New Jaguar XJR claws up the curves

Big, overpowered sedans are not usually my favorite to drive on public roads, as I can barely tap their performance potential. But the 2014 Jaguar XJR managed to give me a fat, wide grin when I slogged it down a twisty back road.

With the Dynamic mode engaged, adding a red mist to the instrument display, and the transmission’s Sport mode keeping the revs high, this big cat’s engine broadcast its throaty growl across the surrounding cow pastures, changing pitch at each gear change when I braked then accelerated out of turns. The thick tires held onto the pavement and the suspension controlled the body’s load shifts with finesse.