Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, has been declared Interior Designer of the Year in the Automotive Interiors Expo Awards.

Commenting on the news, Callum said: “It’s an honour to receive this award. I find it hugely gratifying that I and Jaguar Design are being recognised for interior design.

“The interiors of Jaguars have always been very special places for me personally, and so it has been essential to create new, fresh ideas, while maintaining the warmth and fun that is true to the brand. We set out to create interior environments that not only work well, but create a sense of theatre and occasion. I am very proud of my team, having achieved this with such conviction and clarity in all of our current products: the XF and XJ saloons, the XK and, of course, the new F-TYPE sports car.”

Born in Dumfries, Scotland, Ian studied Industrial Design at Glasgow School of Art and tailored his talents with a two-year course in Automobile Design at the Royal College of Art.

His outstanding performance at the Royal College of Art led to him being recruited by Ford in 1978 and he spent 12 years working in the company's design studios, before going on to work at Ghia, TWR and Aston Martin.

Ian joined Jaguar in 1999 and under his direction, Jaguar Design have taken the brand into an exciting new era. Following concepts including the R-Coupe, RD-6 and Advanced Lightweight Coupe, within the space of just three years the Jaguar production range changed completely. The first of the new era of Jaguars was the aluminium-bodied XK, this being followed by the XF and current XJ saloons - each representing a further iteration of the marque’s bold new design language. That new design language has been further defined with the recently launched F-TYPE two-seater sports car.

Ian has received five honorary doctorates from universities around the world as well as being honoured as a Royal Designer for Industry by the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce).

Movie star Steve McQueen famously said: “Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting.” Indeed McQueen’s passion for fast cars and racing will forever live on in his movies such as Bullit and Le Mans.

McQueen’s love for speed and his enviable collection of exotic sports cars were renown; amongst his cars was a 1957 Jaguar XKSS Roadster that McQueen must have been quite fond of as he purchased the vehicle twice. He first purchased the XKSS in 1959, sold it in 1969, and repurchased it in 1977. After that, the XKSS remained in McQueen’s personal garage until the actor’s death in 1980.

McQueen’s XKSS has the beautiful Moto-Lita D-Type steering wheel and it’s the only XKSS with polished wheels. The car also features a number of modifications requested by McQueen. First, he had the car painted British racing green. Secondly, he replaced the original interior with black leather, a custom job executed by Tony Nancy – world-famous drag racer, automobile upholsterer, designer and builder of hotrods. Thirdly, McQueen had a lockable door fitted to the glove compartment as the XKSS’ were delivered without one. For this job McQueen turned to his friend and pin-striper Von Dutch, who is famous for customizing vehicles. All these modifications make this 1957 Jaguar XKSS one of a kind.

Only 16 Jaguar XKSS’ were built before the factory and the moulds were destroyed by fire.

McQueen called his XKSS the Green Rat, and true to form, he drove it fast. While driving it, McQueen had his drivers licence suspended twice.

At the core, the XKSS is a limited edition, on road version, of the Jaguar D-Type racing car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957.

After Jaguar withdrew from racing, a number of D-type chassis remained at the Browns Lane factory; Sir William Lyons resolved to recoup some of the costs by converting a number of them to full road-going specifications.

Though the changes remained minimal such as a larger windscreen, a folding soft-top, a passenger side door, luggage grid and extra luxury trim, the vehicles did appeal to the lucrative American market for high-performance European sports cars.

Today the Steve McQueen 1957 Jaguar XKSS is owned by the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

Of the original 16 XKSS' 12 were in attendance.

Purr-fect!

A stunning new art installation, inspired by Jaguar design and created by Royal College of Art students Ewan Gallimore and Claire Miller, was unveiled to an exclusive audience at the opening of the Clerkenwell Design Week, which runs in London from 21–23 May 2013.

The installation was created by RCA students in association with Jaguar’s Advanced Design team in Whitley, Coventry, using many of the technologies and facilities employed in the creation of Jaguar concept cars and production designs.

Jaguar, which is the primary sponsor of Clerkenwell Design Week, approached both the MA Vehicle Design and MA Textile Design Departments of the Royal College of Art with a brief to create a joint exterior and interior form study which expresses their vision of future Jaguar Design Language in either a sports or luxury context.

