Jaguar's new ultra high performance, supercharged XKR coupe and convertible sports cars, unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March, is now on sale in Australia.

The new XKR models build on the success of the XK8 which made its debut at the Geneva show in 1996 and is now the fastest selling sports car in Jaguar's history, in 1997, Jaguar sold 14,619 XK8s across the globe - 88 per cent higher than 1996. Jaguar projects worldwide sales of the new XKR of around 1,500 cars in 1998 of which 95 per cent will be sold in Europe.

Supercharged V8 Powertrain for Refined Power
The new XKR is powered by the same 4.0 litre supercharged AJ-V8 engine as the Jaguar XJR sports saloon, which, when launched in Australia in October last year, redefined the standards of refined power. Developed at Jaguar's Engineering Centre at Whitley in Coventry, the supercharged AJ-V8 engine features an immensely stiff yet lightweight cylinder block design, providing an excellent platform for pressure charging with refinement. The supercharged AJ-V8 in XKR produces an exhilarating 276 kW DIN (370 bhp), 28 per cent more power than the normally aspirated XK8 models. The XKR's maximum torque of 525 Nm DIN (387 lb.ft) - 33 per cent greater than XK8 - is achieved at only 3600 rev/mm for optimum driveability. The Eaton M112 supercharger from the XJR saloon is retained together with a compact air-to-liquid intercooling system with twin intercoolers - one to each bank.

The five-speed electronically controlled, intelligent, wide ratio automatic transmission provides seamless power delivery while benefiting fuel economy. Minor recalibration of the engine management system and transmission control module is required to suit the XKR application.

Performance with Economy and Low Emissions
The resultant performance makes the XKR the fastest mainstream production Jaguar ever, even faster than the supercharged XJR sports saloon.

The new XKR coupe accelerates from rest to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds (convertible 5.6 seconds). However, the performance advantage of XKR over its saloon stable mate is most marked above 160 km/h.

Despite this prodigious performance, the efficiency of the new XKR powertrain also ensures that fuel economy and emissions are among the leaders in its class. The XKR coup6 achieves 9.6 L/100 km (29.3 mpg) on the EU extra-urban cycle and a combined economy figure of 12.2 L/100km (23.1 mpg).

The advanced, innovative design of the all-aluminium AJ-V8 engine ensures that XKR comfortably meets not only the current stage two emissions requirements of the European Union but those presently proposed for the year 2000.

The twin catalysts, mounted to the exhaust manifold, begin to operate within 30 seconds of start-up, significantly reducing emissions on even the shortest journeys. The thin walled exhaust manifold reduces thermal inertia to speed up catalyst operation. The patented, high velocity cooling system with its low - volume cylinder head and block cooling passages achieves engine warm up in less than four minutes in a simulated urban test cycle. This reduces both cold-start emissions and fuel consumption.

Enhanced Refinement
The new two-piece propshaft is similar in design to that of the supercharged XJR saloon with an equal length between the fore and aft tubes, enhancing refinement. The modified air intake system features two ¼ wave resonators for improved cabin refinement and reduced external noise levels. The exhaust system also incorporates detailed internal design changes for enhanced refinement.

Optimised Dynamic Performance
Jaguar engineers have also modified the suspension, steering, braking and tyre systems to optimise the dynamic performance of XKR.

Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) is standard fitment on XKR. CATS uses adaptive dampers under electronic control to optimise ride and handling in all conditions.

The CATS system for XKR is basically the same as that fitted to the XJR saloon but with a slightly more sporting tune. Together with Bilstein digressive dampers, this combines excellent body control particularly at high speed with a consistent, slightly firmer low speed ride.

New-style cast alloy road wheels of 18 inch diameter are unique to XKR models, but are the same size as the standard XK8 wheels when specified with CATS. These are fitted with Pirelli 'P Zero System' 245/45 ZR 18 tyres on 8 inch rims at the front and 255/45 ZR 18 tyres on 9 inch rims at the rear. The tyres are the same as those fitted to the XK8 coupe.

The sum of these changes is to refine the already excellent XK8 chassis, enhancing both the handling and stability of the high performance XKR.

In common with XK8 and the XJR supercharged saloon, the braking system of the XKR features ventilated discs, front and rear. Uprated, higher friction front disc pads ensure that system performance is maintained at higher operating temperatures. The new brake pads are of a lead-free construction to minimise the impact on the environment, pre-empting future legislative requirements.

The XKR features the Servotronic II steering rack, the first application worldwide for this latest generation ZE system. The electronically controlled speed proportional steering system, with a variable ratio rack bar, is recalibrated to provide a greater degree of weighting at medium to high vehicle speeds, in keeping with the XKR's sporting character. Increased stiffening of the rack bushes - by around 17 per cent - together with the Servotronic II system, improves steering precision and increased steering "feel" during cornering.

Style Enhancements Signal Sporting Character
The award-winning style of the XK8 embodies the unique Jaguar signature, making it instantly recognisable to discerning car enthusiasts worldwide.

The elegant and powerful flowing lines evoke the great Jaguar sports car legends - the XK120, the racebred C and D-Types and the sensuous E-Type.

For XKR, subtle enhancements of the beautiful exterior clearly signal a more powerful and sporting character, emphasising Jaguar's characteristic feline stance.

Twin louvred inserts in the bonnet and a bootlid-mounted spoiler provide visual clues to the supercharged performance beneath the surface as well as maintaining the optimum balance between front and rear end lift. The bonnet louvres also optimise air flow through the high performance cooling system.

The traditional Jaguar oval air intake mouth on XKR features a bright mesh grille in stainless steel, emphasising the family links with its supercharged XJR saloon stable mate.

The colour range for XKR is restricted to eight body colours - including the dramatic new Phoenix Red - specially selected to suit the sporting character of these exciting new models.

Comprehensive Feature Specification
The XKR coup6 and convertible, in traditional Jaguar fashion, represent exceptional value for money with a comprehensive standard specification. Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) and headlamp power wash are optional features on the XK8 which have been made standard on XKR models.

In Australia, the XKR coupe retails at \$203,000 and the convertible at \$231,000. This represents a premium of \$18,000 versus the XK8 providing a supercharged version of the car for a relatively small price increase. Like all Jaguar cars in Australia, each XKR is sold with a three year warranty and free three year, scheduled servicing.

Commenting on the launch of the new XKR, Nick Scheele, Jaguar's Chairman and chief executive said, "XKR provides an unrivalled blend of styling panache, supercar performance, handling precision and outstanding value for money.

"This year Jaguar celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the launch of the brilliant XK120, which set new standards for sports car performance. XKR is a worthy descendant which I am sure will further enhance the reputation and appeal of the XK8 range among motoring enthusiasts worldwide."