Jaguar set to unveil stonking new XKR

Jaguar has provided the first glimpse (and it is quite literally a glimpse) of its new ‘blown’ XKR coupe, which debuts at the British International Motor Show in London on July 18.

No technical details have as yet been provided, but the XKR is almost certain to pack a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 -- this unit is already offered here in the flagship Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. (Land Rover and Jaguar are part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, hence the commonality)

While the basic engine will be the same as the used in the range-topping Rangies, it’s distinctly possible Jaguar’s boffins have resorted to various tweaks to boost power for the overtly sporting coupe.

In the Range Rover the force-fed 4.2-litre V8 pumps out 291kW at 5750rpm and 560Nm at 3500rpm. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that peak power has crept beyond 300kW in the Jag, particularly as it squares up against beefy bruisers such as the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, which belts out 380kW and 720Nm.

The standard transmission is the excellent ZF six-speed (6HP26) unit with sequential-shift capabilities -- via steering wheel-mounted paddles.

In keeping with tradition, the R version gains mesh inserts in the grille, a subtle body kit and four prominent rear tailpipes. The interior is also believed to be upgraded via sportier seats and bespoke trim options.

As per the ‘entry-level’ XK coupe (see more here), the supercharged variant features the aluminium monocoque body structure that debuted in the current-generation XJ sedan. With this high-tech (and expensive) construction method, the XK’s bodyshell is claimed to be 31 per cent stiffer than the previous model’s and, significantly, offers a 10 per cent improvement in power to weight ratio.

Jaguar claims the new XK is up to 90 per cent stiffer and 180kg lighter than key rivals, with a kerb weight of just 1595kg (for the normally aspirated model). Expect the XKR to be around 100kg heavier.

“Following the resounding success of the XK since it went on sale (in the UK) earlier this year, we are confident that the much awaited XKR will continue to build on the momentum the car has generated for our dealers,” says Jaguar’s UK managing director, Geoff Cousins.

The new XKR sportscar will be produced at the cutting-edge Castle Bromwich manufacturing centre in Birmingham. In addition to being the assembly plant for three of Jaguar’s four models, this is also where the aluminium bodies and structures for the XJ and XK are constructed.