Wraps off new Jaguar XFR and XKR at Detroit 2009

by Adrian Hearn

The wraps have just been taken off two stunning new 510bhp Jaguars at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show.

On the four-door front is the BMW M5-rivalling Jaguar XFR while the Aston Martin DB9 gets a new adversary in the Jaguar XKR.

Jaguar XFR
On the back of the XF’s successful launch in 2008, Jaguar has now launched the XFR – a hot version of the beautiful British executive saloon.

Under the bonnet is a new supercharged 5-litre V8 engine which develops 510bhp and 461lb/ft of pulling power.

This compares favourably with the current king of super-saloons, the BMW M5, which boasts 507bhp and 384lb/ft of pulling power.

With this oomph, the Jaguar XFR will accelerate from 0-62mph (100kph) in a claimed 4.7 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

This is slightly slower than the 4.5 seconds managed by the 572bhp Audi RS6 and 4.6 seconds the Mercedes E63 AMG manages but on a par with the BMW M5.

The supercharged XFR gets a new front-end design with revised chromed air intakes while the rear sports four tailpipes, a new bodykit and 20-inch alloy wheels.

To keep the power in check, the Jaguar XFR gets an electronically controlled differential and suspension system to send the correct amount of power to the appropriate wheels under acceleration and cornering.

While it’s named the 2010 Jaguar XFR, it’s available to order from February with deliveries a couple of months later and a price-tag around £60,000.

Jaguar XKR
The face-lifted Jaguar XKR also benefits from the same supercharged 5-litre V8 engine – and the performance figure put it right in the firing line of the Aston Martin DB9.

A couple of years ago, both Jaguar and Aston Martin were both owned by Ford and, with the latter seen as the premium choice, Jaguar always appeared to hold back to prevent direct comparisons.

But that’s changed now both companies have new owners with the Jaguar XKR now accelerating from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds – identical to the Aston while 50-70mph takes just 1.9 seconds.

The new Jaguar coupe and convertible will also be available with a normally-aspirated 5-litre 380bhp engine which despatches 62mph in 5.2 seconds while both engines are limited to 155mph.

But don’t expect the XKR to be the ultimate Jag coupe with it likely the British-based car maker will bring out a hardcore XKR-S model at a later date with a top speed closer to the DB9’s 190mph.

As with the XFR, the XKR is a ’2010’ model but it’s available to order now with deliveries expected in March and cost around £75,000.

Jaguar Land Rover was in the news over Christmas with reports it had gone to the Government for financial aid despite the Jaguar arm reporting the sale of 65,000 cars in 2008 – an increase of 8 per cent year-on-year.

But the face-lifted XK and XF with these superb engines look like the company will really take the fight to the German big boys.

Read our 4.2-litre Jaguar XKR car review

Video: Watch the Jaguar XKR convertible in action