2010 Jaguar XF-R

 Jaguar has provided a potent engine for the XF-R in the form of a 5.0 litre V8 with a whirling supercharger plugged into it plus an uprated 6 speed automatic gearbox. The engine produces 510bhp and 625Nm. In comparison the previous generation S Type R, the XF-R's spiritual predecessor, made 399bhp from its 4.2 litre supercharged engine. For this power the XF-R gives back a 0 - 60 time of 4.7 seconds. A combined fuel economy of 12.5l/100km/23mpg UK/18.8mpg U.S is stated by Jaguar.

In terms of specification, Jaguar did not skimp on features for their new top-of-the-range XF. 20 inch alloy wheels are coupled with larger ventilated disc brakes. A new body kit featuring wider side skirts and a bonnet with louvers gives the car a more purposeful stance even when standing still. There's a new front end with a shiny upper mesh grille and a black lower mesh grille. The XF-R also has a new rear spoiler and four round tailpipes. The "R" moniker placed on the four brake calipers as well as the rear end.

Interior comes with soft grain leather as standard, adjustable sports seats and a dark chequered aluminium trim on the dash. The "R" is also seen just above the glove box and at the bottom of the steering wheel. The XF-R will come with a choice of eight exterior colours including one called Salsa.

Styling Jaguar XK 5.0 Convertible

The driving position is accommodating, the design modern and ergonomically sound. The centre console is smartly arranged around a touch-screen monitor, which controls audio, sat nav and climate settings. Materials are expensive and build quality is excellent. There's a lot of plastic on display and the Jag can't match the tailor-made feel of a Maserati, but otherwise we can't fault the cabin. The rear seats are only useful for storage, but with a 300-litre boot and hatchback tailgate, the XK is reasonably practical. Well-equipped too, with heated, leather, electric and memory seats standard, plus xenon lights, sat nav and a CD changer. 10,000-mile service intervals are relatively short, but the bills are affordable for a sports car, while retained values are excellent. But, despite the lightweight construction, that thirsty V8 will still cost you. And, sleek as it is, we can't understand why the firm has fitted an old-fashioned electric pop-up aerial - it looks ugly and out of place on the elegant bodywork.