Jaguar is commemorating 25 years of its R performance brand with the most focused road-going version of its XK ever.
The XKR-S GT, which joins the new XJR at the New York motor show this week, is a track-ready version of the XKR-S that remains road legal.
Power comes from a 542bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed auto’ gearbox. The GT is good for a 0-60mph time of 3.9sec, some 0.3sec quicker than the standard XKR. Although Jaguar says the car is theoretically capable of 200mph, it is limited to 186mph.
The GT features a bespoke aerodynamic package that includes a carbonfibre front splitter, dive planes, extended wheel arch spats, a rear diffuser and a large fixed rear wing. Maximum downforce of 145kg is said to be achieved.
Carbon ceramic brake discs are fitted, a first for Jaguar. New front and rear suspension systems also feature, including a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings and a new steering system with a faster ratio. Bespoke, height-adjustable dampers are another addition that feature a race-derived twin spring system.
Completing the transformation are special lightweight 20in alloys shod in 255/35 Pirelli Corsa rubber at the front and 305/30 tyres at the rear.
Just 30 examples of the £130,000 model will be made – 25 for the US and five for Canada. However, Jaguar says it will consider right-hand drive models for the UK and other markets if demand is sufficient.
Am traditional when it comes to coupes or sports cars per say...relatively flat, long engine bay, small looking cabin area with a short boot section...like the XKs, Maseratis, Aston Martins, Nissan S13, S15 etc.
Am traditional when it comes to coupes or sports cars per say...relatively flat, long engine bay, small looking cabin area with a short boot section...like the XKs, Maseratis, Aston Martins, Nissan S13, S15 etc.
The XKR-S GT begins with the high-strength all-aluminum body structure featured on everyJaguar XK. This structure is assembled using aerospace derived aluminum bonding and riveting techniques. Astonishing performance is provided by a supercharged 5 -liter V8 engine, producing 550hp and 680 Nm of torque, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission and active electronically controlled rear differential.
Combined with the aerodynamic and suspension changes, plus revisions to the traction control system's calibration, the result is a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds. Electronically limited top speed is 300Km/h.
The addition of extensive aerodynamic enhancements, suspension changes, and carbon ceramic brakes, endow the XKR-S GT with track-ready performance. A limited production run will see just 30 cars built for North America, with 25 for the United States, and 5 for Canada.
A range of bespoke carbon fiber components all work to maximize the aerodynamic down force. These include an extended front splitter, dive-planes and an elevated rear wing.
The XKR-S GT will be offered exclusively in Polaris White with black racing stripes, and will feature a Jaguar R-S GT script on its louvered hood. The warm charcoal colored interior features red accents, and includes 16-way electrically adjustable performance seats finished in soft-grain leather and suede cloth with the Jaguar and R-S GT scripts integrated into the backrests. "Jet" black suede cloth is used for the headliner and steering wheel. Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters are now finished in aluminum and are fitted as standard.