By THEODORE OPARA
THE  styling of this car isn’t about image, it is about true performance. Like other iconic Jaguars before it, the styling has been driven by geometry and aerodynamics for genuine design purity. The physics required to achieve 300km/h have led the aesthetic.”

“This is how Jaguar design chief, Ian Callum sees the Jaguar XKR-S, the fastest and most powerful series production sports car Jaguar has ever built. This 5.0 litre AJ-V8 engine has a top speed of 300km/h and it takes the Jaguar XKR-S only 4.4 seconds to hit 0-100km/h. Jaguar says the XKR-S is not only the quickest Jaguar ever but the most agile, responsive and driver-focused.

*Jaguar XKR-S

The performance of the XKR-S is reflected in both the interior and exterior styling. For instance, in order to balance front and rear lift, the XKR-S features a separate rear wing, the first for the XK range. This addition, with its carbon-fibre centre section, works in concert with similarly constructed ventri structure underneath the rear bumper.

However, the exterior trim is finished in gloss black, complemented by 20 inch Vulcan lightweight forged alloys in a dark technical finish.

The XKR-S is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that helps the engine to hit 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds, while at the same time lenient with fuel consumption. The 20-inch alloys with a nine inches at the front and 10.5 inches at the rear, ensures greater precision and grip.

The tyre size is 255/35 R20 at the front and 295/35 R20 at the rear. This combination, according to Jaguar has reduced overall unsprung mass by 4.8kg with a commensurate improvement in handling and dynamism.

The Dynamic Stability Control System too, ensures better handling and braking.

Also the XKR-S is equipped as standard with Jaguar’s high performance braking system. Lighter and more powerful, this features cast iron and part aluminum monobloc calipers for combination of power, stability and feel. The brake disc-measuring 380mm at the front and 376 at the rear-are internally ventilate to provide repeated, fade-free stopping power.

The interior of the XKR-S is refreshingly unique with a host of premium features including ebony soft-feel paint for the switches and gloss black finish to the centre console. It will also be exclusively available with a dark linear aluminum finish as an option to the wood veneers.

A new leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel is also available. Also, exclusive to this model are the new performance front seats with integrated head restraints and increased lateral and squab support to hold driver and passenger securely and comfortably in place during the high speed cornering of which the car is capable.

The 16-way adjustment of squab, cushion, lumbar and bolster elements is supplemented by memory and heating functions.

However, the sense of occasion offered when driving the XKR-S will b e heightened by the new carbon leather accents covering the seats, featuring unique contrast micro-piping and stitching combination in vein blue, red and ivory. Duotone combinations of charcoal with tan and charcoal with red are also available.