• New XK and XKR Special Edition models are available to order now in both coupe and convertible form
• The Special Edition models introduce enhancements to the XK's already luxurious hand-crafted cabin in addition to discreet exterior changes
• New 'Artisan' interiors utilise sumptuous scraffito grain leather on the seats, instrument binnacle, door and rear quarter casings, and Poltrona Frau® leather headlinings
• Customers can choose from two Jaguar Design team-specified interior colourways, each available with a choice of new veneer finishes - Shadow Walnut and Dark Figured Aluminium
• 16x16 way heated Performance front seats, a 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, unique treadplates and stainless steel pedals are all standard
• Exterior paint palette includes Celestial Black - exclusive to the XK range in Special
Edition form - and two new 20-inch wheel designs

Every Jaguar XK represents a compelling combination of advanced engineering and cosseting luxury, yet the latest additions to the evolving range - the XK and XKR Special Edition models - further enhance that luxury quality through the introduction of hand-crafted 'Artisan' interiors.

Available in both coupe and convertible form*, the Special Edition model's Artisan interior introduces the use of tactile 'scraffito' finished leather to the front seats, instrument binnacle, door and rear quarter casings. In combination with Poltrona Frau® leather headlinings, two new veneer finishes - Shadow Walnut and Dark Figured Aluminium - and standard features including a 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, 16 by 16 way adjustable heated Performance seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry/start, each Special Edition model promises a heightened level of opulence and comfort.

To compliment the sumptuous use of materials, Jaguar's design team, led by Director of Design Ian Callum, specified two exclusive Artisan interior colourways for the Special Edition models; Navy with Jet headlining and Truffle with Canvas headlining. Convertible hood colours have also been carefully selected and include Black, Blue, Grey and Brown. Special Edition treadplates and stainless steel pedals are additional discreet enhancements.

An exterior paint palette of six colours includes the exclusive Special Edition colour of Celestial Black, with Crystal Blue, Lunar Grey, Polaris White, Rhodium Silver and Ultimate Black being the alternative options. Two new 20-inch alloy wheel designs complete the exterior changes; Venom wheels are diamond turned with a dark grey finish, the Orona style having a polished finish.

XK: an advanced choice

Whether in coupe or convertible form, each Special Edition model benefits from the advanced engineering techniques inherent to the entire Jaguar XK and XKR range. Jaguar is industry-leading in its use of aluminium technology, and both coupe and

convertible models utilise riveted and bonded aluminium monocoque construction that means light weight, exceptional rigidity and strength. In combination with continuously variable adaptive damping - standard on all models - and 5.0-litre direct-injection V8 petrol engines in either 385PS naturally-aspirated or, for the XKR, 510PS supercharged form, the result is a beautifully damped yet controlled ride, precise handling, and effortless performance when required.

For an even more focused driving experience, for the 2013 Model Year all standard XKR convertible and coupe models are now available with the optional Dynamic Pack (previously offered on the XKR coupe only). The Dynamic Pack raises top speed to 174mph, and includes the addition of side sill extensions with new rear diffuser, 10mm lower ride height, revised adaptive dynamics, spring and damper rates, plus a new front steering knuckle for optimised precision.

*XK/XKR Special Edition variability varies by market. The Special Edition models are not available in the North American market

• Both XK and XKR models use Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics system which continuously monitors the suspension and, courtesy of active dampers, can alter damping rates up to 500 times a second to ensure optimal stability and handling with no loss of comfort. A driver selected 'Dynamic' mode works with the Adaptive Dynamics system to further increase body control while also sharpening throttle and gearshift responses.
• The XKR additionally features Jaguar's electronically-controlled active differential to maximise traction in all conditions.
• Six-speed automatic transmissions also offer manual driver control via steering-wheel mounted paddles.
• A seven-inch touch-screen is standard on all models and offers control of the navigation system and a range of other features.
• Advanced safety features include Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology System - which helps ensure maximum driver and passenger protection - and an innovative
Pedestrian Contact Sensing System which raises the bonnet in the event of contact with a pedestrian to help prevent contact with hard points under the bonnet. Adaptive Front Lighting and Adaptive Cruise Control are additional optional features that enhance safety.

580PS; 680Nm; 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds; top speed 186mph. These are just a few of the XKR-S convertible's vital statistics. Powered by the most advanced version of Jaguar's supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine, it's the most potent drop-top Jaguar has ever built and was devised with the intent of providing its driver with as much roof-down reward on the track as it delivers on the road - a goal achieved with ease courtesy of its inherently rigid all-aluminium construction.

