Jaguar XKR-S Coupe (2012)

Though the same weight (1750 kg) and sharing the same powerplant and platform and essentially the same lightweight aluminium body as the XK-R, the XKR-S boasts 30 kW more power and 55 Nm more torque.

To maximise performance potential, the suspension spring rates have been increased 28 and 32 percent front and rear, ride height lowered 10 mm and rear lift reduced by 26 percent.

Response from the 5.0-litre, supercharged direct fuel injection V8 – mated to a smooth-shifting ZF six-speed automatic – is epic in soundtrack and seemingly indefatigable.

Thanks to its superbly-engineered chassis and well-sorted suspension, the XKR-S feels alert, keen to turn in and beautifully balanced all the way through each back road corner, shifting attitude subtly in response to every throttle application yet clinging resolutely to the road.

Around town, the Jag is equally as impressive in its low speed tractability and ease of driving. The ride quality, on huge 20” alloys and rubber, is agreeably civilised.

From experience, we know Jaguar’s stoppers to be consistently the best in the business, the XK-R, for example, pulling up in an average of 21.4 m from 80 km/h.

The interior is classy, but not overstated. The XKR-S well justifies its positioning as the current halo car for one of the world’s most famous sporting and luxury car marques.