Jaguar has released photos of what it calls the “ultimate road-going XK”, the XKR-S GT, which will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show. The XKR-S GT will be built in a limited edition of only 30 cars, all destined for the North American market.
Based on the XKR-S, the GT version gets the same 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine developing 542hp (550PS), mated to the same six-speed automatic gearbox. What makes the XKR-S GT stand out from its sibling, though, is the racing-style bodykit, dominated by a huge carbon fiber rear wing. Jaguar states the aero aids help the XKR-S GT achieve maximum downforce of 145kg (320 lbs).
There’s also a carbon fiber front splitter that extends the front bumper by 60 mm (2.3 in), carbon fiber winglets and wheel arch extensions designed to improve the airflow around the car and to provide the engine and brakes with extra cooling.
Extra vents in the hood and a carbon fiber rear diffuser complete the XKR-S GT’s performance-oriented bodykit. While the car’s electronically limited top speed is the same as the regular XKR-S at 186mph (280km/h), the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) drops from 4.2 to 3.9 seconds, thanks to the improved aerodynamics.
The XKR-S GT benefits from Jaguar’s experience of developing the F-Type, and has new front and rear suspension arms, uprights, wheel bearings, bushings and rear sub-frame designs inspired by those on the smaller Jaguar.
Compared to the XKR-S, the GT version has racing-inspired twin-rate springs and upgraded height-adjustable dampers, 68 percent and 25 percent stiffer front and rear respectively. It also has a 52mm-wider front track and the faster steering rack from the F-Type.
The GT is also the first Jaguar to feature carbon ceramic brakes, with 398 mm (15.6 in) and 380mm (14.9 in) front/rear discs and yellow calipers. Fitting this system saved 21 kg (46 lbs) of the car’s mass, according to the release.
Finally, the XKR-S GT has unique 20-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli Corsa tyres specially developed for the car. Initial production will be limited to just 30 units, making it the rarest 'R' model in the 25-year history of Jaguar's R performance cars.
"The XKR-S GT is the most extreme iteration of the Jaguar R Brand's performance focus," said Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar." Utilising race-car derived technology, all-aluminium construction and an uncompromised approach to aerodynamic efficiency, the result is a car as capable on the track as it is exhilarating on the road."
By Dan Mihalascu
