Jaguar announced that it will sell 10 examples of the hardcore XKR-S GT sports car to customers in the UK. Although the British automaker originally planned a limited-run of 30 units for the United States and Canada only, it couldn’t ignore requests from the UK and decided to build 10 right-hand drive units as well.
Dubbed “the ultimate road-going XK”, the Jaguar XKR-S GT will be priced at £135,000 ($205,370) on-the-road, with first deliveries to UK customers planned for October 2013.
Revealed at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year, the XKR-S GT has since been undertaking tests on road and track in the U.S. and Germany. The coupe recently completed a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7 minutes and 40 seconds, making it the fastest ever road-legal Jaguar on the legendary German circuit.
Powered by Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine developing 542hp (550 PS) and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque, the XKR-S GT sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.9 seconds (0.3s faster than the XKR-S) and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph (280 km/h). The engine is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and an active electronic differential. The car features a comprehensive aerodynamic package and suspension upgrades to increase downforce and optimize high-speed cornering.
Aerodynamic elements include a carbon-fiber front splitter, dive planes, extended wheelarch spats, an elevated rear wing, rear diffuser and an aluminum valance. All these contribute to the XKR-S GT’s maximum downforce of 145 kg (320 lbs). The car’s suspension features a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings, and a new steering system with faster steering ratio.
By Dan Mihalascu
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