But when you've run out of challenging roads and tracks to conquer, where can the discerning XKR-S driver go next? How about sideways, very sideways, on a frozen lake in Hämeenlinna Finland? Filmed in the expert hands of Jaguar test driver Minna Sillankorva, the combination of XKR-S convertible, ice-covered lake and blue skies could clearly only have one outcome: fast, frozen, fun. A compelling combination.

2014 JAGUAR XKR-S GT UNVEILED AT THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW

At A Glance

- The 2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT is a track-ready and street legal version of the XK Coupe
- Developed by the Jaguar ETO division, an in-house specialty vehicle group
- Constructed on an all-aluminum body structure, assembled using aerospace derived aluminum bonding and riveting techniques
- A limited production run of just 30 cars for North America; 25 for the US and 5 for Canada
- The XKR-S GT features bespoke aerodynamic components to increase down force, and has new suspension and steering systems designed to maximize high-speed cornering ability2
- Achieves a maximum down force of 320lbs (145kg) through the addition of aerodynamic aids including a carbon-fiber front splitter, dive planes, extended wheel arch spats, an elevated rear wing, rear diffuser and an aluminum undertray
- The XKR-S GT reaches 60mph in 3.9 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h)2
- Powered by a 550hp, 502 lb/ft supercharged 5-liter V8 engine coupled to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission and active electronically controlled rear differential
- Equipped with a carbon ceramic brake system which features 15.7-inches (398mm) and 15.0-inches (380mm) discs front/rear gripped respectively by six- and four-piston monoblock calipers. This is the first time such a brake system has been fitted to a production Jaguar vehicle
- Suspension changes include: a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings, a new steering system and faster steering ratio
- Height-adjustable adaptive dampers feature a race-derived twin spring system, spring rates increased by 68% at the front and 25% at the rear
- Active exhaust system for reduced backpressure and enhanced aural character
- Wider 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels are designed to maximize brake cooling and are shod with 255/35-20 and 305/30-20 Pirelli Corsa tires
- MSRP1 is $174,000 with cars arriving in August 2013

"The XKR-S GT is the most extreme iteration of the Jaguar R Brand's performance focus. Utilizing race-car derived technology, all-aluminum construction and an uncompromised approach to aerodynamic efficiency, the result is a car as capable on the track as it is exhilarating on the road."

– Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar

(MAHWAH, N.J.) - March 26, 2013 – The XKR-S GT is the ultimate track-ready and street legal version of the XK Coupe. This vehicle was developed by the Jaguar ETO division, an in-house specialty vehicle group.

The XKR-S GT begins with the high-strength all-aluminum body structure featured on every Jaguar XK. This structure is assembled using aerospace derived aluminum bonding and riveting techniques. Astonishing performance is provided by a supercharged 5 -liter V8 engine, producing 550hp and 502 lb/ft or torque, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission and active electronically controlled rear differential. Combined with the aerodynamic and suspension changes, plus revisions to the traction control system's calibration, the result is a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds.2 Electronically limited top speed is 186mph.2

The addition of extensive aerodynamic enhancements, suspension changes, and carbon ceramic brakes, endow the XKR-S GT with track-ready performance. A limited production run will see just 30 cars built for North America, with 25 for the United States, and 5 for Canada.

A range of bespoke carbon fiber components all work to maximize the aerodynamic down force. These include an extended front splitter, dive-planes and an elevated rear wing.

The XKR-S GT will be offered exclusively in Polaris White with black racing stripes, and will feature a Jaguar R-S GT script on its louvered hood. The warm charcoal colored interior features red accents, and includes 16-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. "Jet" black suede cloth is used for the headliner and steering wheel. Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters are now finished in aluminum and are fitted as standard.

"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. In combination with the use of a carbon ceramic braking system, the result is the most focused 'R' model Jaguar has ever built."

– Pete Simkin, Director, ETO Specialist Products, Jaguar

Aerodynamics and chassis

"The XKR-S GT has been designed purely by the laws of physics. It has been developed in the wind tunnel and on the racetrack with the sole aim of creating as much high-speed stability and down force as possible. Nothing has been styled for the sake of it. It's been an exercise in efficiency and the result is a car that's raw, focused and devastatingly quick."
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

The XKR-S GT features a wrap-around carbon-fiber front air splitter which extends forward 2.4-inches (60mm). This splitter initializes the management of airflow around, over and underneath the car. Aggressive carbon-fiber twin dive-planes and wheel arch extensions improve the efficiency of airflow around the car. The addition of an aluminum front undertray serves to smooth airflow under the car and enhance engine and brake cooling.

