2009 Jaguar XFR - Transmission and Price - First Drive

The ZF 6HP28 six speed auto has been upgraded to handle the extra torque from the new V8s, and shifts 10% faster. Selecting Dynamic Mode, via a button on the center console, sharpens the big cat's claws further: The shocks respond faster and firmer, the throttle response is quickened, and the transmission will allow the engine to nuzzle the 6800-rpm rev limiter without upshifting. Dynamic Mode is best left for the track or smooth roads, as the basic chassis setup is so good you tend to notice the sharper vertical body motions more than any increase in speed point to point.

Jaguar dealers will soon start taking orders for the XFR. Base sticker will be around $80,000. That undercuts both M5 and E63 by up to $8000, though it's $20,000 more than the hugely impressive CTS-V. The Germans have pretty much ruled this particular sport sedan segment for a couple of decades now. But first America, and now Britain, have delivered worthy challengers to the established order. If that sounds like a comparison worth doing, you're right. We'll be rounding up all four (the RS6, sadly, remains a Europe-only model for now) and putting them to the test just as soon as we can. Stay tuned.