NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Jaguar XJR

Jaguar's ambitious product expansion plan has taken another step forward with the unveiling in New York of its high performance XJR flagship saloon, a 404kW velvet sledgehammer.

The rear-wheel drive super limousine dashes from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds thanks to its quad-cam 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that bangs out 404kW/680Nm (the same engine from the fire-breathing XKR-S) and is being touted as the "most focused, agile and responsive Jaguar XJ ever made".

Using a claimed 11.6L/100km on the combined EU cycle, the Jaguar XJR also appears to be a frugal luxo-cruiser – on paper at least...

With the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG firmly in its sights, the XJR will be launched in July to the global media, with a September on-sale date for Europe, with Australian deliveries to begin from November 2013, according to Jaguar Land Rover Australia Brand Manager, Tim Krieger. 

Though no price has been mooted by Jaguar Australia, the new model is expected to cost somewhere in the vicinity of $350,000, as the current Supersport variant retails for $320,000.

"It will appeal to a very exclusive audience," said Krieger, who added that it would only sell in "single digit numbers". 

In addition to its monstrously powerful force-fed V8 engine, the rear-wheel drive XJR gets a number of other weapons in its arsenal, including an eight-speed automatic transmission and unique calibrations for its electronic active differential and stability control system to ensure improved power delivery.

The suspension has been totally reworked after extensive testing at the legendary Nürburgring road circuit and Jaguar's "high-speed" Rockingham circuit in England, with major changes to the active damper (shock absorber) system making for less body roll and more grip. 

New 20-inch forged alloy wheels shod with new Pirelli rubber (265/35 front, 295/30 rear), and big 380mm/376mm front/rear brake rotors derived from the F-Type sportscar round out the chassis updates.

Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum describes the new XJR as a luxury supercar that has real purpose: "It really is a wolf in sheep's clothing. This car will surprise, there's no doubt about it".

The full-sized leaping cat gets a number of aerodynamic updates to improve its high speed stability, such as side skirts, a 'vestigial' decklid spoiler at the rear, and special 'R' bonnet vents that help engine cooling and aerodynamics, according to Jag.

A sporty grille with chrome surrounds and black mesh, lots of 'R' badging and tell-tale quad exhaust pipes round out the visual updates.

Once inside the Jaguar XJR, occupants will be met with unique Jet leather trim (offered in ivory, tan or red) on most surfaces, while the seats feature 'R' logos and are offered with tan or red stitching. 

If the basso profundo V8 soundtrack isn't to your liking, the 12-speaker Meridian stereo will provide a nice change of pace as standard, while an 18-speaker system is optional.

Just 60 Jaguar XJs were sold in Australian in 2012 so the new model will be a very rare sight on Australian roads when it arrives in November. The BMW 7 Series was the top selling car in the upper-large luxury segment in 2012 with 138 cars sold, followed by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Porsche Panamera with 99 sales apiece last year.

More photos of the Jaguar XJR at motoring.com.au

For the latest New York motor show news at motoring.com.au

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