Last week we reported on the first official image of the Jaguar XJR super limo, and now the cat is out of the bag at the New York International Auto Show. Along for the ride came Jaguar’s second big reveal, the XKR-S GT. Now that’s a mouthful. Whatever happened to classy model names, Jaguar?
The more exciting of the two, the Jaguar XKR-S GT is the ultimate road-going, track-ready XK coupe that’s developed by Jaguar’s ETO (Engineered to Order) division and limited to just 30 units – all intended for North America. It’s the rarest model in the 25-year history of Jaguar R performance cars.
Building upon the hardcore XKR-S (which is now available in Malaysia), the new GT features bespoke extended front splitter, dive-planes and elevated rear wing, all designed to create downforce. Under the skin, technical learning and development of the F-Type has been applied to the XKR-S GT’s suspension and steering systems, optimising both immediacy of response and agility.
The front tracks have been widened by 52 mm, while the springs and dampers are substantially stiffer than before. Forged 20-inch alloy wheels are unique to the XKR-S GT, while the lightweight carbon ceramic braking system is a standard fitment – a Jaguar first.
JLR’s supercharged 5.0 litre V8 is left unfettled, still making the same 550 hp and 680 Nm as in the XKR-S. But the aerodynamic and suspension changes, plus revisions to the traction control system’s calibration has resulted in a 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) time of 3.9 seconds, a 0.3 sec improvement over the standard car. Top speed stays at 300 km/h (electronically limited).
Less extreme but just as significant is the new XJR. The flagship limo brings supercar performance to the luxurious XJ range, utilising the same 550 hp/680 Nm engine in the XKR-S GT but paired to a newer eight-speed automatic transmission instead of the coupe’s older six-speeder. 0-96 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds, and top speed is limited to 280 km/h. Not bad for a house on wheels.
After the rather crass-looking XFR-S and uber-XKs, thankfully design director Ian Callum has taken a more subtle approach to make up the XJR’s visual addendums. The front splitter, special ‘R’ bonnet louvres, side sills, bootlid-mounted lip spoiler and quad tailpipes add to the car’s stealthy yet purposeful demeanour.
20-inch forged wheels and sporty black mesh grille complete the look outside, while the interior gets splashes of fancy carbonfibre panels, contrasting leather stitching, suede headlining and plenty of ‘R’ logos in case you forget of its performance intent.
More F-Type-derived tech has made its way into Jaguar’s dynamic flagship model, including a new steering system. Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics with ‘Trac DSC’ mode of the Dynamic Stability Control offers enthusiastic drivers the opportunity to explore the car’s dynamic potential. Hot cats, anyone?
Jaguar XKR-S GT
Jaguar XJR
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The jag back on top with beautiful fast cars…but still people will complain about this that…human nature as such..
Well let me indulge you with some complaints of mine, particularly on the XKR-S GT. There is the name, being unnecessarily long and the vulgar. And than there is the way it looks, with the wings, catfish face and side aero, I know it is for aerodynamics but it looks vulgar, un-gentleman, less of a gentleman’s GT more of a Top Secret Toyota Supra. I don’t recall any great Jaguar road cars ditching sophistication for track times and agility, and worse, a big GT Jaguar. A normal XKR is what a big GT Jag should be.
the XJR on the other hand is what a Jaguar should be; big, tasteful and courteous. It doesn’t have big power to chase down the Jerrys, but does quick in it’s own way. Apart from the black out C-pillar, every bit of it is tastefully design and quintessentially British. It’s truly a Jaaaaaaaag, you could woo girls in one of these.
Dear Jaguar,
Please stop pretending to be a sports car company. I adore your XJL more than this piece of here-and-there bolt on.
sincerely,
an honest fan but cannot afford a Jaaaaaag..
hmmm i wonder what other cars have even more alphabet in the name than the Jag XKRSGT…..oh yea the Mercedes SLSAMGGT
Here’s one.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA-R
I swear I’m not making that up!
jags of the past were ugly as hell
big engines, super guzzler, performs just like a bmw 3 series…looks more royal but really tasteless
the current jags are uber nice (perhaps some nudge from our korean friends?)
at any rate, fans are just fans. if jags keep on staying its course, it will lose out to stiff competition such as BMW and Mercedes Benz whom are already looking at expanding their range.
the xkr-s is indeed named in such a way worse than any way you can imagine but hey, now jaguar has another range it has never before imagined…sports car.
fans dont matter much. it’s the market they are listening to