2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT.

                                    2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT.

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.

The exterior styling enhancements on the XKR-S GT, including a larger carbon-fiber front splitter and added dive planes, are all functional components, designed to enhance aerodynamics and downforce. In order to balance front and rear lift, the XKR-S GT features a unique elevated carbon-fiber rear wing. It works in concert with the deck-lid mounted lip spoiler to generate high levels of downforce and improve rear-end grip.
Additional exterior distinctions of the GT include a Polaris White exterior, hood stripes and unique badging. The lightweight 20 inch forged alloy wheels are finished in Gloss Black, and fitted with wider 305-section rear tires. 

The GT’s supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 is rated at 550 horsepower at 6500 rpm, and it produces 502 lb-ft of torque from 2500 rpm—identical levels of output as the mill found in the standard XKR-S. Jaguar promises a 0-to-60 sprint in 3.9 seconds, a conservative claim that we believe can easily be beaten. Top speed, somewhat curiously for a track special, is governed at 186 mph. But at that velocity, the XKR-S GT generates 320 pounds of downforce, and it probably wouldn't go much beyond this marker anyway.

The biggest updates for the new GT model are made to the suspensions and brakes. For the suspension system, the front and rear arms, wheel bearings, bushings and rear subframe are all new. Also new are the spring and damper module design, while the Adaptive Dynamics damping system now features dampers with adjustable ride-height.

The car rides on 20-inch forged and lightweight alloy wheels finished in gloss black and wrapped in Pirelli Corsa performance tires. These super-sticky tires are sized 255/35 up front and 305/30 at the rear.

To make the most of the chassis revisions, Jaguar has modified its Adaptive Dynamics control, which tailors drive-by wire, suspension, transmission and traction/stability control functions. Bringing things to a halt are carbon ceramic brakes, marking the first time this setup has been used in a production Jaguar.

Safety features such as dual front, side and side-curtain airbags come standard, as do traction and stability control systems.