NY Auto Show: Jaguar unleashes new limited-edition 550hp XKR-S GT

By Marcus Amick March 26, 2013

If there was any doubt about how serious Jaguar is about high-performance, the new XKR-S GT unveiled at the New York Auto Show should help clear it up.

Tuned by Jaguar’s in-house specialty division, ETO, the XKR-S GT is equipped with the same 550 horsepower V8 engine as the XKR-S, but with a number of serious modifications that aims to make it a serious contender on the track.

With the aerodynamic and suspension changes and revisions to the traction control system, Jaguar claims the XKR-S GT will do 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, which puts it in the realm of making a respectable run with cars the likes of the Mercedes Benz SLS Black Series and the Porsche 911 GT3.

The XKR-S GT has an electronically limited speed of 186 mph.

The limited edition model (only 30 total) will be offered exclusively in Polaris White with black racing stripes and will feature a Jaguar R-S GT script on its louvered hood.

Jaguar_XKR-S_GT_12 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

This is no bare-bones racer, however. Interior features include red accents and16-way electrically adjustable performance seats finished in soft-grain leather and suede cloth with the Jaguar and R-S GT scripts integrated into the backrests. The headliner and steering wheels is covered with black suede cloth.

The steering wheel mounted paddle shifters are finished in aluminum and are fitted as standard.

Other performance attributes include wider 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels and an active exhaust for reduced backpressure.

“The development of the XKR-S GT demanded an uncompromised approach to enhance aerodynamic down force, with complementary suspension changes to maximize high-speed cornering ability,” said Pete Simkin, director, ETO Specialist Products, Jaguar. “In combination with the use of a carbon ceramic braking system, the result is the most focused ‘R’ model Jaguar has ever built.”

Of the 30 units scheduled for production, 25 will be shipped to the US and five to Canada. The MSRP is $174,000.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles…

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