According to Ewan and Claire, “Jaguar has a long history of ground-breaking design so we knew we needed to create something truly special to catch the eye of Jaguar Advanced Design Director, Julian Thomson. We began the project by looking at light, specifically the way the light falls within the space at Clerkenwell. We thought about how our form could accentuate this light and convey volume through its use of materials and our knowledge of how these materials react with one another.”

Clerkenwell is the UK’s leading independent design festival.

Purr-fect!

Above: spy shots of the Jaguar F-Type Coupe released by AutoBlog.

Above: Jaguar C-Type, XK120 and F-Type to compete at the 2013 Mille Miglia

Jaguar has curated a unique team of drivers for its Jaguar Heritage Racing entry into this year's Mille Miglia classic car tour. Taking the seats of outstanding examples of Jaguar C-Type and XK120 heritage race cars will be six-time Olympic cycling Champion Sir Chris Hoy, global supermodel David Gandy, Le Mans 24 Hours race winner Andy Wallace, Chairman & CEO of 20th Century Fox Jim Gianopulos - who will drive with a film industry colleague, German actress Hannah Herzsprung, Italian Salvatore Ferragamo Jr., fashion icon Yasmin Le Bon and Michael Quinn, the grandson of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons.

This exciting list of classic car enthusiasts will be led by Jaguar Heritage Racing's own multiple race winner Alex Buncombe and motoring journalist Chris Harris, who will link up for the event in a Jaguar C-Type once owned by former Formula 1 Champion Juan Manuel Fangio.

Above: Jaguar C-Type to compete at the 2013 Mille Miglia

The Mille Miglia is the pinnacle of classic motorsport, and the competitive event in 1952 saw Jaguar debut the disc brake on its C-type sports car, piloted then by Jaguar Chief Development Engineer Norman Dewis and Formula 1 legend Sir Stirling Moss. Norman Dewis was with some of the 2013 Jaguar Heritage Racing team at Goodwood Motor Circuit this week, in a driver training session which was captured on film and now available to view and share below.

The line-up of three C-Type race cars and three XK12Os will be followed on the majority of the driving route by five new Jaguar F-TYPE sports cars.

Above: Jaguar XK120 to compete at the 2013 Mille Miglia

Jaguar Regional Director for Europe Bernard Kuhnt - who will drive with Hannah Herzsprung in the event - said: "Jaguar's 1952 entry into the Mille Miglia was hugely significant in the evolution of Jaguar products. Seductive design, intelligent performance and technological innovation were features of all Jaguar sports cars in the 1950s and 60s and they are prevalent in the incredible new F-TYPE. I am delighted that the Jaguar sports car 'bloodline' will be together in this great race and that such an exciting list of individuals will come together to celebrate the occasion and drive our cars."

Purr-fect.

The F-Type is sure to be a success, says Gover.

To understand the brawny new F-Type Jaguar you have to forget the classic E-Type. The new beast is a throwback to the D-Type racer than dominated at Le Mans in the 1950s, not a revival of the style-driven sweetie from the sixties.

It's tough and tightly-drawn, all about making an impact and going fast.

Jaguar has been missing a sports car from its lineup for just on four decades, but the success with the mid-sized XF and XJ limousine have provided the cash and credentials to finally get back to the sharp end of its business. And it's way, way more focussed than the lardy old XK.

VALUE

The F-Type is great news for sports car shoppers, since it is capable of going toe-to-toe with Porsche and makes Aston Martin's roadsters look dated and irrelevant.

It's not cheap, with a starting sticker of $139,000 for the basic supercharged V6 model and a top-end whack of $202,300 for the V8-powered S, but it is good value when you look at the Boxster S and 911Cabrio which are its obvious rivals.

The F-Type is strictly a two-seat convertible, packing everything from aircon and satnav to leather seats and alloy wheels that range from 18 to 20 inches. Its old-school folding canvas top does the job in 12 seconds at speeds up to 50km/h -- But 50 is just the start for a car which has been developed for fun runs on the world's favourite roads.

TECHNOLOGY

It's a classic roadster with the engine in the nose, and eight-speed automatic gearbox in the middle - but tuned by Jaguar and ZF to give manual-style shift feel and timing - and drive to the back wheels.

