Jaguar to introduce 550-horsepower XJR at N.Y. auto show
Jaguar will use the 2013 New York International Auto Show to kick things up a notch for its full-size XJ lineup. The automaker will unveil a 550-horsepower XJR at a news conference Wednesday.
The XJR will be the flagship of the lineup and will use a retuned version of the 5-liter supercharged V-8 that Jaguar currently uses in the lesser XJ Supercharged and Supersport.
In addition to the boost in power of at least 40 horsepower, the XJR will also include upgrades to the “chassis and aerodynamic components.” This probably means a revised (and adjustable) suspension and stronger brakes to keep in check the added horsepower.
This Jaguar will compete with other full-size luxury cars, including the Audi S8, Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, and Porsche Panamera Turbo.
Jaguar has not yet announced pricing on the XJR, but expect to pay about $130,000 to $150,000.
The XJR is just the latest in a series of extra-quick, alphabet-soup editions Jaguar has introduced in the last several years. At the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, Jaguar unveiled the 550-horsepower XFR-S, the most potent version of its midsize XF sedan to date. That car was preceded by the 2011 debut of the XKR-S, which is available as a coupe or convertible.
When it’s unveiled Wednesday, the XJR will have to learn to share. Jaguar will share a stage with corporate cousin Land Rover, which will introduce to the world the all-new Range Rover Sport. The Sport is the mid-size companion to the larger Range Rover, and New York is a crucial market for it.
Other world debuts will include the Toyota Highlander, Jeep Cherokee and Cadillac CTS. Stay tuned to Highway 1 for complete coverage of the 2013 New York International Auto Show.
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