Geneva show: Jag shows XKR-S, sprouts XF sales

AUSTRALIAN Jaguar fans shouldn't get too excited about what the leaping cat brand describes as the fastest production XK ever, because production of the XKR-S will be limited to 200 examples - destined for left and right-hand drive customers exclusively in Europe.

Hot on the heels of revealing a "MY09" facelift for its ageing X-Type, Jaguar revealed the rapid new limited-edition coupe at the Geneva motor show, where it also announced a strong global pre-order bank for the new XF sedan, which replaces the S-type here from June.

There was no announcement, however, about the impending sale of the Ford-owned, UK-based luxury brand to India's Tata Motors, as had been widely expected to occur at Geneva last week.

Left: XKR-S and XF.

For the XKR-S, rather than fettle the XKR's supercharged 4.2-litre V8, the official outputs of which remain 313kW and 560Nm, Jaguar has relaxed the XKR-S speed-limiter to increase top speed from 250km/h to 280km/h, making it "the fastest Jaguar since the XJ220 supercar", says Jaguar.

Aiding the car's high-speed cause is upgraded suspension and aerodynamics, with a new front splitter, rear spoiler and diffuser panel hiding suspension that results in a 10mm lower ride height and features new springs, anti-roll bars and specifically-tuned Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS).

A faster-ratio steering rack, bigger Vortex 14-spoke 20-inch wheels and an Alcon R Performance braking system comprising red monobloc six-piston callipers gripping 400mm/350mm-diameter front/rear discs round out the mechanical changes.

The six-speed auto-only XKR-S will come only in the Ultimate Black metallic paint colour shown at Geneva, with contrasting grille, sills, side power vents and rear diffuser, plus full soft-grain leather with twin-needle contrast stitching, adjustable seat bolsters, Piano Black veneer and Charcoal Alston luxury headliner.