Test Drive: 2014 Jaguar XKR-S

The wide stance is accentuated by meaty 20-inch gunmetal-grey alloys through which peep red calipers – a quick glimpse of naughty underthings. Nostrils on either side of the long, aquiline nose deliver fresh, cool air to the supercharged 5.0-litre engine within. A sharply carved front air splitter framed with a carbon-fibre chin spoiler lend a snarling, belligerent air to the XKR-S’s expression. Stylish vents on both flanks help cool down the brakes.

Its muscular hindquarters already give the XKR-S the air of stored motion, coiled and ready to pounce. They’re finished off with a rear diffuser, and topped with carbon-fibre rear wing that generated a few mixed opinions.

The cabin boasts all the requisite attention to detail expected from a premium marque, from the aluminum trim to the carbon leather accents. Exclusive to the XKR-S model is a suede-wrapped steering wheel, contrasting red stitching on all leather upholstery – including the dash and gauge binnacle, and RS badging scattered throughout the cabin.

2014 Jaguar XKR-S seating. Click image to enlarge

Highly bolstered bucket seats are plump and comforting and can go from gentle embrace to iron-fisted grip at the twist of a button – just the thing for spirited cornering. While the XKR-S is considered a 2+2, those beautifully sculpted rear seats are virtually useless for anyone with legs. Compared with the coupe’s 330 litres, the convertible offers 313 litres of “boot” space.

The XKR-S comes equipped with all the technological bells and whistles you’d expect from this segment; a touchscreen interface for audio, navigation, climate control and phone connection. Compared to other available systems, it’s a little convoluted and could use some streamlining. While I’ve gotten used to the rotary gear selector that rises from the centre console at startup, it still seems a little gimmicky.

From a purely visual aspect, I’ve always preferred a coupe over a convertible. A hard top looks cohesive, while a rag top interrupts the smooth flow of line moving up and over the body of the car. However, the roof tucks away neatly – in 18 seconds no less – appeasing most of the remaining senses. Aside from the usual reasons for drop-top love – feeling the warm sun upon your face while summer breezes ruffle your hair, and all that rot – is the aurally gratifying sense of having nothing between you and that incredible exhaust note. At idle, the XKR-S produces a soft, velvety rumble. But dial in the Sport setting, head for the nearest tunnel, and try not to giggle at the booming roar echoing around you. Let off the throttle and the quad pipes erupt in outrageous pops and barks.

2014 Jaguar XKR-S. Click image to enlarge

Under its long nose is a more powerful version of the supercharged 5.0-litre engine found in the regular XK, producing 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. That power is run through a six-speed ZF transmission that does a fine job of ripping through the gears, but there are aluminum paddle shifters should you want that decision to be yours.