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Jaguar XKR-S Convertible - most powerful soft top cat ever
Jaguar is rolling out what it claims is the most powerful and fastest convertible they have ever built at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The heart of this fast cat is an upgraded version of the 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 engine, which produces 550PS (405kW) and 502lb/ft (680Nm) of torque. This a power increase of 8 percent and torque increase of 9 percent over the Jaguar XKR. Driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox with Active Differential, this rockets the XKR-S Convertible to 60mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h).
Underneath, both front and rear suspension systems have been revised. A new aluminum steering knuckle in the front double wishbone suspension increases camber stiffness by 23 percent to provide even greater levels of steering accuracy and feedback. To increase stability and control, the Active Differential has been upgraded to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds.
Rear damper top mounts have been stiffened over and above the changes found on the XKR-S Coupe while the rear wheel steer effect has been optimized for agility. Spring rates front and rear have been increased by 28 percent while a bespoke Adaptive Damping program for the XKR-S maximizes body control, traction and grip.
Unsprung mass has been reduced by nearly five percent through the fitment of lightweight, forged alloy wheels, which also offer greater traction and grip levels thanks to wider rear tires that were specifically developed for use on the XKR-S and serve to increase the size of the tire contact patch. The XKR-S convertible rides on Pirelli P-Zero tires (255/35 ZR20 at the front and 295/30 ZR20 at the rear).
The Jaguar High Performance Braking System fitted with huge brake discs - 380mm front and 376mm rear - in combination with aluminum calipers and pad area increases of 44 percent front and 31 percent rear in comparison to the XK.
"Because the XK was designed as a convertible it has great structural integrity. This allowed us to apply the XKR-S coupe's sporting suspension settings to create a convertible with no compromises. Its blend of great speed, precision and dynamism is given an extra dimension with the roof down and that thrilling exhaust soundtrack."
These aerodynamic design changes give the front of the car a dramatic and bold appearance. Vertical feature lines run down from the edges of the oval air intake into a new bumper design which incorporates a wider, lower air intake, a carbon fiber splitter and twin side nacelles. At the edges of the bumper, vertical panels channel air down the side of the car along new sills, which serve to both smooth the horizontal airflow and emphasize the 10mm reduction in ride height.
A unique rear wing with a carbon fiber inlay works in conjunction with a rear apron featuring a carbon fiber diffuser. The result is a reduction in overall lift of 26 percent and balanced aerodynamics front and rear to keep the car perfectly pinned to the road.
The exterior changes are highlighted by the application of gloss black to the exterior brightwork, complemented by the dark technical finish of the lightweight, forged 20" Vulcan design alloy wheels through which can be seen the Jaguar High Performance Brake calipers finished in either an eye-catching red or discreet gunmetal. The XKR-S Convertible is available in a range of six colors, including Polaris White and British Racing Green, a tribute to Jaguar's competition heritage. The acoustically treated hood opens and stows in just 18 seconds and has been proven at the car's maximum speed. It comes in black as standard with a further six optional colors available.
"Taking the track-oriented ethos of the XKR-S Coupe and applying it to a convertible is very exciting. There is a real spirit and thrill to driving with the roof down and in a car capable of these speeds that is going to be exaggerated to create a very dramatic and special experience."
With the convertible hood stowed away, the interior of the XKR-S highlights the car's high performance intent.
Exclusive to the XKR-S models are carbon-leather trimmed versions of Jaguar's Performance seats which feature integrated head rests, racing harness cut-outs and increased side and squab support to hold driver and passenger securely during high speed cornering. The 16-way adjustable, heated seats feature highlights of carbon leather and contrast micropiping unique to the model.
Superb tactile interfaces are provided by the multifunction three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and Jaguar-embossed bright stainless steel pedals. Other premium surfaces include soft-feel paint for the switches and a gloss black centre console. An exclusive dark aluminum finish is available as standard with an optional Piano Black finish also available.
Jaguar did not supply availability or pricing information.
11/16/11
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