The engines start with the 3-litre supercharged V6 that makes 250 kiloWatts for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.3 seconds, then the V6-powered S jumps to 280 kiloWatts and 4.9 seconds, with the supercharged 5-litre petrol V8 producing 364 kiloWatts for a sprint time of 4.3 seconds. The V6 S has a mechanical limited-slip differential and the V8 gets an electronic diff in the tail. There are no diesels and no fours.

Jaguar has done lots of honing and fine tuning, right down to switchable driving modes and active exhausts - twin tips on the V6s, four pipes for the V8 - that cut loose a banshee howl under acceleration and a fireworks performance of cracks and bangs on twisty roads.

DESIGN

The look of the F-Type has become familiar over the past two years and, in some ways, it's a bit like a HondaS2000 that's been in the gym. At least, that's my first impression.

But after two days I can see that it's another new direction for Jaguar's design team under Ian Callum, who refuses to be predictable or boring.

DRIVING

But the F-Type is all about driving, so here we go. The V6 is a nice car with a comfy cabin and enough power and grip for most drivers. The V6 S lifts the bar and is the Goldilocks car - just right - with real stonk in the engine room, the trick differential to drive you round corners, and the genuine speed that makes track laps in Spain both fast and rewarding.

The V8 S is something else again. It's a bit heavy in the nose, which means you have to think before you turn, but the punch is truly supercar fun. And the noise.

The F-Type is sure to be a success and Jaguar is already working on a coupe that will allow it to unleash an RS model that will be truly special. But, for now, the F is great, Jaguar is back in the sports car business, and the world seems right.

Jaguar F-Type V6 S

Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6, 280kW/460Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Thirst: 9.1L/100km, 213g/km CO2

Purr-fect!

Design Director for Jaguar, Ian Callum, was recognized for his significant contributions to British design when he received the prestigious BritWeek Design Icon Award at the recent BritWeek Christopher Guy Design Event in West Hollywood.

Since joining the brand in 1999, Callum has been at the forefront of the transformation of Jaguar’s design aesthetic. He is responsible for the new design language created over the past decade, which includes the current Jaguar XK, followed by the XF, the XJ and most recently the F-TYPE.

Born in Dumfries, Scotland, Callum studied Industrial Design at the Glasgow School of Art. Upon graduating, he opted to specialize in vehicle design, enrolling at the Royal College of Art (RCA) on the Automobile Design course and has since received five honorary doctorates from universities around the world.

“Design has long been a strength of the Jaguar brand and I’m honored that fellow British designer Christopher Guy has recognized my appreciation for automotive design with the BritWeek Design Icon Award,” said Ian Callum.

Purr-fect!

The planned premium-compact Jaguar 'XS' slated for release in 2015 has started hitting the streets in heavy XF disguise. We expect to see the new baby Jag unveiled later this year or very early next year and will be pitched against the BMW 3 series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.

Below: XS spy shots as testing steps up ahead of 2015 release date.

Purr-fect!

Above: The new Jaguar XJR.

At a glance...

• A new Jaguar flagship sports saloon - the 550PS XJR - combines supercar performance and assertive looks with the high levels of luxury already associated with the XJ range
• With a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine delivering 550PS and 680Nm of torque, the XJR is the most focused, agile and responsive Jaguar XJ ever made
• The XJR is capable of sprinting from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 174mph (280km/h)
• An eight-speed automatic transmission, with a bespoke tuning for the XJR, enables optimal acceleration throughout the speed and rev ranges while still maintaining a composed character for urban driving conditions
• A new front splitter and aerodynamic sill section combined with an additional rear spoiler and unique 'R' bonnet louvres give the car optimum levels of high speed stability and an assertive appearance on the road
• Electronic Active Differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems have been calibrated to enhance handling characteristics, allowing the driver to fully exploit the XJR's true performance capability
• New 20-inch 'Farallon' forged alloy wheels are shod with bespoke low-profile tyres to maximise grip and lend the car a dynamic, muscular stance
• Exclusive interior materials, including semi-aniline leather, a choice of veneers and contrasting stitching on the seats, bolster the XJR's dynamic intent

"The new XJR epitomises the three pillars of technology, performance and seductive design which the Jaguar brand stands for in the twenty-first century, while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury saloon."

