Jaguar has revealed its most exclusive 'R' performance car to date at the New York Auto Show. The track-ready XKR-S GT will be limited to just 30 examples, and features aerodynamic, chassis and handling tweaks to make it the most hardcore XK yet.
Exterior
The GT model is based on the 'standard' XKR-S. Round the front, Jaguar has fitted dive planes and a larger splitter; while a large spoiler and rear diffuser reside at the back. Coupled with an aluminium valance and extended wheel arches, these additions create around 145kg of downforce when at high speed. Louvers on the bonnet help keep things cool.
Polaris White is the colour of choice for the track-ready special, complete with 'Jaguar RS GT' decals on the bonnet. The car's large 20-inch alloy wheels are finished in gloss black and are shod with Pirelli Corsa performance tyres.
Interior
Open the door and you are greeted by RS GT embossed kick plates, branding that is continued on the centre console and the 16-way, electrically adjustable 'Performance' seats. These are upholstered in a combination of soft-grain leather and 'Suedecloth', the latter also finding its way onto the sports steering wheel and the headlining.
Mechanicals
It's here where the biggest changes have occurred. Power still comes from Jaguar's supercharged, quad-cam, 5.0-litre V8 engine, throwing out 550hp and 680Nm of torque. It's likely that this power can be put to better use in the GT model though, thanks to its aerodynamic and chassis enhancements.
Carbon ceramic brakes have been fitted for the first time to a production Jaguar and they are grabbed by six- and four-pot callipers front and rear respectively. As well as being more efficient and having a longer lifespan than standard brakes, they also reduce unsprung weight by 21kg. The tweaked suspension features much stiffer springs and adjustable dampers. Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics have also been modified for use on the track.
All this adds up to a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 300km/h.
Anything else?
Whilst all this sounds great, we're afraid there is some bad news. The track-ready car will only be sold in America.
A travesty? We think so too...