Jaguar XF-R (2009): the spy photos

By Tim Pollard

Spyshots

20 May 2008 18:55

So how will the Jag XF-R be distinguished from lesser XFs?

Where to begin? The XF-R has a noticeably different snout, as witnessed by the larger air intakes and bonnet scoops, but the rest of the front of the car is admirably restrained. The side profile is differentiated by stout side sills and what appears to be a body-coloured side gill (the standard XF's is in chrome).

If you're looking at the rear of the XF-R (and let's face it, most of us will be), you'll be following a subtle lip spoiler on the bootlid, chunky quad pipes and we'd guess lurking under that white plastic disguise is a discrete diffuser.

Naturally, there is also a new design of alloy wheel reserved just for R models. Even standard cars can be specced with 20-inch wheels, so big rims are a must for the XF-R.

And the driving experience?

Sadly, our ace spy photographers haven't yet managed to wrestle the keys to an R model, but they have seen one driven in full anger. Moments after these shots were taken, this white prototype shot off up the road as the test driver spotted our long lens.

From the engine spec, we know this car will be quick. Damn quick. It's difficult to judge from these spyshots, but it looks as if the R is lower and we know that Jag's chassis specialists are preparing a more focused ride and handling balance. Not that there's much wrong with the standard car; read CAR Online's first drive of the XF here.

We'll be posting more information on the XF-R on Wednesday when we can call our sources at Jaguar. It's well into the evening now at the UK and everyone's at home...