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar

Summary

The first 'R' model in the latest generation of the XJ range, and the latest in a long line of high-performance, luxurious Jaguar sports saloons, the XJR incorporates bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments to create the most focused, agile and responsive member of the XJ family.

"This XJR is the flagship XJ and I'm delighted we've got it back into the range. This is a premium luxury supercar that also has an extremely purposeful look to it. This car will surprise, there's no doubt about it."

Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar

Seamless performance is provided by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that boasts 550PS and 680Nm. Subtle exterior styling cues, which also optimise the flow of air over and around the car, have given the XJR a distinctively assertive appearance. A front splitter, special 'R' bonnet louvres and quad tailpipes also add to the car's stealthy yet purposeful demeanour.

Combined with an eight-speed transmission that extends the performance characteristics of the car, the XJR is capable of accelerating from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 174mph (280km/h).

The unique 20-inch lightweight forged alloy 'Farallon' wheels are shod with specially developed Pirelli rubber, giving the XJR a muscular stance and increasing its grip and stability. Allied to the tyre technology are tuned dampers and spring rates which both optimise the handling and stability of the car when driven at speed and increase the feeling of connectivity with the road surface, providing a controlled, supple ride which still retains the expected Jaguar XJ ride comfort.

The settings for the active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control system have been calibrated in order to allow the enthusiastic driver to make the most of the huge performance potential of the XJR. In addition, the steering hydraulics and calibration have been engineered to enhance steering feel, response and feedback under all driving conditions.

The car's dynamic intent is underlined by the technical palette of materials used on the interior. This includes optional semi-aniline leather and veneers in either Carbon Fibre or Piano Black. Providing a further unique touch is a choice of contrasting colour stitching to bring out the design of the front and rear seats.

"The XJR is the sporting pinnacle of the XJ range. This car has been dynamically set-up from the outset to deliver stunning performance, while still retaining the luxury and comfort common to the entire XJ range. The XJR has all the breadth of capability you could wish for in a high-performance luxury saloon car."

Andrew Dobson, Chief Programme Engineer, Jaguar XJR

Powertrain

5.0-litre supercharged V8

The XJR features Jaguar's acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine in its most potent form, matched to a responsive eight-speed transmission system. This all-new combination provides an exceptional blend of pure performance, driver involvement and exceptional levels of control.

"The challenge with developing the powertrain for this car was to place it in character with the rest of the vehicle. It needed to have the necessary refinement for use in town while giving all the performance anyone would need everywhere else, without being overwhelming. With the XJR we achieved that balance."

Ron Lee, Director of Powertrain Engineering, Jaguar

The all-aluminium quad-cam engine delivers not only exhilarating performance but also tremendous efficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT).

The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminium block is stiffened with cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, providing refinement to match its power. The four-valve cylinder heads are constructed from recycled aluminium, between them sitting the Roots-type twin vortex supercharger fed by two intercoolers, which feature their own water-cooling circuit to reduce the temperature of the pressurised air thereby optimising power and efficiency.

The result is a 0-60mph time of 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) and an electronically-limited top speed of 174mph (280km/h).

Eight-speed Transmission

Maximising the benefit of the engine calibration is the eight-speed automatic transmission, which has been engineered based on learnings from the development of the high-performance XFR-S saloon. This transmission system brings out the sporting nature of the XJR while still maintaining the car's composure in town and in low-speed driving environments.

When operating in automatic mode, the transmission can detect the manner in which the car is being driven by monitoring acceleration and braking, cornering forces, throttle and brake pedal activity, road load and kickdown request. On detecting a more enthusiastic driving style, the transmission will automatically make the gearshifts more aggressive and move the shift-up point higher in the rev range. Steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles also give the driver higher levels of control.

Corner Recognition senses when the car is negotiating a bend, the transmission holding the correct gear for the exit. The transmission will also recognise when the car is performing a series of overtaking manoeuvres requiring rapid changes in throttle position and, rather than change up, remain in a lower gear ready for the next demand for acceleration.

The eight-speed transmission also allows the XJR to be offered as standard with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop/Start system. This automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a halt and the brake pedal is depressed. When the brake is released, the system will restart the engine in less time than it takes for the driver's foot to move to the accelerator.

