The Jaguar XFR represents all that is good about sports saloons. Ok, you are always going to get those cynics who constantly trot out the same tired old put-downs that it is just a Ford with knobs on before adjusting their anoraks and rearranging their stamp collections. As you might have gathered, we don’t take kindly to those assertions so when we got wind that Jag were planning something special to further streamline the majestic and beautiful XFR we were understandably ecstatic.

Already capable of devouring 0-62 MPH in 4.9 seconds thanks to its 510 BHP 5.0 litre V8, the XFR is now capable of pushing the boundaries of performance to even higher levels with the addition of Jaguar’s new Speed Pack. Unimaginatively named it may be, but this piece of kit does exactly what it says on the tin, raising the XFR’s top speed from 155 MPH to 174 MPH by virtue of subtle suspension and aerodynamic enhancements. BMW and Mercedes take note, as these improvements carry the XFR past the 155 MPH benchmark laid down by the mighty M5 and E63 AMG saloons. The Speed Pack also comes with a revised engine and 8-speed gearbox calibration to match the increased top speed, whilst a new front splitter and rear wing underline the more powerful presence of this cat.

The mud throwers will of course continue to take great pleasure in dumbing down the pedigree of the XFR, but this new package will be sure to toss it straight back in their smug faces. At the end of the day, you can’t argue with style, grace and performance, three things that the XRF does stunningly well.

The Speed Pack is available for £2,750 on top of the £65,380 XFR saloon.