Above: Jaguar XKR-S GT.
Fast facts…
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*
XKR-S GT |
|
Engine |
5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol |
Capacity (cc) |
5000 |
Bore/Stroke (mm) |
92.5/93 |
Bore/Stroke (inches) |
3.64/3.66 |
Peak Power (PS@rpm) |
550@6000-6500 |
Peak Power (kW@rpm) |
405@6000-6500 |
Peak Torque (lb/ft @rpm) |
502@2500-5500 |
Peak Torque (Nm@rpm) |
680@2500-5500 |
Transmission |
Six-speed automatic |
0-60mph (secs) |
3.9 sec |
Top Speed (mph | km/h) |
186 | 300 (electronically limited) |
Combined Economy (EU mpg | l/100km | US mpg) |
23.0|12.3 | 17 |
CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
292 |
*Manufacturer's figures
Technical changes over XKR-S
Purr-fect.
New York, 28th March: The Jaguar F-TYPE has been declared the 2013 World Car Design of the Year.
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said: "No design project has given me greater pleasure than the creation of the F-TYPE. It's a project I've looked forward to from the moment I joined Jaguar, and it's one that's given my team and I great satisfaction. The F-TYPE is a sports car that is true to Jaguar's design values - beauty of line and purity of form - and I'm honoured that the World Car of the Year jury has recognised our work with this award."
Above: Jaguar F-TYPE on display at the NY auto show with the 2013 World Car Design Trophy
Some 43 cars were considered for the award, this selection being reduced to a shortlist by an advisory panel of design experts* before final consideration by the 66 World Car of the Year jury members.
On the F-TYPE, the advisory panel said: "The long wheelbase, short overhangs and flared fenders give this car a good stance. The contour in plan view tapered toward the door emphasises the muscular rear fender that houses the driven wheels.
"The F-TYPE exterior maintains Jaguar's own elegance in its horizontal proportion and rounded surfaces, yet it looks very dynamic. But I would like to say the interior design is even more attractive. It is clearly driver-oriented, and a grip bar for the passenger is nicely integrated into the big centre console. The seat design is superb, too."
The award was collected by Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar, at the New York International Auto Show. Commenting from the show, he said: "The F-TYPE is the first full-blooded Jaguar sports car to be launched for more than 50 years. Its architecture and technology are world class, wrapped in an evocative and progressive design that could only be a Jaguar - 'Callum unfiltered', as we call it in-house. It is as dynamic yet refined as any Jaguar sports car should be, and is a unique proposition from a performance and price perspective. This combination of factors has clearly inspired this year's jurors, and we are delighted and honoured to collect this award."
Candidates for the World Car Design of the Year award may be on the overall World Car of the Year list, or may be included as a stand-alone entry provided the vehicle is introduced and available for sale in at least one major market during the period beginning January 1, 2012, and ending May 30, 2013.
*The panel of design experts which produced the shortlist for the World Car of the Year Jurors consisted of:
Masatsugu Arimoto (Japan - Freelance design journalist)
Silvia Baruffaldi (Italy - Auto & Design magazine)
Gernot Bracht(Germany - Pforzheim Design School)
Sam Livingstone (U.K.- Car Design Research and Royal College of Art)
Tom Matano (USA-School of Industrial Design at Academy of Art University in San Francisco)
Purr-fect.
Jaguar has today unveiled two new additions to its R performance range, the XJR sedan and the XKR-S GT.
Above: Jaguar Unveils XJR and XKR-S GT
The 550PS XJR - Jaguar's new flagship sports saloon - combines supercar performance and assertive looks with the high levels of luxury already associated with the XJ range. It 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).
"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
The XKR-S GT, developed by Jaguar's ETO division, is the ultimate road-going but track-ready version of the XK coupe. The XKR-S GT features bespoke aerodynamic components and suspension developments to increase downforce and optimise high-speed cornering ability. It will reach 60mph in just 3.9-seconds, develops up to 145kg of downforce, and is the first production Jaguar to be fitted with carbon ceramic brakes. 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. 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.
Purr-fect!
The new Jaguar XFR-S made its global dynamic debut on the famous Goodwood Hill on Wednesday 20 March. Finished in Italian Racing Red, the prototype version of Jaguar's fastest ever sports saloon was driven at Goodwood by 1988 Le Mans 24hr race winner Andy Wallace.
The stunning new Jaguar XFR-S
First shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November last year, the stunning XFR-S was joined at Goodwood Festival of Speed press day by heroes of Jaguar's sporting past.
A 1962 Jaguar Mk. II prepared by Jaguar Heritage Racing, and a 1954 'short nose' Jaguar D-Type - chassis No.1 and itself a development prototype – were displayed by the Jaguar Heritage Trust in front of Goodwood House.
Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Global Brand Director said: "I'm delighted that Jaguar is able to present the XFR-S in action for the first time in the UK, and that a Jaguar motor sport hero will be behind the wheel. The crowd at Goodwood will have a unique opportunity to see and hear the ultimate expression of seductive Jaguar design and sporting performance in the XFR-S - well in advance of first deliveries to customers this summer."