A twin solenoid system, it allows for 'change of mind' functionality, bringing the engine back up to speed even during its run-down phase if, for instance, the car is coming to a halt at a junction and the driver sees an opportunity to join the traffic flow.

Dynamics

"The XJR offers greater steering precision, higher levels of control and enhanced high speed stability, with the trade-off in refinement being very small. The increase in power and torque give this car truly effortless, seamless performance."

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar

The dynamic characteristics of the XJR have been informed by the engineering development of the XFR-S, the result being an incredibly agile, responsive and involving luxury super saloon.

Both front and rear suspension systems have been carefully tuned at Jaguar's testing centre at the legendary Nürburgring, the high-speed Rockingham circuit in England, the roads around the Gaydon Research and Development centre and in north Wales.

In order to achieve the maximum benefit from the suspension, the XJR has new lightweight, forged 20-inch 'Farallon' alloy wheels. The tyres, developed in conjunction with Pirelli, are 265/35 and 295/30 front/rear and have been selected to deliver optimal cornering grip, traction and stability over a wide range of speed and performance parameters. The difference between the wheel rim and tyre width has the effect of pre-loading the sidewall to improve handling and steering response without adversely affecting refinement. The steering system has additionally benefited from the fitment of the valving developed for the F-TYPE.

Working in harmony with the suspension, wheels and tyres are electronic programmes controlling the Adaptive Dynamics, active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems.

Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics system actively controls vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates through the use of continuously variable dampers. The system monitors driver inputs and the road conditions, adjusting damper rates in response up to 500 times a second to optimise stability and agility. The driver's selection of Dynamic Mode offers enhanced body control through moving the damping rates to the firmer end of the available range.

The Jaguar active electronic differential - which can apply full locking torque almost instantaneously when necessary - has been calibrated in order to exploit the high levels of grip offered by the wide rear tyres, the more precisely controlled suspension and the engine output. Working in parallel with the differential, the 'Trac DSC' setting of the Dynamic Stability Control system now offers the enthusiastic driver more opportunity to explore the outer edges of the handling envelope while nevertheless providing a discreet safety net.

Providing equal levels of confidence is Jaguar's High Performance Braking System, which offers an unmatched combination of power, stability and fine modulation. The 380mm front and 376mm rear discs are internally ventilated for assured, repeated stopping power.

Design

"The Design Team wanted to create a graphic link to the performance credentials of this car, as well as delivering the optimal balance of aerodynamic down force front and rear. Hence the chrome-rimmed intakes on the front bumper have become an 'R' model 'signature element', acting as a visual reference to the car's twin superchargers, while the front aero splitters are complemented by the rear spoiler. We really dialled up the visual content on the XJR, compared to its predecessors; it's where our customers now expect it to be."

Wayne Burgess, Studio Director, Jaguar Design

Reflecting the changes under the skin, the appearance of the XJR has been subtly modified in order to allow the car to achieve its full potential.

The 'R' spec side sills, unique to the XJR, serve to create a sharp break-off point between the bodywork and the road surface in order to keep the airflow attached to the car's sides for as long as possible.

Rear lift is also reduced through the fitment of a bootlid-mounted lip spoiler to manage the airflow off the top rear surface of the car, while the special 'R' bonnet louvres aid in aerodynamics and engine cooling.

The five-spoke, lightweight Farallon forged alloy wheels provide the XJR with a purposeful, broad shouldered stance and come as standard in either Sparkle silver or Technical grey finishes. The assertive appearance of the XJR is further enhanced with a Sport pack grille with chrome surround and black mesh.

XJR customers can choose from an exterior palette comprising ten colours: Polaris White, Ebony, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Lunar Grey, Rhodium Silver, Cashmere, Caviar, Carnelian Red and Black Amethyst.

This colour palette is complemented inside the XJR with a unique combination of colourways. Jet leather trim is available with a choice of either Ivory, London Tan or Red Zone inserts on the seat facings. The seats themselves are embossed with the 'R' logo and can be finished with a choice of stitching in either Red or London Tan. Jet suedecloth headlining comes as standard with an optional leather headlining in Jet to complement the XJR interior.

