Jaguar XJR575
under heavy throttle.
Its overall road going performance is outstanding and whilst most drivers will be happy to leave it in ‘D’ and let the mechanics get on with their job, switch it into ‘S’ mode and using the steering wheel paddles for manual gear changes and the result is even more impressive. Perhaps a better description would be scintillating.
This new XJR, which has an increase of 25bhp over the previous model, gives a firm enough ride while the driver can change the set up by using the adaptive electronic suspension.
This monitors road conditions and adjusts the dampers so quickly to change the ride but the XJR575 is such an easy car for the sports enthusiast to drive which means it can be so rewarding.
Sitting on the standard XJR wheelbase the 575 has loads of electronic driver aids on board plus enough safety features that would even embarrass the ultra-conscious kings of car safety, the Swedes at Volvo.
Among the huge list of standard equipment on board are full LED headlights, the latest 10-inch infotainment touchscreen system (it’s multi-function and so easy to use too) and 4G Wi-Fi connectivity.
The quality and style of the interior is in the same vein and high standard as other XJR models, and because of what it is there’s smart but subtle 575 named trim pieces everywhere.
From the outside the 575 is clearly distinguishable from the normal road going XJRs with its twin bonnet louvres, rear spoiler, front bumper and lower air intake while through the gloss black wheels are visible red brake callipers.
In terms of body colours Jaguar is offering just two - Velocity Blue or Satin Corris Grey - and it’s the former which is the one to go for in my book. It is exceptional and matches the pretensions of the 575 perfectly.
Jaguar design boss Ian Callum aptly summed up: “We haven’t cut any corners with this car so it does exactly was intended for in being a true sports performance saloon, which is what our customers would expect from a Jaguar flagship car.”
The XJR575 is up against some formidable opposition in this high octane sector, such as the Mercedes AMG S63 and the Audi S8 for starters, but in this latest guise it must still take pole position not just in looks but in the pure exhilaration it delivers.