Jaguar reveals AMG-rivalling XFR at Detroit

Jaguar used the Detroit show to finally unmask its performance flagship for the acclaimed XF line-up -- the force-fed XFR.

The new range-topper debuts Jaguar's new 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III engine, which muscles out 375kW and 625Nm, putting it in the same ballpark as Mercedes-Benz's 6.2-litre E63 AMG (which offers 378kW and 630Nm).

Jag quotes a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) dash in 4.7sec, which also puts the XFR in the same performance bracket as Merc's E-Class range-topper.

The stove-hot XFR is clearly distinguishable from the garden-variety donor car via its revised bumpers and lower front air intakes, sill extensions, bonnet louvres and grilles, four tailpipes, a boot-lid spoiler, unique seats and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The new 5.0-litre supercharged powerplant will also be slotted into the MY2010 XKR, and the coupe is said to dispatch the 0-96km/h dash a tenth of a second quicker than its XFR sedan sibling.

Exterior changes for the MY2010 XK and XKR include a reprofiled nose, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body valance. Inside, both the XK and XKR gain the JaguarDrive Selector that was first seen in the XF.

Meanwhile, lesser XF and XK models -- ie those without an 'R' suffix -- gain a naturally aspirated version of the 5.0-litre V8, and the atmo powerplant generates a still-respectable 283kW and 515Nm.

Crucially, these outputs are almost on par with the 285kW and 530Nm eked out by the Mercedes E500 and SL500.

Also debuting at Detroit is the new diesel-powered XF (more here
http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2009/jaguar/xf/jaguar-unveils-fast-frugal-xf-diesel-s-11261), which is propelled by a state-of-the-art 3.0-litre twin sequential turbocharged engine that serves up 202kW and 600Nm.

Jag's newcomers go on sale in Europe from late March and should arrive in our market in the second or third quarter.