Jaguar today confirms it plans to sell 10 examples of the extreme performance XKR-S GT sports car to customers in the UK. Interest in the XKR-S GT has been intense since it was launched by Jaguar at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), then with sales limited to 30 units in the United States and Canada. Priced at £135,000 on-the-road, first deliveries to UK customers are planned for October 2013.
Since its debut presentation in New York, a prototype version of the Jaguar XKR-S GT has been undertaking rigorous test programmes on road and track in the UK and Germany. Supported by a team from Jaguar’s Engineered To Order (ETO) division, the XKR-S GT recently completed a lap of the famous NürburgringNordschleife circuit in a remarkable 7 minutes and 40 seconds. This supercar-rivalling achievement makes the new XKR-S GT the fastest ever road-legal Jaguar at the Nordschleife track.
The XKR-S GT more recently made its public dynamic debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed. With six-time Olympic Champion Sir Chris Hoy behind the wheel, and flanked by the show-stopping Project 7 design study, XFR-S super saloon and XJR flagship Jaguar model, the XKR-S GT made a big impact on sports car fans at the UK’s most high-profile annual automotive event.
Jaguar XKR-S GT: Technical and performance highlights
Powered by Jaguar’s proven 550PS, 680Nm supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine - driving through a six-speed transmission and active electronic differential - the XKR-S GT reaches 60mph in 3.9 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 186mph.
Evolved from the successful XKR-S coupe, the XKR-S GT features bespoke aerodynamic components and suspension developments to increase downforce and optimise high-speed cornering ability. Through the addition of aerodynamic aids including a carbon-fibre front splitter, dive planes, extended wheelarch spats, an elevated rear wing, rear diffuser and an aluminium valance, the XKR-S GT achieves maximum downforce of 145kg.
Its carbon ceramic brake system - a first for a production Jaguar - features 398mm and 380mm discs front/rear gripped respectively by six- and four-piston monoblock calipers. The XKR-S GT uses a new development of front and rear suspension that includes a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings, a new steering system and faster steering ratio, all developed upon learning gained from Jaguar’s new F-TYPE two-seater sports car.
Height-adjustable and bespoke adaptive dampers feature a race-derived twin spring system and increased rates of 68% at the front and 25% at the rear.