A rear carbon-fiber diffuser ensures the smooth exit of air from underneath the car, while the elevated carbon-fiber rear wing works in combination with the decklid mounted spoiler to maximize rear down force. At its electronically limited top speed of 186mph2 the XKR-S GT produces 320lbs (145kg) of down force. A new hood with shaped louvers serve as an engine cooling aid, and help aerodynamic performance by improving the airflow through the front end of the car.

Allied to the extensive aerodynamic revisions are substantial suspension upgrades. The front and rear suspension arms, uprights, wheel bearings, bushings, and rear subframe are all-new. The overall set-up works to increase lateral suspension stiffness for greater precision and responsiveness.

Integral to the revised suspension system is a new spring and damper module design. The XKR-S GT has a motorsport-derived twin spring setup mated to the Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics active damping system – the dampers are now also ride-height adjustable. Front and rear spring rates are 68% and 25% stiffer respectively than on the standard XKR-S, while the damper tune is much more track-focused, providing increased levels of body control and grip.

The Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics system has been tailored for the XKR-S GT so that the suspension parameters in the selectable "Dynamic Mode" delivers a higher level of body control with enhanced traction and grip.

The XKR-S GT has a front track which is two inches (52mm) wider than that of the XKR-S while the rear remains the same. The steering rack features a faster ratio and retuned steering valving. The result is an immediacy of turn-in and crisp response to steering inputs.

Gloss black 20" forged alloy wheels are shod with Pirelli Corsa performance tires (255/35-20 and 305/30-20 front/rear), giving the XKR-S GT a more muscular stance and greatly increasing its grip and stability.

"The XKR-S GT is an uncompromised car, but one that inspires confidence and encourages the driver to push it to its limits, fully exploring its handling abilities. It's a car that draws you in and is never intimidating, with performance that is both accessible and rewarding."

– David Pook, Technical Specialist, Steering and Handling, Jaguar

Brakes

The XKR-S GT is the first production Jaguar to be fitted with a carbon ceramic braking system. The internally ventilated and cross-drilled lightweight brake discs measure 15.7-inches (398mm) and 15.0-inches (380mm) front/rear respectively. Combined with six-piston monoblock front calipers, and four piston rear units –– the XKR-S GT delivers extraordinary stopping power and brake pedal feel. The lightweight nature of the carbon ceramic system means a reduction in unsprung weight of 46.3lbs (21kg). The XKR-S GT carbon ceramic braking system also has a longer life span than a standard system. The calipers are painted yellow, and are branded with a 'Jaguar Carbon Ceramic' script.

Enhanced braking feel comes courtesy of the electronic "Pre-Fill" system. Working in conjunction with the car's DSC system, Pre-Fill subtly pressurizes the brakes every time the driver comes off the throttle pedal, resulting in a very short and consistent level of travel on the brake pedal. This maximizes braking response, reduces the car's stopping distance and delivers increased levels of confidence during high performance driving.

"The disc and pad materials are specially tailored for Jaguar characteristics. Because the XKR-S GT is a road car as well as one suitable for customers to take on the track, we engineered it for race-car braking performance but with no compromise to cold or wet weather ability."

– Edward Nixon, Group Leader, Brakes, Jaguar XKR-S GT

Performance

An all-aluminum 5-liter supercharged quad-cam V8 engine produces 550hp and 502 lb/ft of torque, and delivers exhilarating performance and efficiency thanks to the technologies such as spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT). The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminum block is stiffened with cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, providing refinement to match its power. The engine breathes through aluminum four-valve cylinder heads, with pressurized air supplied by a Roots-type twin vortex supercharger. Two air to liquid intercoolers, which feature their own cooling circuit, reduce the temperature of the intake charge to optimize power and efficiency.

The XKR-S GT features a fully active performance exhaust system with valves that open under load to enhance gas-flow, enunciate the car's aural character, and maximize power output.

XKR-S GT Technical Specifications*

Engine: 5-liter supercharged V8
Capacity (cc): 5000
Bore/Stroke (mm): 92.5/93
Bore/Stroke (inches): 3.64/3.66
Peak Power (PS@rpm): 550@6500
Peak Power (kW@rpm): 405@6500
Peak Torque (lb/ft @rpm): 502@2500-5500
Peak Torque (Nm@rpm): 680@2500-5500
Transmission: Six-speed automatic by ZF
0-60mph (secs)2: 3.9 sec
Top Speed (mph | km/h)2: 186 | 300 (electronically limited)

