2013 NAIAS: Jaguar displays high-performance XJR and limited edition XKR-S GT

Just 30 examples of the hardcore XKR-S GT will be made. 

Jaguar has left no stone unturned to make sure that it gets a fair chunk of limelight at the ongoing New York Motor Show. The carmaker has revealed more powerful and limited edition models of the ultra luxurious XJ sedan and the XK grand tourer.

Armed with a 5-litre supercharged V8 engine with 550PS of power, the all-new XJR is the most powerful XJ ever made. The supercharged engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox based on the unit found in the XFR-S which was introduced last year. Based on the standard XJ’s chassis, the XJR features reworked steering, suspension set up and upgraded brakes. The car also comes shod with wider tires for improved grip. The XJR will be available in both short and long wheelbase versions with prices starting from £92,500 in the UK. 

As for the grand tourer. The track-bred, road going version of the XKR-S – the XKR-S GT can be best described as out-and-out mental! The XKR-S GT gets a fairly extreme aerodynamic package that includes a carbonfibre front splitter, rear diffuser and a massive rear wing. Mechanical upgrades include addition of carbon ceramic brakes, new steering and suspension setup with height-adjustable dampers.   

Under the hood, the XKR-S GT gets the same 5-litre supercharged V8 engine as the standard XKR. The XKR-S GT however is 0.3 seconds quicker than the former in the 0-100kmph sprint. Jaguar says this new model is capable of hitting over 320kmph but is limited to close to 300kmph.      

Although Jaguar will make just 30 examples of the XKR-S GT with 25 heading for the US market and the remaining 5 for Canada, the company says a right-hand drive version for the UK will be made if there are enough takers.