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The 2011 Jaguar XKR convertible features advanced engines giving more power and performance with greater efficiency; revised exterior styling and interior enhancements.

In keeping with its additional power and performance, the XKR Convertible offers the most sophisticated dynamic control of all, with Active Differential Control and Adaptive Dynamics. The subtle control strategies of these functions can be managed through the JaguarDrive Control™, which allows the driver to change the settings of the Adaptive Dynamics system, which then works in tandem with the Active Differential Control (ADC) – an electronically controlled alternative to the traditional mechanical differential.

The new convertible also offers a number of other driver aids that exploit the latest advanced technology. Staying faithful to its well-established principles, Jaguar uses these technologies to empower, not overpower the user – enhancing enjoyment rather than risking high-technology overkill.

In addition to its massive horsepower rating, the AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter engine delivers a whopping 461 pound-feet of torque. The sprint from zero to 60 MPH takes just 4.6 seconds.

The AJ-V8 engines are built around a stiff, all-new, aluminum block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. The blocks are high pressure die-cast, providing a superior finish and greater dimensional accuracy. The engines use aluminum heads, with four valves per cylinder and spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and forged steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads for the first time are specified with a secondary (recycled) aluminum alloy thus reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.

The 5.0-litre direct injection petrol engines are more compact than their predecessors. Overall engine length has been reduced by 24mm by relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture. This length reduction – apparently a small amount – improves engine bay packaging in support of enhanced safety cell performance while ensuring overall engine weight is virtually unchanged.

Allowing the engines to optimize their power is one of the most sophisticated transmissions available. Jaguar’s acclaimed electronically controlled, six-speed ZF 6HP28 transmission offers an unparalleled combination of driver control matched to virtually undetectable gearshifts. With control either from steering wheel-mounted paddles or full automatic mode via the JaguarDrive Selector™, the transmission is now paired with an advanced electronic differential on the XKR model. This ensures the supercharged car accelerates even faster, handles even more precisely and sets new standards of dynamic control.

The convertible’s triple-lined fabric roof gives a level of fit and stability, even at very high speeds, that minimizes wind noise and other road noise and includes a luxurious interior finish almost indistinguishable from a fixed roof.

The folding roof can be powered up or down at the touch of a button in less than 18 seconds. And when it is lowered, the convertible’s flush-folding roof retracts completely into the bodywork behind the rear seats, under a smooth cover that retains the elegant, sporting lines of the car.

A roll-over protection system, which remains hidden unless it is needed, deploys instantaneously as necessary to provide occupants with the highest levels of protection in the event of a roll-over incident.

There is not a lot of space for rear passengers, but the driver and his or her passenger enjoy a luxurious grand touring experience with enough power to give most sports cars a run for their money.

The XKR Convertible has unique styling cues such as a more aggressive front fascia, air intakes on the hood, aluminum-finish grilles, more creases on the hood, and quad exhaust pipes.

Besides its hidden, automatic roll-over protection, the new convertible also features Jaguar’s pedestrian deployable bonnet system (not fitted to Federal market cars). In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the system raises the bonnet by 170mm in just 30 milliseconds to provide a clear space between the surface of the bonnet and the hard points underneath, to reduce the severity of injuries – particularly those to the head . An energy-absorbing bumper system also helps minimize lower leg injuries to pedestrians.

The audio system for the new XKR Convertible is the ultimate Bowers & Wilkins 525-watt system with Dolby® ProLogic®II Surround Sound, three-channel stereo with unique amplifier, Kevlar mid-range speakers with high output and low distortion, and specially designed aluminum tweeters.