What's the news?

Jaguar has announced that a limited production run of the XKR-S GT is to make its way to the UK. Originally planned exclusively for the US and Canadian markets, such has been the interest that 10 examples of the 550hp sports car will be sold, each carrying a £135,000 price tag. First deliveries of the track focused Jag are expected to commence in October.

Exterior

The GT is an evolution of the already pretty rapid XKR-S coupé but features a number of motorsport inspired components that are unique to the hardcore cat. Extended wheelarches, a carbon-fibre front splitter, huge rear wing, rear diffuser and dive planes may do little for the XK's sleek lines but they do contribute to a maximum downforce of 145kg.

Mechanicals

Under the bonnet of the GT is Jaguar's proven supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that produces 550hp and 680Nm of torque. The wailing banshee of an engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission and an active electronic differential with power ultimately sent to the tarmac via 305-section rear tyres. These all contribute towards a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds and an electronically controlled top speed of 186mph. The GT is more than a straight line brute however and recently lapped the Nürburgring in 7 minutes and 40 seconds making it the fastest ever road-legal Jaguar.

To achieve this the GT wears Jaguar's first carbon ceramic brake system with six piston monoblock calipers and 398mm discs up front with four pots and 380mm discs out back. The GT also has a wider front track than the standard XKR-S as well as a new, faster steering system, revised bushings, increased camber and bespoke adaptive dampers.

Anything else?

While the XKR-S GT was first unveiled at the New York Auto Show, its dynamic debut (i.e. moving) was at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed with Sir Chris Hoy at the wheel. Jammy sw...