Possibly the most gorgeous new convertible we’ll see this year – Jaguar has launched the XKR-S Convertible ahead of the Los Angeles Motor Show.
Powered by the supercharged V8 AJ-V8 GENIII petrol engine, the open-top XKR is, not surprisingly the fastest open-top Jaguar ever. With 405kW/680Nm on-tap (8 per cent more power and 9 per cent more torque than the hardtop XKR-S), driving through a six-speed automatic transmission and active differential, the Big Cat sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
Good news is Jaguar has cleverly used lightweight aluminium extensively to boost torsional rigidity and the British giant claims the XKR-S Convertible has the highest torsional rigidity in its class – important for both refinement and chassis rigidity. As well, Jaguar has fitted 20-inch ‘Vulcan’ lightweight alloy wheels, revised the rear suspension geometry, stiffened the springs and dampers and revised the steering for the Convertible model which sits 10mm closer to the road than the hardtop.
Compared to the hardtop Jaguar XKR, the open-top version features some subtle styling changes in the body, a new front bumper, a carbon fibre front splitter, twin side ‘nacelles’, a rear wing in carbon fibre and rear diffuser. The result is a reduction in aerodynamic lift of 26 per cent.
The convertible roof folds and stows in 18 seconds.
Inside, the glorious leather trim is carbon-colour (16-way electronic adjustment for the seats) and carbon is used in the trim highlights.
The Jaguar XKR-S Convertible is available in a choice of six exterior colours – naturally including British Racing Green – and the soft-top roof can be ordered in a choice of seven colours.
