitors body movement 100 times per second and wheel position 500 times per second and automatically increases the damping rate as the suspension approaches the limits of its travel. Adaptive Dynamics also controls wheel hop on uneven roads by rapidly varying the damping to move any wheel out of a natural bouncing frequency, benefiting ride comfort, handling and tire grip.

From the JaguarDrive Control interface, the driver can select different modes for Adaptive Dynamics. In Dynamic Mode, Adaptive Dynamics increases body control for a sportier feel and also provides more responsive accelerator pedal reaction and quicker gearshift responses. The Dynamic Stability Control system also offers four driver-selectable modes: Normal, Winter, Trac DSC and DSC OFF. Winter Mode yields a more damped accelerator pedal response for progressive control in slippery conditions, with different shift settings that delay and soften gearshifts, also for better control on low grip surfaces.

In the XKR, Adaptive Dynamics operates in tandem with Active Differential Control (ADC) to optimize available traction at each rear wheel, improving acceleration on low-grip surfaces while enhancing cornering ability. The clutch-type differential is operated by an internal electric motor and ball-and-ramp mechanism and transmits torque to the wheel with the most traction. This proactive system differs fundamentally from conventional traction control, which uses the brakes reactively to counteract slip after it has occurred.

Classic Jaguar Luxury

The XK and XKR interiors reflect Jaguar’s renowned craftsmanship and attention to luxury detail. All interiors are appointed with luxurious soft-grain leather with contrast stitching and offer a wide choice of interior color options. Wood veneers include a Rich Oak option for the XK alongside the classic Burl Walnut for both models. The XK also offers the choice of Ebony or Knurled Aluminum, while the XKR also offers Dark Oak or Dark Mesh Aluminum.

Heated and cooled front seats with 16-way power adjustment and memory are standard equipment on all models; the XKR models have a unique R-style seat design. The XKR’s instruments emphasize its performance character with red pointers, while all models feature white instrument gauge illumination.

The Convertible’s hidden roll-over protection system deploys instantly if sensors identify a risk, helping provide protection for the occupants. Its triple-lined fabric roof can be powered up or down in less than 18 seconds at speeds up to 20 mph. When lowered, it disappears into the bodywork behind the rear seats under a smooth cover. Raised, the top provides a level of fit that minimizes wind and other road noise even at high speeds and includes a luxurious interior finish nearly indistinguishable from a closed coupe. All XK and XKR models feature a standard Jaguar Suedecloth headlining.

As in Jaguar XF and XJ models, the XK models greet the driver with a “handshake” sequence. Get into an XK using the standard keyless entry and keyless start, press the pulsing start button, and the cast alloy JaguarDrive Selector rises from the console. When the engine is stopped, the JaguarDrive Selector lowers automatically.

Using the seven-inch touch screen, the driver or front passenger can access functions for the climate control, navigation system, Bluetooth® mobile connectivity and for Jaguar’s Portable Audio Interface, which are all standard. The Portable Audio Interface provides iPod® connectivity and enables connection of other music storage devices, through a USB port, to the audio system, with full touch-screen control.


All XK and XKR models come equipped as standard with a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system featuring 525-watts maximum output, Dolby® ProLogic®II Surround Sound, Kevlar® midrange speakers and aluminum tweeters. Every new XK also comes wired for SIRIUSTM Satellite Radio. The only audio system option on the XK is HD Radio.


Standard Bi-Xenon™ automatic headlamps include a power wash function and dynamic leveling. Corner lights are activated by the turn signals to improve visibility while cornering, which can be further enhanced by optional Active Front Lighting. Standard equipment across the XK range also includes air sensors to optimize cabin air quality through the climate control system, keyless start, electro-chromatic fold-back exterior mirrors and front and rear Park Assist with touch-screen visual indicators.