XKR GT3 a genuine growler

This is the ultimate interpretation of Jaguar's new supercharged XKR Coupe. It's dubbed the XKR GT3 and, as the name suggests, it was conceived to contest the FIA GT3 European Championship.

Built by the UK-based Apex Motorsport Crew (the same mob that prepared the Bentley Speed that won the 20003 Le Mans 24 Hours), the XKR GT3 retains the aluminium body and 4.2-litre supercharged engine of the donor car, but there's a host of mods throughout, in line with its new job description.

For starters, power is upped to around 355kW (compared with 313kW for the standard car) and the fully adjustable suspension is significantly lowered and stiffened. In addition, the standard auto transmission is turfed in favour of a six-speed sequential gearbox.

You don't have to look too hard to notice the aggressive front splitter, or the massive rear wing that's affixed to the bootlid by a pair of aluminium braces. We also rather like the twin central exhausts and trick looking rear aerodynamic diffuser.

The car isn't an official factory effort as Apex Motorsport is building the XKR GT3 as 'customer cars' for well-heeled gentleman racers. Currently, one car has been sold and another two are reportedly on the verge of being snapped up.

Official FIA track tests still need to be conducted to determine which, if any, changes will need to be made to the car in the interest of competitiveness. The first of those tests will take place at Monza on February 22 and 23.

Apex says it hopes to have the car ready for the first race of the season at Silverstone in May.

A strong showing by the Jaguar in the GT3 championship would provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the embattled carmaker, which has been swimming in losses in recent times.

However, the leaping cat has provided proof of a brighter future via the stunning C-XF concept that starred at the recent Detroit show. This concept will form the basis for the S-Type replacement due in about 12 months.

We're also kinda hoping Jag decides to give us a road-going version of the XKR GT3, in much the same way that Porsche produces the 911 GT3 for public consumption.