Jaguar today announces that during a secret speed trial at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, an XFR prototype recorded a stunning top speed of 225.675mph (363.188km/h), making it the fastest Jaguar ever.
The car - powered by the all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engine - beat Jaguar's previous speed record of 217.1mph (349.4 km/h) set in the XJ220 in 1992.* Paul Gentilozzi – the owner of Rocketsports Racing who successfully led the Jaguar XKR to five series victories between 2001 and 2006 in the Trans Am series in the USA - drove the car on the record-breaking run.
Running with minor aerodynamic and safety modifications to meet the requirements for a Bonneville run, the 225mph top speed was achieved with additional horsepower liberated by a remapped ECU, a modified air intake and exhaust system and revised supercharger settings.
No internal engine components were changed and the six-speed automatic transmission was standard, including the gear ratios.
Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars said: "The all-new supercharged 510bhp XFR - and XKR - add a thrilling new dimension to the Jaguar line-up.
We have sharpened the R models, fine-tuning them to deliver a totally focused experience for driving enthusiasts, with the new AJ-V8 Gen III engines delivering refined power and performance and unmatched efficiency.
"This sharper edge - the quicker steering rack, outstanding grip and stability and improved stopping-power - has been achieved by using advanced Jaguar technologies such as Adaptive Dynamics (the latest in computer-controlled suspension and traction control), a new electronic Active Differential Control and significantly uprated brakes."
Paul Gentilozzi added: "During my career, I've raced worldwide from the southern tip of New Zealand to Le Mans. Along the way, I have been privileged to drive and own so many exciting cars but I've never driven one that was as exciting to drive fast as this Jaguar."
The new XFR – the first XF to carry the 'R' badge - defines Jaguar's most performance-focused models. Powered by an all-new supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine developing 510PS and 625Nm of torque, the XFR can accelerate from standstill to 60mph in just 4.7 seconds (0-100kph in 4.9 seconds) and is capable of reaching an electronically limited 155mph.
+ 2009 Detroit Live: Dodge Ram Heavy Duty
+ 2009 Detroit Live: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
+ 2009 Detroit Live: 2010 Lincoln MKT Luxury Crossover
+ 2009 Detroit Live: Chrysler 200C EV concept
+ 2009 Detroit Live: 2010 Lexus HS 250h Luxury Hybrid
More relevant in everyday driving, an excellent indicator of the XFR's great flexibility is the time it takes to accelerate from 50-70mph – just 1.9 seconds.
High-speed runs have become indelibly etched into the history of the Jaguar marque. Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the Jaguar XK120's record-breaking 132.6mph run set on 30 May 1949 on a deserted stretch of motorway near Jabbeke in Belgium.
The new XFR demonstrates Jaguar's commitment to delivering exhilarating performance and outstanding dynamics for the driving enthusiast – the 'Fast' part of the Jaguar ethos of designing, engineering and manufacturing 'Beautiful, Fast Cars'.
