Jaguar XKR-S: 550 Hp Supercharged GT With 186 Mph Top Speed

The Jaguar XKR-S stands as the zenith of the XK lineup, a grand tourer that fused explosive power with exquisite craftsmanship. Produced from 2011 to 2015, this model elevated Jaguar’s performance credentials, boasting a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. Capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in as little as 4.2 seconds and reaching top speeds of 186 mph, it redefined what a luxury sports coupe could achieve.

Engineering a Powerhouse: The Heart of the XKR-S

At the core of the XKR-S lies Jaguar’s AJ-V8 engine, a 5.0-liter supercharged unit that represents peak internal combustion engineering. This all-aluminum V8 features a Roots-type supercharger, optimized fuel mapping, and variable valve timing to produce its staggering output. Peak power arrives at 6,000 rpm, while torque surges from just 2,500 rpm, ensuring effortless overtakes and relentless straight-line speed.

Compared to the standard XKR’s 510 hp, the S variant gains 40 extra horsepower and 41 lb-ft of torque through meticulous revisions, including an enhanced supercharger pulley and recalibrated engine management. This power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, prioritizing rapid shifts in performance modes. Rear-wheel drive amplifies the drama, demanding skill from drivers while rewarding precision.

Chassis and Suspension: Precision Meets Poise

Jaguar engineers stiffened the XKR-S’s chassis with lightweight aluminum components, reducing weight while enhancing rigidity. The suspension employs adaptive dampers, recalibrated springs, and larger anti-roll bars for superior body control. Bespoke 20-inch forged alloy wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero tires (255/35 front, 295/30 rear) provide tenacious grip, enabling cornering forces that rival dedicated sports cars.

Braking duties fall to massive ventilated discs—15 inches front, 14.8 inches rear—clamped by six-piston calipers painted Jaguar green. These halt the 3,900-plus-pound coupe from 60 mph in under 100 feet, blending fade resistance with progressive feel. The result is a grand tourer that thrives on winding roads, maintaining composure at high speeds without sacrificing daily usability.

Performance Benchmarks: Numbers That Thrill

Independent tests confirm the XKR-S’s prowess. MotorWeek clocked 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds at 118 mph, with the exhaust note building to a symphonic roar. Car and Driver noted similar figures, praising the seamless power delivery. Real-world pulls with traction control off and Dynamic mode engaged dip to 4.0 seconds, as seen in drag strip videos.

This table highlights the XKR-S’s edge over its sibling, sourced from aggregated test data. Fuel economy lags at 15 city/22 highway mpg, typical for its class, with a 16.1-gallon tank offering 240-350 miles of range.

Design and Aerodynamics: Form Following Fury

Visually, the XKR-S distinguishes itself with aggressive styling: a deeper front splitter, larger side sills, and a quad-exit exhaust. The coupe’s sleek profile, with a drag coefficient of 0.31, aids high-speed stability. A subtle bootlid spoiler and carbon fiber elements reduce lift without compromising the XK’s elegant lines.

Inside, premium leather and Alcantara swathe Recaro sport seats, supporting up to 2+2 occupants. Analog gauges with a titanium-faced tachometer evoke heritage, while the infotainment—though dated by 2026 standards—includes navigation and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Trunk space measures 11.7 cubic feet, ample for weekend escapes.

Driving Dynamics: The Art of Balanced Aggression

Behind the wheel, the XKR-S captivates with its duality. In Comfort mode, the ride absorbs imperfections gracefully, ideal for long hauls. Switch to Dynamic, and the exhaust bellows, steering sharpens, and stability control relaxes, inviting spirited drives. The supercharger’s whine adds theater, crescendoing under hard acceleration.

• Strengths: Explosive mid-range punch, refined cabin isolation, and track-ready poise.
• Trade-offs: Thirsty engine and heavy curb weight challenge efficiency.
• Standout Feature: Paddle-shift transmission for manual control.

Quarter-mile runs showcase its drag-strip dominance, yet it remains a GT at heart, cruising at triple-digit speeds with serenity.

Ownership Realities: Cost, Rarity, and Legacy

Priced from $132,875 new, the XKR-S targeted enthusiasts, with fewer than 100 U.S. units annually. Today, used examples fetch $60,000-$100,000, depending on mileage and condition. Maintenance demands premium fuel and specialized service, but reliability matches the era’s standards.

As the XK’s swan song—the 2015 Final Fifty edition—the XKR-S cemented Jaguar’s reputation for visceral performance. It outpaced rivals like the Bentley Continental GT in raw speed while undercutting Porsche 911 Turbos on luxury.

Comparisons: XKR-S vs. Contemporaries

The XKR-S held its own, blending value with exclusivity.

Modern Relevance: Why the XKR-S Endures

In an electrified era, the XKR-S evokes pure mechanical passion. Its supercharged V8 symphony and analog thrills contrast hybrids, appealing to collectors. Jaguar’s shift to EVs hasn’t dimmed its allure; restoration communities thrive, preserving these icons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the top speed of the Jaguar XKR-S?

Electronically limited to 186 mph for the coupe, it achieves this with optimized aerodynamics.

How much horsepower does the XKR-S have?

550 hp from its 5.0L supercharged V8, surpassing the standard XKR.

Is the XKR-S available as a convertible?

Yes, the XKR-S Convertible matches coupe performance with added wind-in-hair appeal.

What is the fuel economy?

15/22 mpg city/highway, requiring premium unleaded.

Was the XKR-S Jaguar’s fastest car?

Yes, it was the quickest production Jaguar at launch.