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The Epitome Of Luxury Performance R

The Epitome Of Luxury Performance R

Date: 2014-02-28
The 2014 model year 'R' version of Jaguar's XJ incorporates bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments to create the most focused, agile and responsive XJR ever. Seamless performance from its 405kW and 680Nm, 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine makes the XJR capable of accelerating from zero to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 280km/h.

The epitome of stately luxury since the nameplate was first rolled out in 1968; the fastest XJ derivative provides an iron first in a velvet glove style of performance motoring. 

Maximising the benefit of the engine calibration is the eight-speed automatic transmission, which brings out the performance of the XJ while still maintaining the car's composure in town and in low-speed situations. When operating in automatic mode, the transmission can detect the manner in which the car is being driven by monitoring acceleration and braking, cornering forces, throttle and brake pedal activity, road load and 'kickdown' request. On detecting a more enthusiastic driving style, the transmission will automatically make the gearshifts more aggressive and move the shift-up point higher in the rev range. Steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles give the driver higher levels of control.

The XJR features Jaguar's acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine in its most potent form, matched to a responsive eight-speed transmission system. This combination provides an exceptional blend of pure performance, driver involvement and exceptional levels of control.

The all-aluminium quad-cam engine delivers not only exhilarating performance but also tremendous efficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection and dual independent variable cam timing. 

The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminium block is stiffened with cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, providing refinement to match its power. The four-valve cylinder heads are constructed from recycled aluminium, and between them nestles the Roots-type twin vortex supercharger fed by two intercoolers, which feature their own water-cooling circuit to reduce the temperature of the pressurised air thereby optimising power and efficiency. 

Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics system actively controls vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates through the use of continuously variable dampers - which along with the springs have also been revised for this application. The system monitors driver inputs and the road conditions, adjusting damper rates in response up to 500 times a second to optimise stability and agility. Finally, Electronic Active Differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems have been calibrated to enhance handling characteristics, allowing the driver to fully exploit the XJR's true performance capability.

The XJR represents a fitting pinnacle to Jaguar's luxury saloon range; combining class-leading levels of luxury, comfort and performance with the elegant, contemporary design for which Jaguar is renowned. 

The 14MY XJ continues to offer Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system on all V-type petrol engines and uses a Twin Solenoid Starter (TSS) to shut down the engine when the car comes to a halt, and restart it in less time than it takes for the driver's foot to move from the brake to the accelerator.

Contact Jaguar Umhlanga for more details on this quintessential archetype, call them on 031 571 2620 or visit their showroom at 6 Sunset Close, Umhlanga Ridge.