NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Jaguar reveals new XJR

Jaguar has released the first image of the new XJR super-limo it will unveil at the New York motor show on March 27.

Expected on sale in Australia by the end of this year, the first XJR available since 2009 – and the first to appear as part of the new-generation XJ range launched here in 2010 – will return as the British brand’s flagship sedan.

Full details will be revealed next week, but for now Jaguar has confirmed the new XJR will be powered by the same 405kW supercharged 5.0-litre V8 seen in the XKR-S sports car, making it “the most focused, agile and responsive XJ ever made”.

Jaguar said the top-shelf XJ will also bring suspension and aerodynamic upgrades, and the single static image suggests a lower ride height, larger wheels and black mesh upper and lower grilles.

Joining the XFR and XKR at the top of Jaguar’s R model range, the XJR is likely to be brand’s most expensive model, eclipsing the XJ Supersport, which costs $320,000 and offers a 375kW/625Nm supercharged 5.0-litre V8.

“The new XJR epitomises the three pillars of technology, performance and contemporary design which the Jaguar brand stands for in the 21st Century, while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury saloon,” said Jaguar’s Global Brand Director, Adrian Hallmark.

The XJR will appear in New York alongside the upcoming F-TYPE roadster and new all-wheel drive versions of the XF and XJ, which won’t be sold in Australia.

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