Ever since Jaguar made its entry in India, it has been doing consistently good and continues to bring to its customers its latest editions and newest models. The latest in line is the XKR Special Edition. Ammar Alvi gets behind the wheel.
Although every Jaguar XK represents a great combination of advanced engineering and refined luxury, yet the latest additions to the evolving range —the XKR Special Edition models—further enhance that luxury quality through the introduction of hand-crafted ‘Artisan’ interiors.
Available in both coupe and convertible form, the Special Edition model’s Artisan interior introduces the use of tactile ‘scraffito’ finished leather to the front seats, instrument binnacle, door and rear quarter casings. In combination with leather headlinings, new veneer finish in Shadow Walnut and standard features, including a 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, 16 by 16 way adjustable heated Performance seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry/start, each Special Edition model promises a heightened level of opulence and comfort.
To complement the use of materials, Jaguar’s design team, led by Director of Design Ian Callum, specified two exclusive Artisan interior colourways for the Special Edition models; Navy with Jet headlining and Truffle with Canvas headlining. Convertible hood colours have also been carefully selected and include Black, Blue, Grey and Brown. Special Edition treadplates and stainless steel pedals are additional discreet enhancements.
An exterior paint palette of six colours includes the exclusive Special Edition colour of Celestial Black, with Crystal Blue, Lunar Grey, Polaris White, Rhodium Silver and Ultimate Black being the alternative options. A new 20-inch alloy wheel design completes the exterior changes; the Orona wheels having a polished finish.
Whether in coupe or convertible form, each Special Edition model benefits from the advanced engineering techniques inherent to the entire Jaguar XKR range. Jaguar is industry-leading in its use of aluminium technology, and both coupe and convertible models utilise riveted and bonded aluminium monocoque construction that means light weight, exceptional rigidity and strength. In combination with continuously variable adaptive damping—standard on all models —and 5.0-litre direct-injection V8 petrol engine in 510PS supercharged form, the result is a beautifully damped yet controlled ride, precise handling, and effortless performance when required.
The new XKR Special Edition models are available to order now in both coupe and convertible form from July 2012. The ex-showroom price is Rs 1.27 crore (Mumbai pre-Octroi)