Jaguar has announced two new option packs for the XKR Coupe, one of which increases the supercharged XK's performance.
In the new Speed Pack, output from the 5.0-litre V8 remains unchanged at 503bhp and 461lb ft of torque but, in a clear stroke of genius, the maximum speed has been increased from 155mph to 174mph. This comes thanks to an upping of the electronic speed limiter (it's still limited, though) and some tweaks to the ECU and gearbox calibration.
Chief Programme Engineer for the XK, Russ Varney, comments: "Many of our customers have expressed an interest in a car that can safely be driven faster where conditions permit. The new Speed Pack allows them to release some of that potential and give them control of the fastest Jaguar XK we've made to date."
'Speed Pack' adds top-end poke
There are some aerodynamic improvements to help manage the increased top whack, with a revised front splitter and a beefed-up rear spoiler to reduce lift and increase stability. The Active Differential Control (ADC) has also been adjusted to help reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds.
Some subtle aesthetic bits are also included in the Speed Pack. The sills and rear-diffuser are body-coloured, there are chrome window surrounds and mesh grilles, and red brake callipers marked by a Jaguar 'R' logo.
An additional option pack called the Black Pack will be released at the same time, adding some extra styling pizazz. It gives the XKR Speed Pack gloss black wheels, window surrounds and grilles, along with a choice of three special paint shades and body-coloured spoilers. There's also the option of an 'XKR' graphic along the door sills. The interior gets a similarly dark tone, with new black and charcoal options for the leather and veneers.
XKR 'Black Pack' in - er - white
The rest of the XK and XK convertible range gets some very minor tweaks for the 2011 model year, with red brake callipers becoming standard, and a system called IMS (Instant Mobility System) that negates the need for a spare tyre, freeing up the 30-litre wheel well for extra luggage.
The revised XK and XKR range will be revealed at the Geneva motor show next month. Prices for the facelifted XK coupe remain unchanged with the base model costing £61,955, rising to £74,955 for the XKR. The Speed Pack costs £3500 and adding the Black Pack costs another £4000, bringing the total bill for a top-of-the-range XKR up to £82,455. The new packs are not available on the convertible XKR at present.
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