Today, I went to a Jaguar sponsored autocross day to put their latest models to the test in a way that is generally not suitable for the open road. While skidding an XJ and throwing an XKR into a corner was undeniably fun, I was shocked and excited when the Jaguar Marketing Manager pointed out a brand new Italian Racing Red XFR-S and asked if I wanted to take it for a spin, we’ve closed the course no less. I, trying to be nonchalant, said “sure”. But, I think he may have seen through my mask of cold indifference when he nearly hit the poor kid running into the driver’s seat of the Jaguar.
Before we get into what it was like to drive the $ 99,000 2014 Jaguar XFR-S in a spirited way (I think this may be the first published review of a unit in the XFR-S), here’s a little intro on why. As the meanest high-performance member of the Jaguar XF clan and the most powerful Jaguar sedan ever produced, the XFR-S boasts the 550-horsepower, 502-pound-foot supercharged 5.0-liter V8 like the XKR-S coupe. For those keeping score, that’s a 40 horsepower, 41 pound-foot hit over the XFR, while also matching the XFR’s 23 highway mpg. Directing that power through an eight-speed ZF Quickshift transmission and the XFR-S hits 60 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds.
The XFR-S is equipped with Jaguar’s Electronic Active Differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems, though they have been re-tuned to maximize the XFR-S’s growl increase. Thorough front and rear suspension improves steering response and increases lateral stiffness by up to 30 percent, which can really be noticed in hard acceleration and cornering (more on that later). Aerodynamic changes like an absurdly large carbon fiber spoiler and rear diffuser visually set the XFR-S apart and reduce lift by 68 percent. Inside, all its contrasting stitching, carbon fiber, reinforced seats and dark Alcantara. It is a very nice place to be.
Well, what is driving like? I’m glad you asked. In a word … soft. Fast, accurate, safe and … smooth. When you get into most 550-horsepower cars, you usually have to do just that, climb. They are often low sports cars with thick door sills. Not so with the Jaguar XFR-S. While it’s lower than a regular XF, it’s still a fairly large sedan so getting in and out is easy. The driving position is fantastic. With Jaguar’s 20-way adjustable seats and power-tilt and telescopic steering wheel, there’s no reason not to find the perfect fit. The electrically adjustable seat cushions are quite nice too, as you can basically decide if your seat is a slide and slide or a hug from your dear Aunt Ida. I choose Ida.
With an air of anticipation of what’s to come, I hit the brakes and hold down the start / stop button. At power-up, you are treated to a sonorous V8 boom that you both feel and hear. Hit the gas and that rumble very quickly turns into a roar. Man, this car sounds good, so much better than I ever imagined a Jaguar sedan would sound. Then I knew that a very fun trip awaited me.
Twist the XFR-S’s gear selector beyond driving and sport, and I’m good to go. I take a second to let a stray pedestrian pass in front of me and head for the starting line. Hurrah. The first part of the course is a short straight into a tight turn. Yay double. I hit the gas and step out into a cloud of dust and screeching tires.
Sixty passes in 4.4 seconds. Acceleration is strong, linear, and constant, but it still holds you to the seat. I hold the pedal down to about 80 mph before braking into the corner, hard. I go from 80 to what feels like a crawl in no time. The Jaguar’s big brakes squeeze and slow remarkably well. There is not even a hint of wheel wobble when braking hard. Like I said … smooth.
The XFR-S’s beefed-up suspension and various stability and differential control systems are set up in a minimally invasive environment. Even without any pushy computer forcing me to slow down, Jaguar midsize corners are incredibly flat and precise. The steering is not as difficult as I would like, but the vertices are easy to find and even easier to hit. In theory the tires squeal, but I’m too focused on driving to hear them.
Reluctantly, after too short a time, I drive the XFR-S to its parking spot and head out. But I do come out of having driven the Jaguar XFR-S, one of the best high-performance sedans I have ever experienced. I am very, very impressed with this car. It works like dickens, stops like it’s hitting a brick wall and spins like it’s on rails. The Jaguar XFR-S hits showrooms this summer with a price starting at $ 99,000. It is not cheap, but it is worth checking out.
Technical specifications:
- Motor: 5.0-liter supercharged V8
- Tip of Power: 550 horsepower 6500 rpm
- Maximum torque: 502 foot-pounds at 2500-5500 rpm
- Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic quick change
- 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
- Maximum speed: 186 mph (electronically limited)
- Fuel economy: 15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
