Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

542-HP Jaguar XJR to debut at New York Auto Show

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 Jaguar has just announced that a higher-than-ever performance version of its XJ flagship will be coming to this year's New York Auto Show next week. Joining the company's R lineup is this XJR, which will boast a stonking 542 horsepower from its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine.

Though details about the new XJ are pretty slim – you can read Jag's teaser of a press release – we are told that the car will ride on a "bespoke chassis" and that some aerodynamics work has been done, as well. The one sultry image we have of the car shows a set of trim-specific wheels, lower sills and unique badging on the front grille.

The new XJR would seem to slot above the current top-dog XJ, the XJ Supersport. With a bump up of 32 hp versus the Supersport, performance should get a meaningful shot in the arm, as well. As for pricing, we'll have to wait for the NYC show to be sure. But other Jaguar models show an increase of between 15- and 20-percent between the R model and the next one down; that would indicate a price tag in the $130k range for a standard wheelbase XJR is in order.

JAGUAR EXPANDS R PERFORMANCE LINE-UP WITH GLOBAL DEBUT OF XJR AT THE 2013 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOBILE SHOW

- Jaguar's R models offer the highest levels of Jaguar performance

- Jaguar R line-up expands with addition of XJR making global debut at New York Show


- 550PS XJR becomes dynamic flagship sedan of Jaguar line-up


- New York Show to feature R performance models alongside the other newest members of Jaguar family: The F-TYPE and All-Wheel Drive XF and XJ sedans

Jaguar will expand its R performance line-up with the global debut of the XJR at the 2013 New York International Automobile Show. The new high-performance model, the dynamic flagship of the XJ series, will join the expanding Jaguar line-up on display that includes All-Wheel Drive sedans and the F-TYPE sports car, which goes on sale this summer.

With a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine delivering 550PS and bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments, the XJR is the most focused, agile and responsive Jaguar XJ ever made. It delivers supercar performance and assertive looks with the highest levels of luxury.

According to Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar: "Thenew XJR epitomises the three pillars of technology, performance and contemporary design which the Jaguar brand stands for in the twenty-first century, while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury saloon."

By Seyth Miersma


See also: Watch the trailer for Jaguar's short film staring the F-Type and Damian Lewis, Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #323 LIVE!, This mule is the first evidence Jaguar is working on a 3 Series fighter.