It’s not a stretch to say the Jaguar XF is the car that has reshaped and reinvigorated the brand—its S-Type predecessor a distant memory. In a recent comparison, we ranked the XF above its BMW, Benz and Lexus competitors. It was a serious contender for the 2009 Car of the Year. Despite the occasional niggle, we’re enamored of the Jag sedan.
Now, with the 2010 Jaguar XFR, the crew in Coventry has gone and made the XF even better. The hottest XF gets more power, but at no loss in fuel economy. It’s stronger—with more rakish looks—and the R-rated feline is sure to be a more involving drive.
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The XFR receives a new, direct-injected 5.0L V-8 (also available for the 2010 XF). But the XFR’s mill receives pressurization from a Roots-type, twin-intercooled supercharger. Despite a mighty output of 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, the new engine comes sans weight or fuel mileage penalty—its 15/23-mpg rating is the same as the outgoing supercharged 4.2L. Jaguar attributes this to a variety of new and altered components, including a direct-injection system, a variable-length intake manifold, and variable camshaft timing.
The new cam timing system relies on forces generated by the valves, rather than by oil pressure. The oil pump has been decreased in size and relocated as a result, reducing engine length by 0.94-in. These new technologies allow Jaguar to raise the compression of the engine to 9.5:1 (up from 9.1:1 on the 4.2L). Service intervals have been lengthened to 15,000 miles as well.
The exterior receives subtle, aggressive alterations. Bodywork modifications include a revised lower front fascia with larger inlets, deeper side skirts, quad tailpipes, and a smattering of “R” badges. The XFR also dons standard seven-spoke, 20-in. wheels sporting “Jaguar Supercharged” around the centers. New louvers have been placed on opposite ends of the hood—reminiscent of the Nissan GT-R—and a rear spoiler finishes the trunk. The XFR’s coefficient of drag is the same as the rest of the XF lineup at 0.29.
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Interior aesthetics remain largely unchanged, save for the application of a big “R” logo on the glovebox. To the glee of enthusiasts, Jaguar outfits the front seats with electrically adjustable bolstering and quickens the steering ratio. Attached to the column are two steering-wheel-mounted paddles that allow the driver to control the gears inside the ZF 6HP28 six-speed automatic, now upgraded with additional clutch plates and torque converter.
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