Our spies in theU.K. have snapped the first photos of what appears to be the first full-fledged prototype of Jaguar's upcoming XFR.
Although the visual differences are subtle, there are some telltale cues that suggest that this car is something a bit hotter than your normal XF. A new quad-pipe exhaust design hints that this car is running a revised powertrain, and the large, cross-drilled rotors speak of an upgraded braking system to deal with this XF's higher performance potential. Large 20-inch wheels and a noticeably lower ride height suggest a more aggressive suspension set-up, in keeping with Jag's usual formula for their R-spec cars. Any changes to the front fascia of this XFR prototype are very subtle, and may be limited to this car's blacked-out grille mesh.
Earlier this summer, some mules appeared that hinted that an XFR was in the works. Based on previous-generation S-Type bodies with XF noses grafted on, those mules also had cross-drilled rotors, the same wheels, and a makeshift quad-pipe exhaust configuration. This latest prototype takes those same details, and applies them to a complete XF package, suggesting that the XFR is now in the home stretch.
Our sources from Britain believe that a highly tweaked version of Jaguar's supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 produces about 500 horsepower in the XFR, basically matching some of the hottest metal from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes AMG.
The long-rumored, range-topping XFR-plus (for lack of a better name) may employ a new 5.0-liter engine, and could push power ratings closer to 600 hp. But that car is a good way's off, while this XFR prototype is now running the streets of Coventry, being readied for launch sometime in the next 12-15 months.
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