Technical changes when compared to standard XKR-S

- Carbon ceramic brake system with 15.7-inches/398mm and 15.0-inches/380mm discs front/rear, gripped respectively by six- and four-piston monoblock calipers
- Electronic Braking "Pre-Fill" system subtly pressurizes braking system on throttle lift and maximizes braking performance
- Addition of carbon-fiber front air splitter, dive planes, extended wheel arch spats, an elevated rear wing, a rear diffuser, and an aluminum front undertray contribute to a maximum down force figure of 320lb (145kg) at the electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h)2
- The addition of race-derived, height-adjustable and retuned adaptive dampers with twin-spring system. Spring rates up by 68% at the front and 25% at the rear
- Newly developed front and rear suspension
- The fitment of faster ratio steering rack for enhanced agility
- New, wider 20-inch forged alloy wheels shod with Pirelli Corsa 255/35 front and 305/30 rear tires for maximized grip
- New hood with louvers aid engine cooling and reduce under-hood air pressure
- Revised active exhaust system

The XKR-S GT has been developed by Jaguar's ETO division to be the ultimate track-focused but road-going iteration of the XK coupe. Extensive aerodynamic and suspension changes, as well as the addition of carbon ceramic brakes, have combined to give the XKR-S GT race-car inspired connected feel and braking performance. Initial production will be limited to just 30 cars for the North American market.

A range of bespoke carbon fibre components, including an extended front splitter, dive-planes and elevated rear wing, all work to maximise the XKR-S GT's aerodynamic downforce. Technical learning from the development of the new Jaguar F-TYPE two-seater sports car has also been applied to the XKR-S GT's suspension and steering systems, optimising both immediacy of response to driver input and agility.

Stunning performance is provided by Jaguar's proven 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, boasting 550PS and 680Nm, driving through a six-speed transmission and active electronic differential. Combined with the aerodynamic and suspension changes, plus revisions to the traction control system's calibration, the result in straight-line terms is a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds. Electronically limited top speed is 186mph.

The XKR-S GT is available in Polaris White with unique graphics and Jaguar R-S GT script on its louvred bonnet. The Warm Charcoal interior - with red accents - features 16-way electrically adjustable 'Performance' seats finished in soft-grain leather and Suedecloth with the Jaguar and R-S GT scripts integrated into the backrests. Jet Suedecloth headlining and a Jet Suedecloth steering wheel, with aluminium paddle shifters, are fitted as standard. Script to the treadplates and console highlight the exclusiveness of the XKR-S GT.

"The development of the XKR-S GT demanded an uncompromised approach to enhance aerodynamic downforce, with complementary suspension changes to maximise high-speed cornering ability. In combination with the use of a carbon ceramic braking system, the result is the most focused 'R' model Jaguar has ever built which delivers heightened levels of performance and driver reward.

Pete Simkin, Director, ETO Specialist Products, Jaguar

Aerodynamics and chassis
"The XKR-S GT has been designed purely by the laws of physics. It has been developed in the wind tunnel and on the racetrack with the sole aim of creating as much high-speed stability and downforce as possible. Nothing has been styled for the sake of it. It's been an exercise in efficiency and the result is a car that's raw, focused and devastatingly quick."

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar
The XKR-S GT features a carbon-fibre front splitter of race-car wrap-around type; extending forward by 60mm, it starts the optimisation of airflow around, over and underneath the car. Aggressive carbon-fibre twin dive-planes and wheelarch extensions further the efficiency of airflow around the car, while below the addition of an optimised aluminium front valance serves to smooth airflow under the car as well as enhancing engine and brake cooling performance.

A rear carbon-fibre diffuser ensures the smooth exit of air from underneath the car, while the elevated rear wing - also in carbon-fibre - works in combination with the decklid mounted spoiler to maximise rear downforce. At its electronically limited top speed of 186mph, the XKR-S GT produces 145kg (320lb) of downforce.Bonnet louvres serve as a further engine cooling aid while also helping aerodynamic performance by improving the airflow through the front end of the car.

Allied to the extensive aerodynamic revisions are detailed suspension changes.

The front and rear suspension arms, uprights, wheel bearings, bushings and rear subframe are all new and draw on hardware developed for the F-TYPE. The overall set-up works to increase lateral suspension stiffness for greater precision and responsiveness.

Integral to the revised suspension system is its new spring and damper module design. The XKR-S GT has a motorsport-derived twin spring system mated to Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics damping system - the dampers now being ride-height adjustable. Front and rear spring rates are respectively 68% and 25% stiffer than on the XKR-S, while the damper tune is much more track-focused, providing increased levels of body control and grip.

Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics have been specifically tuned for the XKR-S GT so that the suspension parameters change to deliver a higher level of body control with maximum traction and grip when the dynamic mode is deployed, offering optimum performance for focused track driving.

