Jaguar Land Rover’s new CEO, Dr Ralf Speth, challenged his engineering team to create an exclusive, limited-edition XKR to celebrate Jaguar’s 75th anniversary this year. The resulting XKR 75 will be seen at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which starts next Friday, 2 July.

Power and torque of the ‘standard’ 5.0-litre supercharged engine have been increased to 530PS and 655Nm, with a top speed electronically limited to 174mph. The XKR 75 dispatches 0-62mph (100km/h) in 4.4 seconds, instead of the 4.6 seconds of the standard 510PS XKR.

As well as the increase in performance, the XKR 75 has an upgraded suspension and handling package, with a revised aerodynamic body pack that features a front splitter, side sill extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler.

There’s also a sports exhaust with improved acoustics, Jaguar promising a “pulse-racing growl”.

Says Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity, “We conceived the XKR 75 as a sportscar with a duality of character that makes it perfectly suited to driving across Europe to the Nürburgring, completing some very fast laps, and then driving home again.”

The limited-edition XKR 75 has a new Stratus Grey finish, with red brake calipers and 20-inch gloss Vortex forged lightweight alloys, featuring a dark technical finish and diamond turn. An optional body graphic runs – if the customer chooses it – from the front bumper to the rear haunches. Inside, the finish is Charcoal with ivory stitch, plus piano black detailing to fascia and centre console and a Jet suedecloth headlining.

Just 75 examples of the XKR 75 will be produced, available to order from July 2010 in the UK, priced from £85,500 OTR. Deliveries start in October. As well as the UK, the XKR 75 will be available in Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands and Belgium.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Jaguar