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 Jaguar 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 (300 km/h).
The
Jaguar 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
Jaguar 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 Jaguar 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
Jaguar 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
Jaguar 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
Jaguar 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
Jaguar 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.
Jaguar XKR-S GT Technical specification
Engine:
5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol
Capacity:
5000 cc
Bore/Stroke:
92.5mm (3.64") / 93mm (3.66")
Peak
Power: 550 PS (405 kW) @ 6000-6500 rpm
Peak
Torque: 680 Nm (502 lb/ft) @ 2500-5500 rpm
Transmission:
Six-speed automatic
0-60mph:
3.9 s
Top
Speed: 300 km/h (186 mph) (electronically limited)
Combined
Economy
12.3
l/100km
23.0
EU mpg
17
US mpg
CO2 Emissions: 292 g/km