The XKR-S GT has a front track which is 52mm wider than that of the XKR-S while the rear remains the same. The steering rack is from the F-TYPE, with a correspondingly faster ratio and retuned steering valve. The result is immediacy of turn-in and response to steering inputs.

The unique 20-inch forged and lightweight alloy wheels - finished in gloss black - are shod with specially developed Pirelli Corsa performance tyres (255/35 and 305/30 front/rear), giving the XKR-S GT a more muscular stance and greatly increasing its grip and stability.

"The XKR-S GT is an uncompromised car, but one that inspires confidence and encourages the driver to push it to its limits, fully exploring its handling abilities. It's a car that draws you in and is never intimidating, with performance that is both accessible and rewarding."

David Pook, Technical Specialist, Steering and Handling, Jaguar

Brakes
The XKR-S GT is the first production Jaguar to be fitted with a carbon ceramic braking system.

The internally ventilated and cross-drilled lightweight brake discs measure 398mm and 380mm front/rear respectively. Combined with six-piston monoblock calipers at the front and four piston units at the rear - the yellow calipers being branded with 'Jaguar Carbon Ceramic' script - the XKR-S GT delivers race-car levels of fade-free stopping power and brake pedal feel.

Enhanced braking feel comes courtesy of the electronic Pre-Fill system. Working in conjunction with the car's DSC system, Pre-Fill pressurises the brakes every time the driver comes off the throttle pedal, resulting in a very short and consistent level of travel on the brake pedal. This maximises braking response, reduces the car's stopping distance and delivers increased levels of confidence during high performance driving.

The lightweight nature of the carbon ceramic system means a reduction in unsprung weight of 21kg - so further enhancing the XKR-S GT's handling.

The XKR-S GT's carbon ceramic braking system also has a significantly longer life span than a standard system.

"The brake disc and pad materials are specially tailored for Jaguar characteristics. Because the XKR-S GT is a road car as well as one suitable for customers to take on the track, we engineered it for race-car braking performance but with no compromise to cold or wet weather ability."

Performance
Jaguar's proven all-aluminium 5.0-litre supercharged quad-cam V8 engine, boasting 550PS and 680Nm of torque, delivers not only exhilarating performance but also tremendous efficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT).

The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminium block is stiffened with cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, providing refinement to match its power. The four-valve cylinder heads are constructed from recycled aluminium, between them sitting the Roots-type twin vortex supercharger fed by two intercoolers, which feature their own water-cooling circuit to reduce the temperature of the pressurised air thereby optimising power and efficiency.

The XKR-S GT features a fully active performance exhaust system with valves that open under load, both enhancing gas-flow and the car's aural character, while optimising power output.

In straight-line terms, the powertrain's significant output, combined with the aerodynamic, suspension and traction control software revisions, mean the XKR-S GT can sprint from 0 to 60mph in 3.9 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 186mph.

Production of the Jaguar XK is to end in the summer, the company has announced.

Sales of the coupé and cabriolet models have dropped to less than 4000 units per year, following the launch of the F-type models.

Jaguar says that it wants to focus on other upcoming models, including the new XE saloon and F-type coupé that will steal even more sales from the XK range, as it enters a busy 18-24 months.

Sales of the Jaguar XK stood at around 1000 units in the last three months of 2012, but in the last three months of 2013 – following the launch of the F-type – sales were down to only a handful of units, the F-type effectively killing off the XK model on which it is loosely based, despite the two models’ substantially different price point and positioning.

Jaguar insiders have not ruled out a replacement for the XK in the future, but it’s likely to be a vastly different model to the 2+2 GT it will replace.

At the end of 2012, design director Ian Callum said Jaguar was “going through a lot of discussion” about how the XK should evolve in the future.

No final decision has yet been taken, but Callum said there was an opportunity to “allow the car to become a bit more special than a GT”.

“It could grow into the luxury market, and grow in size,” he said. “Whether it stays the same as a two-plus-two or becomes a two-plus-more-than-two has not been committed to yet.”

The F-type’s launch removes the need for the XK to act as out-and-out sports coupé and luxury GT. With the F-type becoming Jaguar’s dedicated sports car, there’s scope for the XK to focus on its luxury GT credentials.

Back in January, Jaguar announced a reduced XK line-up with a substantial price-cut, which will now act as a run-out range.

Dubbed Signature and Dynamic R, the new models are priced from £54,950 and £69,950 respectively. As part of the 2014 model changes Portfolio specification had been axed, with the range taking a price cut of around £10,000.

The XK Signature model is focused on luxury, while the more sporting Dynamic R model is based on the XKR.

XKR, XKR-S and XKR-S GT versions of the XK are also offered.