Jaguar
XKR-S GT
Jaguar
is rapidly running out of consonants for their ever expanding high-performance
XK models . First their was the XK, then came the inevitable XKR, then they
upped the ante with the XKR-S, and now they’ve unveiled the XKR-S GT. The XKR-S
GT was developed by the company’s ETO (Engineered to Order) division, and is
the ultimate track-ready but road-legal version of the XK Coupe.
Production
is said to be capped at just 30 cars, making the XKR-S GT the rarest ‘R’ badged
Jaguar ever. The car is, unsurprisingly, based on the XKR-S, but gets a few
additional upgrades designed to improve downforce and high-speed cornering
stability.
Highlights
include a number of aerodynamic components, 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 features Jaguar’s first carbon
ceramic brake system fitted to a production car, and also makes use of a
redesigned front and rear suspension system that includes a wider front track,
increased camber, revised bushings, a new steering system and faster steering
ratio.
Powering
the Jaguar XKR-S GT is the same 550 horsepower 5.0 litre V8 engine carried over
from the standard XKR-S. The transmission is a six-speed unit with an active
differential. With this drivetrain the XKR-S GT can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds
and hit an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.
The
XKR-S GT is available in Polaris White with unique graphics and Jaguar R-S GT
script on its louvred hood. The Warm Charcoal interior – with red accents –
features 16-way electrically adjustable ‘Performance’ seats finished in
soft-grain leather and Suedecloth with the Jaguar and R-S GT scripts integrated
into the backrests. Jet Suedecloth headlining and a Jet Suedecloth steering
wheel, with aluminium paddle shifters, are fitted as standard.
The
Jaguar XKR-S GT made its world debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