The XJR is fitted as standard with a 380W, 12-speaker surround-sound system from British audio experts Meridian. Recognised by audiophiles as a leader in audio reproduction and fidelity, the system uses digital signal processing to create a sound field that is second to none. An optional 825W, 18-speaker system features Meridian's proprietary Trifield System which places every occupant at the centre of their own perfectly focused surround-sound arena.

XJR Technical specification*

*Manufacturer's estimates

Purr-fect!

Above: Jaguar XKR-S GT.

Fast facts…

• The XKR-S GT, developed by Jaguar's ETO division, is the ultimate road-going but track-ready version of the XK coupe
• Initial production will be limited to just 30 cars, making it the rarest 'R' model in the 25-year history of Jaguar's R performance cars
• 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
• 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
• New, wider, 20-inch forged and lightweight alloy wheels are designed to optimise brake cooling and are shod with Pirelli Corsa 255/35 front and 305/30 rear tyres to maximise grip

The XKR-S GT is the most extreme iteration of the Jaguar R Brand's performance focus. 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."

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar

Summary

The XKR-S GT has been developed by Jaguar's ETO division to be the ultimate track-focused but road-going iteration of the XK coupe. Extensive aerodynamic and suspension changes, as well as the addition of carbon ceramic brakes, have combined to give the XKR-S GT race-car inspired connected feel and braking performance. Initial production will be limited to just 30 cars for the North American market.

A range of bespoke carbon fibre components, including an extended front splitter, dive-planes and elevated rear wing, all work to maximise the XKR-S GT's aerodynamic downforce. Technical learning from the development of the new Jaguar F-TYPE two-seater sports car has also been applied to the XKR-S GT's suspension and steering systems, optimising both immediacy of response to driver input and agility.

Stunning performance is provided by Jaguar's proven 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, boasting 550PS and 680Nm, driving through a six-speed transmission and active electronic differential. Combined with the aerodynamic and suspension changes, plus revisions to the traction control system's calibration, the result in straight-line terms is a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds. Electronically limited top speed is 186mph.

The XKR-S GT is available in Polaris White with unique graphics and Jaguar R-S GT script on its louvred bonnet. 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. Script to the treadplates and console highlight the exclusiveness of the XKR-S GT.

"The development of the XKR-S GT demanded an uncompromised approach to enhance aerodynamic downforce, with complementary suspension changes to maximise high-speed cornering ability. In combination with the use of a carbon ceramic braking system, the result is the most focused 'R' model Jaguar has ever built which delivers heightened levels of performance and driver reward.

Pete Simkin, Director, ETO Specialist Products, Jaguar

Aerodynamics and chassis

"The XKR-S GT has been designed purely by the laws of physics. It has been developed in the wind tunnel and on the racetrack with the sole aim of creating as much high-speed stability and downforce as possible. Nothing has been styled for the sake of it. It's been an exercise in efficiency and the result is a car that's raw, focused and devastatingly quick."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

The XKR-S GT features a carbon-fibre front splitter of race-car wrap-around type; extending forward by 60mm, it starts the optimisation of airflow around, over and underneath the car. Aggressive carbon-fibre twin dive-planes and wheelarch extensions further the efficiency of airflow around the car, while below the addition of an optimised aluminium front valance serves to smooth airflow under the car as well as enhancing engine and brake cooling performance.

A rear carbon-fibre diffuser ensures the smooth exit of air from underneath the car, while the elevated rear wing - also in carbon-fibre - works in combination with the decklid mounted spoiler to maximise rear downforce. At its electronically limited top speed of 186mph, the XKR-S GT produces 145kg (320lb) of downforce.Bonnet louvres serve as a further engine cooling aid while also helping aerodynamic performance by improving the airflow through the front end of the car.

Allied to the extensive aerodynamic revisions are detailed suspension changes.

The front and rear suspension arms, uprights, wheel bearings, bushings and rear subframe are all new and draw on hardware developed for the F-TYPE. The overall set-up works to increase lateral suspension stiffness for greater precision and responsiveness.

Integral to the revised suspension system is its new spring and damper module design. The XKR-S GT has a motorsport-derived twin spring system mated to Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics damping system - the dampers now being ride-height adjustable. Front and rear spring rates are respectively 68% and 25% stiffer than on the XKR-S, while the damper tune is much more track-focused, providing increased levels of body control and grip.

Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics have been specifically tuned for the XKR-S GT so that the suspension parameters change to deliver a higher level of body control with maximum traction and grip when the dynamic mode is deployed, offering optimum performance for focused track driving.

The XKR-S GT has a front track which is 52mm wider than that of the XKR-S while the rear remains the same. The steering rack is from the F-TYPE, with a correspondingly faster ratio and retuned steering valve. The result is immediacy of turn-in and response to steering inputs.

The unique 20-inch forged and lightweight alloy wheels - finished in gloss black - are shod with specially developed Pirelli Corsa performance tyres (255/35 and 305/30 front/rear), giving the XKR-S GT a more muscular stance and greatly increasing its grip and stability.

"The XKR-S GT is an uncompromised car, but one that inspires confidence and encourages the driver to push it to its limits, fully exploring its handling abilities. It's a car that draws you in and is never intimidating, with performance that is both accessible and rewarding."

David Pook, Technical Specialist, Steering and Handling, Jaguar

Brakes

The XKR-S GT is the first production Jaguar to be fitted with a carbon ceramic braking system.

The internally ventilated and cross-drilled lightweight brake discs measure 398mm and 380mm front/rear respectively. Combined with six-piston monoblock calipers at the front and four piston units at the rear - the yellow calipers being branded with 'Jaguar Carbon Ceramic' script - the XKR-S GT delivers race-car levels of fade-free stopping power and brake pedal feel.

Enhanced braking feel comes courtesy of the electronic Pre-Fill system. Working in conjunction with the car's DSC system, Pre-Fill pressurises the brakes every time the driver comes off the throttle pedal, resulting in a very short and consistent level of travel on the brake pedal. This maximises braking response, reduces the car's stopping distance and delivers increased levels of confidence during high performance driving.

The lightweight nature of the carbon ceramic system means a reduction in unsprung weight of 21kg - so further enhancing the XKR-S GT's handling.

The XKR-S GT's carbon ceramic braking system also has a significantly longer life span than a standard system.

"The brake disc and pad materials are specially tailored for Jaguar characteristics. Because the XKR-S GT is a road car as well as one suitable for customers to take on the track, we engineered it for race-car braking performance but with no compromise to cold or wet weather ability."

Edward Nixon, Group Leader, Brakes, Jaguar XKR-S GT

Performance

Jaguar's proven all-aluminium 5.0-litre supercharged quad-cam V8 engine, boasting 550PS and 680Nm of torque, delivers not only exhilarating performance but also tremendous efficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT).

The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminium block is stiffened with cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, providing refinement to match its power. The four-valve cylinder heads are constructed from recycled aluminium, between them sitting the Roots-type twin vortex supercharger fed by two intercoolers, which feature their own water-cooling circuit to reduce the temperature of the pressurised air thereby optimising power and efficiency.

The XKR-S GT features a fully active performance exhaust system with valves that open under load, both enhancing gas-flow and the car's aural character, while optimising power output.

In straight-line terms, the powertrain's significant output, combined with the aerodynamic, suspension and traction control software revisions, mean the XKR-S GT can sprint from 0 to 60mph in 3.9 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 186mph.

XKR-S GT Technical specification*

*Manufacturer's figures

Technical changes over XKR-S

• Carbon ceramic brake system with 398mm and 380mm discs front/rear, gripped respectively by six- and four-piston monoblock calipers
• Electronic Pre-Fill system pressurises braking system and maximises braking performance
• Addition of carbon-fibre front splitter, dive planes, extended wheelarch spats, an elevated rear wing, a rear diffuser and an optimised aluminium front valance contribute to a maximum downforce figure of 145kg (320lb) at the XKR-S GT's electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h)
• The addition of race-derived, height-adjustable and retuned adaptive dampers with twin-spring system. Spring rates up by 68% at the front and 25% at the rear
• New development of front and rear suspension from the F-TYPE sports car
• The fitment of an F-TYPE steering rack for enhanced agility
• New, wider 20-inch forged alloy wheels shod with Pirelli Corsa 255/35 front and 305/30 rear tyres for maximised grip
• Bonnet louvres aid engine cooling and reduce under-bonnet air pressure

Purr-fect.