2012 Jaguar XKR-S

What is it?
The Jaguar XKR-S is the most powerful road-going model ever produced by the company. This is a refreshed version of the XKR, with 35 more horsepower, an upgraded dynamic suspension, and a whole lot more attitude.
How's it drive?
This car delights in nearly every aspect, from its swoopy, sexy exterior to the luxurious leather-clad interior. Oh, yes, and the aural delights delivered by the supercharged V8, and then the way in which it handles, are impressive. Our first crack at driving the XKR-S came on the public roads surrounding Autodromo Algarve racetrack near Faro, Portugal, and then on the 2.89-mile road course. A couple of things were noted right away. The torque from the supercharged V8 is prodigious and a light throttle is needed to keep the rear wheels from lighting up (if you have the traction control switched off). Second, the supercharger whine that the previous XKR was noted for is gone, replaced by a stunning baritone exhaust note with burbles, pops and brappps, depending upon throttle position.
We were a fan of hearing the supercharger spool up, but just a few minutes listening to the exhaust note of the XKR-S and we were sold on the new model.
The engine is bolted onto a lightweight chassis that is rock-solid, coupled with all-new front and rear suspension systems. Upgraded spring rates and Jaguar's adaptive damping system minimize body roll in hard corners. While the dynamic setting might be a bit too harsh for everyday driving--you will notice every little change in the pavement--it felt right at home on the racetrack. The dynamic stability control has been reprogrammed, and the active rear differential allows all the power to be put down to the pavement. Twenty-inch Pirelli P Zero tires are all around, with nine-inch wide rubber in front, 10-inches in the rear. A carbon-fiber splitter, rear diffuser and rear wing all work to reduce rear lift by 25 percent.
The car is very easy to drive quickly. The V8 has a wide powerband and the ability to change gears in the six-speed automatic with the paddle shifters adds to the sporting characteristics, while still fitting quite nicely with its luxury ambitions.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

 Do I want it?
Jaguar's goal with this car was to develop a gentleman's racecar, and with that, it has succeeded. The 186-mph top speed and 4.3-second 0-to-60 mph stand as testament. To some, the XKR is one of the sharpest designs on any car available today, instantly recognizable as a Jag. That's a good thing. They also wanted a car that even though you can flog it at a racetrack, would be just as comfortable heading out for a leisurely drive. And with that, Jag also has succeeded.
There are minor things that might irritate some, like a navigation system that we found not up to par with other original equipment models and some switchgear whose plastic buttons seemed out of character in an otherwise sumptuous and luxurious interior.
But there is a lot of bang for all the bucks here. A good-looking car that goes like hell. And, for now, it's the baddest road-going Cat to come from Coventry. To some, that alone is worth the price of admission.
2012 Jaguar XKR-S
ON SALE: Fall
BASE PRICE: $132,000 (est)
DRIVETRAIN: 5.0-liter, 550-hp, 502-lb-ft supercharged V8; rwd, six-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 3,865 lbs
0 TO 60 MPH: 4.2 seconds (mfr)
FUEL MILEAGE (EPA COMBINED): 15 mpg

Post Source: http://www.autoweek.com/