Developed by Jaguar’s ETO division, and with production limited to just 30 cars, the XKR-S GT is set to become the rarest model in Jaguar’s 25-year history of 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,” says Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar.

Select aerodynamic and suspension changes, as well as the addition of carbon ceramic brakes, have combined to give the XKR-S GT a race-car inspired look and feel.

A range of carbon fibre components, including an extended front splitter, dive-planes and elevated rear wing, have been designed to improve the XKR-S GT’s aerodynamic downforce. Technical learning from the development of the new Jaguar F-TYPE has also been applied to the XKR-S GT’s suspension and steering systems.

Performance is provided by Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, which boasts 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 features a carbon-fibre front splitter of race-car wrap-around type; extending forward by 60mm, it directs airflow around, over and underneath the car. Aggressive carbon-fibre twin dive-planes and wheelarch extensions further the travel of airflow around the car, while below the addition of an aluminium front valance serves to smooth airflow under the car as well as enhancing engine and brake cooling performance.

“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,” explains Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director.

A rear carbon-fibre diffuser allows for the 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 improve 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.

The car is finished in Polaris White with unique graphics and Jaguar R-S GT script on its louvred bonnet. The charcoal interior – with red accents – features 16-way electrically adjustable ‘Performance’ seats with the Jaguar and R-S GT scripts integrated into the backrests. Script to the treadplates and console highlight the exclusiveness of the XKR-S GT.

Source: Jaguar

Tags: Adrian Hallmark, aerodynamics, bodykit design, coupé, ETO, F-TYPE, Ian Callum, Jaguar, R, racing, V8, XKR-S GT