JAGUAR / XKR-S CONVERTIBLE
XKR-S Convertible: Canadian introduction and a Nordic demonstration
Early 2012 brought a Canadian debut and a Finnish demonstration for the open-top XKR-S.
Jaguar Land Rover Canada presented the XKR-S Convertible in Montreal on 12 January 2012, quoting a local suggested price of CAD146,000 before destination and delivery charges. This was a Canadian introduction: the model had already made its global debut in Los Angeles in November 2011.
The R-S specification belonged to the car, not the weather
The original specification used a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 rated at 550PS and 680Nm, with a quoted maximum of 300km/h. The convertible combined the XK aluminium structure with model-specific performance and aerodynamic work. It should not be confused with the later XF-based XFR-S saloon.
Finland was a demonstration setting
A manufacturer release dated 1 February described a January drive at Hämeenlinna, with the car filmed on a frozen lake in expert hands. It was a controlled demonstration, not evidence that the quoted maximum speed was reached on ice. This archive makes no claim that JLRTECH took part.
One incorrect number should not become a new version
The Nordic release printed 580PS. The original model specification and the German manufacturer’s February model overview support 550PS. The inconsistent number is therefore not treated here as an announced power upgrade.
Two dates and two markets explain the story: a regional show appearance in January, and a published account of the Finnish demonstration in February.
Illustrations recomposed from period press imagery. Image licence.