Geneva: 2008 Jaguar XKR Portfolio

The sun is just about to rise in Geneva, Switzerland and with it the first press day of the 2007 Geneva Motor Show will begin. Jaguar will have on hand a new edition of its most well-received model called the XKR Portfolio. The Portfolio is more than just a cosmetic upgrade of the already attractive XKR, though it does have a few extra upgrades to its exterior like a rich Celestial Black paint job, revised front bumper, hood vents, polished aluminum side vents and bold Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels. A new interior veneer called Engine-Spun Alloy is also available in addition to the traditional Satin American Walnut. The XKR Portfolio is also sporting the first colaboration between Jaguar and high-end audio manufacturer Bowers & Wilkes on a production car, the fruit of which is a 525-watt Dolby Pro Logic II surround system with specially designed B&W speakers.

While the XKR's supercharged 4.2L V8 remains unchanged with 420 horsepower on tap, this predator cat does get an upgraded braking system with larger 15.75-inch front rotors being pinched by six-piston calipers and 13.75 rear ones with four-piston calipers, which Jaguar claims are the largest ever discs for a production cat from the U.K.

The Jaguar XKR Portfolio will be available at the end of the month, though we don't know in how many numbers nor for how much. The XK itself is currently the best that Jaguar has to offer, and the XKR Portfolio adds a few more superlatives on which the struggling automaker can hang its hope for a revival.

[Source: Autoblog]

Hi-res image gallery and official press release after the jump.


PRESS RELEASE:

2008 JAGUAR XKR PORTFOLIO
Jaguar XKR Portfolio

*New special edition XKR Portfolio offers even greater technology and luxury to customers seeking the ultimate sports coupe or convertible.
*Unique exterior styling revisions include 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels, polished aluminium side power vents and Celestial Black paint.
*Advanced aluminium construction, 420bhp supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine and six-speed Jaguar sequential shift transmission with paddleshift for superb dynamic performance.
*New high-performance braking system with 400mm front discs and 350mm rear discs – the largest ever fitted to a production Jaguar.
*Choice of new interior veneer - Engine-Spun Alloy – or elegant Satin American Walnut.
*First production Jaguar to use new Bowers & Wilkins speaker system exclusively crafted for XKR Premium Sound system.

Jaguar Cars is adding even more appeal to the 'must have' XKR with the unveiling of the all-new special edition Portfolio model. The 4.2-litre supercharged sports car will be sold worldwide and each one will feature notable additions to the already strong specification of the XKR, which is capable of hitting an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph and can accelerate to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the convertible).

The XKR's already powerful sporting styling cues – an enhanced front bumper, bonnet louvres and aluminium-finish grilles and side power vents – will remain and exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint and 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels add to the overall presence.

The XKR's interior represents a truly sophisticated yet driver-focussed environment thanks to class-leading ergonomics, user-friendly in-car technology and simple, clear information displays in the instrument panel and main dashboard area.

The XKR Portfolio will combine this acclaimed design and performance with Jaguar's engineering and craftsmanship skills to take the XKR to an even higher level. Every XKR benefits from its class-leading, advanced aluminium construction, which ensures that its power is matched by a dynamic, lightweight chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.

Now, to offer even greater braking ability, Jaguar's Special Vehicles team has worked alongside leading brake manufacturer Alcon to create the largest, most powerful brakes a production Jaguar has ever carried. After extensive testing by experts at Jaguar's specialist engineering centre (which is based next to the legendary Nürburgring race circuit in Germany), the new XKR Portfolio braking system was conceived.

400mm front brake discs – an increase of 45mm over the standard XKR – are retarded by powerful six-piston callipers, while at the rear four-piston calipers operate on 350mm discs. Innovative race-developed crescent-shaped grooves cut into the surface of the discs prevent a build-up of deposits on the brake pads and improve braking performance under extreme use.

By allowing the heat created within the system to dissipate quickly and efficiently the XKR Portfolio's brakes produce fade-free performance whilst maintaining Jaguar renowned blend of refinement and stopping power. Unique 'R' branding on the front brake calipers reveals the six-piston set-up beneath.

Surrounding the XKR Portfolio's brakes are polished 20-inch five-spoke Cremona wheels, while behind the front wheels sit all-new Power Vents which are hewn from polished aluminium and incorporate the indicator side repeater and Jaguar signature 'ingot'. An exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint will also serve to differentiate the XKR Portfolio edition. (UK and Switzerland have a Liquid Silver paint option as well.)

A host of new additions to the interior further the luxurious look and feel of the XKR Portfolio. A unique, and quite beautiful, Engine-Spun aluminium veneer is standard on the Portfolio, while customers will also have the option of an elegant Satin American Walnut veneer. A new alloy and leather gearshift selector, soft-grab door handles, contrast stitching throughout the cabin, leather-edged mats with a Jaguar logo and distinctive Portfolio treadplates on the doorsills complete the effect.

The XKR Portfolio also marks another first for Jaguar: the first production example of its new partnership with renowned audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins. This world-leading loudspeaker manufacturer worked alongside Jaguar to create a stunning speaker system for the recent C-XF concept car, but the XKR Portfolio is the first production Jaguar to benefit from the relationship.

Taking Jaguar's 525W Premium Audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound as a starting point, Bowers & Wilkins have crafted a signature speaker system specifically for the XKR's cabin. High-output, low-distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and specially designed aluminium-dome tweeters deliver superb mid-range and extended high-frequency responses.

The new Jaguar XKR Portfolio special edition is available to order from the end of March 2007.

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