Jaguar’s XJR is one of Lou Guthry Motors’ favourite lines, that is why we are excited that Jaguar will expand its R performance line-up with the global debut of the XJR at the 2013 New York International Automobile Show.
The new Jag XJR debuts at the 2013 Auto Show in New York
The new high-performance model, the dynamic flagship of the XJ series, will join the expanding Jaguar line-up on display that includes All-Wheel Drive sedans and the F-TYPE sports car, which goes on sale this summer.
With a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine delivering 550PS and bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments, the XJR is the most focused, agile and responsive Jaguar XJ ever made. It delivers supercar performance and assertive looks with the highest levels of luxury.
According to Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar: "The new XJR epitomises the three pillars of technology, performance and contemporary design which the Jaguar brand stands for in the twenty-first century, while delivering new levels of dynamic ability in a luxury saloon."
Above Adrian Hallmark presenting at the 83rd International Geneva Motorshow
XFR-S European Debut
The Jaguar XFR-S, the fastest and most powerful saloon in the company's history, makes its European debut at the Geneva Auto Salon today.
Using the same highly-acclaimed 550PS 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine as the
XKR-S, the new sports-saloon is capable of reaching 100km/h in 4.6 seconds from a standing start and can go on to an impressive 300km/h top speed.
On unveiling the XFR-S Adrian Hallmark commented: "This is the fastest and most powerful saloon Jaguar has ever produced, and today we're delighted to share its European debut with you. This is a car of incredible potency, with a visceral blend of power, driver involvement and control."
The XFR-S is available to order now, priced in the UK at £79,995.
Above Jaguar stand at the 83rd International Geneva Motorshow
Jabbeke
In 1953, Jaguar's legendary test driver Norman Dewis drove a modified Jaguar XK120* to a new world record average speed over a flying mile of 172.4mph.
Sixty years later, on Saturday March 2nd 2013, Jaguar returned to Jabbeke** for another sprint test, this time with a new Jaguar F-TYPE V8S and 1988 Le Mans 24 hour race-winning driver Andy Wallace. With just two miles available to Wallace to explore the
F-TYPE's straight-line speed from a standing start, and bring it to a stop again, the car hit almost 180mph*** and achieved 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in an impressive 4.2 seconds.
Marking the return of Jaguar to the Belgian proving roads, Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, said:"The original Jabbeke sprint runs marked the start of an exciting chapter in our history. The XK 120 combined seductive design and innovative technologies with incredible sporting performance, as Norman Dewis proved on that famous day in 1953.
"Those core elements of our DNA are embodied in the new Jaguar F-TYPE, and I can think of no more fitting way to pay tribute to the achievement of one of our most famous roadsters than to return to Jabbeke to celebrate the successful test and set a new Jaguar benchmark."
This celebratory event marked the beginning of an epic drive event in which classic Jaguar XK 120, C-type, D-type and E-type sports cars joined the new 495 PS F-TYPE in a 'Jaguar Bloodline' sports car convoy en route to Geneva, Switzerland, prior to this year's 2013 Auto Salon, where the new F-TYPE takes pride of place on the Jaguar stand.
Over the course of the journey from Jabbeke to Geneva, an identical F-TYPE V8 S to the one used for the speed run was driven the 519-miles (835km) by a specialist in frugal driving, recording an impressively low average fuel consumption of 35.6mpg (7.9l/100km).
Above Jaguar F-TYPE recreating Jaguars lengndary run at Jabbeke
Desire
To help celebrate the arrival of Jaguar's first new sports car in more than 50 years, a unique cinematic collaboration has been created, produced by Ridley Scott Associates and soundtrack performed by Lana Del Rey.
The film, co-starring Emmy and Golden Globe award winning actor Damian Lewis, is entitled 'Desire': the emotion you feel when you encounter the new F-TYPE.
Jaguar and Ridley Scott Associates have released the trailer to this short feature film.
Above Jaguar stand at the 83rd International Geneva Motorshow
Purr-fect.
Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported February 2013 U.S. sales:
Land Rover sales were 3,905 units, 20 percent up from 3,255 units in February 2012; Jaguar sales were 1,148 units, 12 percent up from 1,022 units in February 2012. Jaguar Land Rover North America February U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,053 units, an 18 percent increase from 4,277 in February 2012. "With a combined 5,053 sales, this is the best February since 2006 for Jaguar Land Rover in North America,” said Andy Goss, President, JLRNA. “We are especially pleased that Land Rover achieved its best February US sales performance ever, driven by sales of the world’s first all-aluminum SUV, the 2013 Range Rover. The Jaguar XF had its best month since 2010 and sales continue to be led by the retail availability of Jaguar sedans with new powertrains and all-wheel drive.”
Today, Jaguar and Land Rover kick off the month- long Drive The Extraordinary Sales Event. Customers can visit their local retailers to see the transformed, innovative and seductive Jaguar line-up featuring Instinctive All Wheel Drive™ as well as Land Rover’s 2013 model year lineup featuring the most luxurious and capable vehicles, including the all-new, all-aluminum Range Rover.
