Jaguar XJR Unveiled Ahead Of New York Auto Show

TagsJaguar XJR, New York Auto Show, Range Rover Sport, Jeep Cherokee

Here are three powerful cars we can't wait to see at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Credit:Jaguar / iTechPost

Jaguar has unveiled its new vehicle, the Jaguar XJR, ahead of its New York Auto Show debut on March 27.

The company showed only one image of the vehicle, which sports five-spoke alloy wheels, mesh grilles and a deeper front bumper than other XJs. Details on the vehicle are slim but it is expected to feature a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 550-horsepower. The XJR should go from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds. It will probably get to a top speed of around 186 mph.

You'll also be fairly sure to find rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed paddle-shifted ZF automatic transmission. Other upgrades should include more powerful brakes, a retuned suspension and wider wheels and tires.

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"The New XJR epitomizes the three pillars of technology, performance and contemporary design which the Jaguar brand stands for in the 21^st century, while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury saloon," says Jaguar global brand director Adrian Hallmark.

The current top XJ model from Jaguar is the XJ Supersport, which has a horsepower about 32 less than the new XJR. No information on the price of the XJR has been revealed, but given that other R models have shown a 15 to 20 percent increase over lower vehicles, it wouldn't be surprising to see it costing around $130,000.

Jaguar has quickly introduced a number of upgraded models over the past few years. These include the XFR-S, which debuted at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle followed an earlier model, which was unveiled in 2011.

The new XJR will face competition from other luxury cars that include the Audi S8, Porsche Panamera Turbo and Mercedes-Benz S63. When it is unveiled at the New York Auto Show, it will share the stage with Land Rover, which is unveiling its new Range Rover Sport. Other vehicles you can expect to see at the show include the Jeep Cherokee, Toyota Highlander and Cadillac CTS.