The Jaguar XKR-S coupé is the fastest production XK to date. Powered by Jaguar’s alluminium 4.2-litre 32-valve V8 supercharged engine, it has 309kW and 560Nm of torque available.
With recalibrated engine management, the Jaguar XKR-S reaches an electronically limited top speed of 280km/h – 30km/h faster than the XKR. This additional performance is due to improved aerodynamics and suspension set-up.
The XKR-S makes use of a 6-speed automatic gearbox with the option of steering wheel-mounted paddle shift – shift times are measured in milliseconds to make this one of the fastest shifting transmissions in the world.
The high performance braking system for the Jaguar XKR-S was developed by Jaguar’s Special Vehicles team in partnership with Alcon. The Alcon R Performance braking system features 400mm diameter discs on the front and 350mm discs at the rear. The system uses lightweight monobloc six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear.
The Jaguar XKR-S features new springs, new anti-roll bars and unique dampers. All the major suspension parameters are recalibrated, and the Jaguar XKR-S uses Jaguar’s proven Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS). It also uses a faster ratio steering rack, for quicker reactions and optimum feel.
The limited edition coupé in Ultimate Black is identified by the unique Jaguar XKR-S badge on the rear of the car. The ride height of the Jaguar XKR-S has been reduced by 10mm compared with that of the XKR, and the Jaguar XKR-S sits on unique, lightweight 20-inch Vortex forged alloy wheels. It features a new front aerodynamic splitter, side sill extensions, revised rear spoiler and rear diffuser panel, with contrasting finishes to details such as the front mesh grille, power vents, sills and rear diffuser panel.
The Jaguar XKR-S has an Active Exhaust System, which is specifically tuned to ensure quiet, refined high-speed cruising while producing a much more hard-edged and sporting V8 sound under hard acceleration.
Inside the new XKR-S the leather trim is finished in Charcoal with Ivory contrast stitching, with leather wrapping the seats, instrument panel top, centre console, inner door panels and rear side panels. This is complemented by Piano Black veneer, Charcoal Alston luxury headlining, plus a revised instrument cluster – calibrated to accommodate the higher top speed – with XKR-S branding.
Taking Jaguar’s 525W Premium Audio system with Pro Logic II surround sound as a starting point, Bowers & Wilkins has tuned a signature speaker system specifically for the cabin of the Jaguar XKR-S. High output, low distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and specially designed aluminium-dome tweeters deliver superb mid-range and extended high-frequency responses.
On sale in the 4th quater of 2008 and limited to just 200 cars in European markets only, the Jaguar XKR-S is an even more driver-focused sports grand tourer than the XKR.
First posted on 13 August 2008.
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