2009 Jaguar XKR 5.0 V8 6A (510 HP)

Vehicle Overview

It was time for a refresh for the XKR’s second generation, and Jaguar put some effort into developing it, especially to introduce a brand new five-liter supercharged engine under the hood.

After Tata Motors bought Jaguar-Land Rover, the British automaker started to scrap all the dead weight that Ford forced the automakers to produce. That’s how the X-Type got the axe, and as a result, Jaguar’s factory running costs lowered. Then, the new engine was far more technologically advanced than the previous 4.2-liter unit. But the new owner knew that besides the engineering updates, the car needed some fresh ideas for the styling department, even though making the car look better was challenging. But somehow, it managed, and furthermore, it upgraded the interior.

Usually, when an automaker introduced a facelift for their car, they started to work on the front fascia to make it look more distinguishable from its predecessor. Jaguar took that into account, but it didn’t look like its design department clocked overtime hours for that side of the XKR. Still, the 2009 model year came with a new bumper that featured side vertical scoops that vented the front rotors. In addition, the automaker installed a lip spoiler under the apron to lower the ground effect.

From its profile, the chromed trims around the windows created a more luxurious look for Jaguar’s GT. These details emphasized the low-slung look of the greenhouse. In addition, the British car maker continued the idea introduced by Prodrive on the 2008 XKR-S model and installed deeper side sills. However, the most significant upgrades of the vehicle were made to the rear side. There, the automaker installed a duck-tail-style spoiler on the tailgate. Furthermore, the taillights featured LED technology, offering the car a cleaner, more modern look. Last but not least, the XKR featured a quad exhaust system neatly integrated under the rear bumper.

Inside, customers could choose between Rich Oak veneer, Burr Walnut, or Dark Mesh Aluminum trims to match the leather upholstery. Even though the car still used parts carried over from Ford, it had a different feel. Its instrument cluster looked cleaner. But the most significant difference from its predecessor was the newly introduced gear selector for the automatic transmission. Instead of a lever, there was a rotary dial on the center stack. It raised when the engine was started, and customers could select the driving program by rotating it left or right. In front of it was the push-button start, while behind it was the electronic parking brake.

But the most significant upgrade was under the car’s skin. The new 5.0-liter aluminum engine featured direct fuel injection and a new twin-vortex supercharger. Furthermore, the variable camshaft timing and the large intercooler helped the V8 powerplant provide 510 PS (517 hp) to the new six-speed automatic transmission. But that wasn’t all. The XKR came fitted with an active differential with a multi-clutch system controlled by a computer that helped the car send the most power to the wheel with the highest grip.