Now we know what you’re thinking; “How can a souped-up version of a coupé that’s been around for years win GT of the Year in 2011?”. And whilst we could try to dazzle you with fanciful excuses, here’s the rub; after driving the XKR-S, we decided it would be downright criminal of us not to tell you how good it is. And how fast it is. Or how wonderful it sounds. And how great it looks. Or what fun it is to drive. And we’re running out of space but you get the picture.
From its menacing mouth to its carbon fibre spoiler, this is a car that clearly means business, and armed to the teeth with a 542bhp supercharged V8, it’s got the bite to back up its bark. Oh my, does it bark. We’re guessing the engineer who designed the exhaust was hard of hearing. Certainly if he wasn’t when he started work, he is now. And as passers by are entertained aurally, the driver is cocooned in a cockpit that’s as comfortable as it is classy. A carbon fibre weave fabric and Recaro seats could have been a styling disaster for Jaguar yet they pulled it off admirably, whilst the Bowers and Wilkins speakers sound wonderful should you ever tire of the exhaust note. Though we suspect that may never happen.
Of course the two rear seats are no such thing — simply put a bouquet of roses on the space they occupy and head away for the weekend. Somewhere far, far away, so you can revel in the Jaguar’s lazy torque, highway consuming speed and effortless GT comfort levels. Just ensure there’s a mountain pass between you and your destination. Then switch the Jaguar’s rotary drive selector to Sport, push down the button for Dynamic Mode, and grin inanely as you power slide your way through the corners. If you try hard enough, the XKR-S’ computers will reward you with perfect ‘scary back end breakaway moments just before taking control again’ for as long as you drive it hard. Promise us you will drive it hard…
