XKR Silverstone Debuts at South Florida International Auto Show
4 October 2000
XKR Silverstone Debuts at South Florida International Auto Show MIAMI, Oct. 4 Jaguar debuts the XKR Silverstone, a special
limited edition based on the award-winning XK8 model, today at the South
Florida International Auto Show. Distinguished by a Platinum Silver exterior
finish, unique 20-inch-diameter alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with cross-drilled
rotors and a special interior treatment, the XKR Silverstone convertible and
coupe expand Jaguar's line of high-performance sports cars in the United
States and Canada.
"The XKR Silverstone celebrates Jaguar's much-anticipated entry into
Formula One competition and, at the same time, commemorates the site of some
of our proudest moments in motorsports from the past," says Mike O'Driscoll,
president of Jaguar North America. "The performance credentials will position
it among today's most sought-after sports cars, while offering a fitting
tribute to the Jaguar heritage."
The XKR Silverstone gets its name from the famed racecourse where the
Jaguar XK 120 garnered its earliest victories in 1949 and where today's Jaguar
R1 Formula One cars compete in the annual British Grand Prix round of the
Formula One circuit. In addition, the XKR Silverstone revives Jaguar's
long-standing practice of building special performance editions of production
vehicles as well as introducing components that will become available as
features under the R Performance brand.
A Performance Package Aimed at Driving Enthusiasts
Equipped with a supercharged version of the AJ-V8 engine that delivers 370
horsepower and 387 ft-lb of torque -- the most powerful mainstream production
engine in the company's history -- the XKR Silverstone coupe is capable of
accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds (5.3 for the convertible; 0
to 100 kph in 5.4 seconds for the coupe, 5.6 seconds for the convertible).
Top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph (249 kph). The car's
performance credentials extend well beyond its straight-line acceleration
figures, too, thanks to a comprehensive package of chassis enhancements.
All Silverstones feature 20-inch "Detroit" style alloy wheels by BBS in a
silver finish unique to this vehicle. The modular wheels, 9 inches wide in
front and 10 inches at the rear, use titanium bolts to attach the rim to the
center section and are the largest wheels ever fitted to a production Jaguar.
Ultra-low-profile Pirelli P Zero tires, 255/35ZR-20 in front and 285/30ZR-20
in rear, have been selected to achieve a high level of cornering grip.
Stopping power is provided by a set of high-capacity Brembo brakes with
four-piston aluminum calipers, finished in silver and bearing the Jaguar logo
in red; both the calipers and the large-diameter ventilated and cross-drilled
rotors are clearly visible through the spoked wheels. The brakes, engineered
jointly with Brembo, the world's leading manufacturer of braking systems for
high-performance cars, were originally developed for the XK 180 concept
roadster.
Custom Calibration for the Computer Active Technology Suspension
Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) is standard
equipment on the XKR Silverstone, providing automatic two-stage damping
calibrated to maximize handling, comfort and driver control. The Silverstone
coupes also benefit from the Performance Handling Pack, in which the
electronic control unit and damper settings of the CATS system are
recalibrated for taut handling. With the Performance Handling Pack, the ride
height of the Silverstone coupe has been lowered 10 millimeters front and
rear.
Further suspension modifications applied to the XKR Silverstone coupe
include a one-millimeter increase in the diameter of the front antiroll bar
(to 26 mm) and, to maintain balance, a two-millimeter decrease in the diameter
of the rear antiroll bar (to 15 mm). The front spring rate is increased 34
percent, and the rear spring rate is 15 percent higher than the standard XKR
coupe specification. In addition, the electronic control unit of the
variable-ratio, speed-sensitive power steering system is tuned for enhanced
precision and feel, and the mounting bushings of the steering rack are
stiffened for this application.
Exclusive Features for a Special Edition
Externally, all XKR Silverstones are recognizable by their Platinum Silver
paint finish; the convertible is fitted with a black top. Each car carries a
Jaguar Silverstone hood badge, showing the Jaguar "Growler" on a black
background surrounded by a silver band. The tread plates at the door opening
also carry the Silverstone inscription.
The Silverstone interior features sport seats and a steering wheel trimmed
in Charcoal leather, with red stitching providing a highlight on the steering
wheel, center console, door armrests and floor mat edging. The stained
bird's-eye maple dashboard trim has the Silverstone identity subtly
highlighted on the passenger side. All cars are equipped with Jaguar's
320-watt Alpine Audiophile Sound System, with multiple speakers and a six CD
autochanger, as well as Jaguar's Navigation System (not available in Canada).
The XKR Silverstone includes the full range of exterior and interior
enhancements introduced across the XK line for the 2001 model year. Chief
among these is the Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.), which uses
a sophisticated network of sensors. The data from these sensors, including
the position of the driver's seat, the usage of safety belts, the front
passenger's seated weight and position, and should a crash occur, the severity
and direction of the impact, are utilized to help determine the appropriate
level of airbag deployment. In addition, a sophisticated ultrasonic sensing
system, which detects passenger position, is scheduled to be introduced as a
running change to model year 2001 XKs.
Other specification enhancements for 2001 XK lineup also on Silverstone
include new front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced safety belts.
Additionally, the front seats have been redesigned with separate head
restraints. XK also receives a package of subtle exterior design changes
including new jewel-effect taillights, chrome trunk-lid plinth, and
flusher-fitting front fog lamps.
