We chatted with some folks at Jaguar (Malcolm Sandford, chief engineer of engines, and Mike Cross, chassis guru) about some more in depth info on the adaptive dampening and active differential on the new XFR and XKR.

First, the adaptive dampening. The dampers are supplied by Bilstein and are more advanced than the Bilstein system fitted to the Aston DBS. The new Jaguar system has an infinite number of adjustments as opposed to the DBS and outgoing XF Supercharged which both have a set number of adjustments. They are still conventional dampers but offer continuous control. This suspension is only offered on the XFR and XKR and comes standard.

Then comes the active electronic differential control. Again, only offered as standard on the XFR/XKR, the system is, interestingly, adapted from the variable locking setup in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. Obviously, Mike Cross and his gang heavily developed the system for an on-road focus. The diff is supplied by Dana and has the ability to transfer 90% of available torque across the axle in less than 250 milliseconds. To accomplish this, it uses an electric motor that controls the clamping load in the clutch pack. All models go from a three-point mounting system to a four-point for greater torque capacity and refinement.

We can't wait to try out the new systems in the coming months. Stay tuned...

To read more about the 2010 Jaguar XKR and 2010 Jaguar XFR, go to our 2009 Detroit auto show coverage. All the latest blogs from the Editors of Automobile Magazine can be found HERE. We've got our whole staff wandering the floor at Cobo Hall bringing back live photos and more information about all the new debuts from Detroit.