In the Jaguar range, the Jaguar XF was the volume leader with 588 sales, up 22 percent from 481 sales in February 2012. Sales for the Jaguar XJ hit 404 units, up 22 percent from 331 in 2012. In showrooms now are new Jaguar rear wheel drive sedans with the 3.0 litre supercharged V6 and the 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine. Jaguar XF 3.0 litre All Wheel Drive sedan arrived in dealerships in February.
For MY13 is the transformed Jaguar U.S. lineup:
Jaguar's 2013 Model Year line-up features three models: The Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, powered by either the supercharged 3.0 litre V6 in rear wheel or all wheel drive configuration, naturally-aspirated 385-hp 5.0 litre V8, the 470-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 or the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8; the Jaguar XF sports sedan powered by the 240-hp 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder, supercharged 340-hp 3.0 litre V6 in rear wheel or all wheel drive configuration, the naturally-aspirated 385-hp 5.0 litre V8, the 470-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 or, in the XFR, the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 powertrains; and the XK coupe and convertible sports cars powered by either the naturally-aspirated 385-hp V8, or for the XKR, the 510-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 powertrains. Jaguar also offers its highest performance models ever, the 2013 Jaguar XKR-S coupe and convertible with a 550-hp supercharged 5.0 litre V8 powertrain.
The Jaguar F-TYPE convertible will join the lineup in summer of 2013. Purr-fect.
The first title On the Limit is a collection of three archive films from the BP Video Library which brings us racetrack action from the 1950s. Kicking off with footage of the Production Touring Car race that supported the '58 British GP and American Walt Hansgen who won aborad a Jaguar Mk1 in his first run at Silverstone. The '55 Tourist Trophy at Dundrod provides plenty of drama for the second reel with Mike Hawthorn the undoubted hero of Jag’s two-car entry, driving his D-Type fully on the limit in a desperate bid to stay close to the leading Mercedes 300SLR. A black-and-white short from Goodwood in 1950 rounds this DVD off nicely.
"Superb, rare footage" Autosport
In the next DVD, Wide World of Jaguar Classics – Return of the Legends, travel the globe to see Classic Jaguar legends in action at some of the most colourful and spectacular historic motorsport events.
The journey includes the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, where Jaguar C-Types did the winning, the Mille Miglia, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Monterey Motorsports Reunion, where Jaguar was the featured marque, the 2010 Monterey Historics Week Auctions and the Jaguar Drivers Club Concours at Woburn Abbey.
And remember enjoy free shipping Australia wide when you sign up and register with our website or visit our showroom and view our entire range in person, Purr-fect!
Click Here to Visit DVDs Main Page
Purr-fect!
The Jaguar XFR is a crushingly effective super saloon. Its 503bhp supercharged V8 has relentless pace, and it's the prettiest car in its class.
The XFR builds on the now familiar XF saloon recipe but is powered by a 503bhp direct injection supercharged V8. It also gets substantial chassis changes, including different spring rates, a newly developed continuously variable electronic damping system and a new electronically controlled rear differential.
Inside there are further additions such as special dials, dark wood and more heavily bolstered, but extremely comfortable, seats.
The supercharged V8 in the Jaguar XFR is an absolutely magnificent engine. It makes the car almost indecently quick.
The new XFR also benefits from enhancements to the steering over the standard car.
The visual changes are subtle but effective. There’s a redesigned, XJ-esque front end with a more aggressive look and added air intakes. It also gets flared sills, a discreet boot lid spoiler and standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
The Jaguar XFR is the British company’s rival to the BMW M5 and the Mercedes E63 AMG.
The Jaguar XF has been named BusinessCar's Executive Car of the Year for a second consecutive year, while XJ has taken the title of Luxury Car of the Year in the 2013 BusinessCar Awards.
Paul Barker, BusinessCar Editor, said: "The Jaguar XF and XJ are two excellent products that combine the classy appeal necessary to succeed in these top-end sectors with the efficiency, quality and performance business car operators and drivers look for.
"The corporate sector is the most demanding of customers, and despite strong competition Jaguar's double success illustrates the excellent job it is doing."
The BusinessCarAwards are the only honours in the company car and van industry that are solely voted for by the readership.
Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director Jaguar Land Rover, said: "It's a great achievement for Jaguar to receive these awards, not least because they reflect the honest opinions of corporate and fleet professionals and customers, people who put quality, lasting value and performance under exceptional scrutiny.
"We value the corporate market very highly and we have recently raised our profile with the launch of an on-line tax calculator and car comparison service, helping more customers discover just how strong a proposition our models are."
The XF range gained further appeal in 2012 with the introduction of the new Sportbrake and the debut of new high-efficiency 2.2-litre diesel engines with eight-speed automatic transmission and Stop/Start technology, delivering 55.4mpg official combined cycle fuel economy.
The XJ line-up has also been rendered even more desirable for 2013, gaining a new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine and benefiting from the same fuel and emissions-efficient automatic transmission and Stop/Start system as the XF. Its luxury status has been enhanced with DAB digital tuner reception being made a standard feature, the introduction of an advanced Meridian premium audio system and the option of a new Comfort Suspension Pack across the entire range. Purr-fect.