Jaguar XKR-S GT (2013) first official pictures

This is the new top dog of the Jaguar XK family: the XKR-S GT. Built to celebrate 25 years of Jaguar ‘R’ models, the road-legal GT carries a host of track-focused modifications: there’s carbon aerodynamic aids, chassis tweaks, and the promise of a sub-7min 40sec Nurburgring lap time. A regular XKR-S manages 7min 50sec around the 'Ring in comparison.

The carbon front winglets, front splitter and rear wing produce a combined 145kg of downforce at the car’s (electronically limited) 186mph top speed. Helping the handling is a 52mm wider front track and adjustable Bilstein dampers. Front and rear spring rates are respectively 68% and 25% stiffer than on the XKR-S. Meanwhile, carbon-ceramic brakes – a first in a road-going Jag – save 21kg in unsprung mass.

Lightweight forged 20-inch alloy wheels wear Pirelli Corsa rubber, measuring 305mm wide on the rear tyres.

The powertrain is unchanged from the regular XKR-S. Under the bonnet is a 5.0-litre supercharged V8, developing 542bhp. It’ll power the rear-drive XFR-S GT to 62mph in 3.9sec – that’s 0.3sec faster than the XKR-S.

Inside, changes are limited to GT badging, a suede steering wheel, and 16-way adjustable leather bucket seats.

No – it’s a limited run of 30 models only. Of those, 25 are earmarked for delivery to the USA, and five for Canada. If you want one in right-hand drive, it’ll have to be special order only, as is any other colour than white. As for the price, it’s thought to be around £30,000 pricier than the £97k XKR-S coupe.

Besides the XKR-S GT, Jaguar has unveiled its new flagship limo: the XJR. Using the same 542bhp V8 as the XKR-S GT, it’ll hit 62mph in 4.4sec. For the full XJR story,click here.

The other big JLR debut is the new Range Rover Sport. Come back to CAR Online tomorrow for the full story, and don’t forget to check out our revealing spy shots by clicking here.

By Ollie Kew