This model comes from AUTOart’s Performance series, and rightfully so. It basically takes it stripes from the original 1:18 Jaguar XR and XRR. The first thing that strikes you is the beautiful French Racing Blue exterior paint. Though the soon to be released Italian Racing Red is absolutely sharp too! Overall body lines and dimensions seem to be spot on. As for shutlines and panel gaps, they are excellent for the most part, though I noticed a little too much spacing on the passenger side front hood.
Front fascia is where the XKR-S really starts to differentiate from the previous models. What we have is a very aggressive look. Larger look chin spoiler (covered in carbon fiber), massive fins on the left and right side, and two intakes (centre, right where the front hood begins). The entire package works and works well. One thing I did notice the front emblem on my XKR has a more 3D look than what we find on the XKR-S today.
Rear is fitted with an aggressive upper spoiler covered in carbon fiber as well as a matching rear diffuser. The diffuser gives way to more pronounced body lines on each side of the bumper, completing the overall sportiness and aggressive look. Again everything here is executed to perfection. If I had one complaint on the exterior it would be the lack lustre effort on the front, left and right emblems. But now I’m nitpicking.
The wheels feature a gun-metal finish. Red calipers and massive rotors complete the package. AUTOart, though small even added the Jaguar name each of the four calipers.
The motor is your typical modern piece, most of which is covered by plastic bits. Though what is exposed is nicely executed, with fit and finish very good. One thing you will notice and typical of the older releases is the missing pair of hood struts. Yes they are not present. Definitely a miss for me, and would have been a nice gesture from AUTOart to include that little extra! The added bonus is the extra undercarriage detail – suspension components a long side exhaust system are nicely highlighted.
Rear deck is fully covered in carpeting, no issues to report here. Note the missing struts again and the massive dog legs supporting the hatch, all borrowed from the older XR and XKR. On the flip side operation is smooth and gaps and shutlines are excellent.
Moving on to the interior we again find carpeting throughout. Seatbelts are found front and rear and made of fabric and metal. Overall interior is nicely appointed and seems to mimic the original for the most part, though the finer detail like colour fabric stitching and such were overlooked. Again we’re dealing with the Performance Series from AUTOart so sacrifices are made to hit certain production price points. Boo!
I’ve been lucky enough to own both the XK and XKR, adding the XKR-S was a no brainer, especially in the French Racing Blue. Colour aside AUTOart has produced yet another winner. If you can overall look the minor misses, I think this one would look ace on display in any collection. Enjoy the pics!
