2011 Jaguar XKR: Fastest Ever XK to Debut in Geneva

Jaguar announced today that it will unveil the 2011 model year XKR Coupe that benefits from the introduction of two new optional styling and performance packages at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. The new Speed and Black packages allow customers to further personalize the XKR and also raise maximum speed.

Starting with the Speed Pack, a new ECU and transmission recalibration extends the coupe's top speed from the standard model's 155mph or 250km/h to a still electronically limited 174mph or 280km/h, making this XKR the fastest ever production model of the series.

To improve stability, the new package adds a revised front aerodynamic splitter and larger rear spoiler to provide increased balance and a reduction in lift, while the electronic Active Differential Control has been recalibrated to reduce steering sensitivity at high speeds.

Cosmetic tweaks include body-colored side sills and rear diffuser, a chrome finish to the window surrounds, upper and lower mesh grilles, side Power Vents and boot lid finisher plus red brake callipers with a Jaguar 'R' logo that sit inside 20-inch Kasuga alloy wheels.

Those that opt for the Speed Pack will be offered a special paint palette that includes these finishes: Ultimate Black, Polaris White, Salsa Red, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Kyanite Blue and Spectrum Blue.

Moving onto to the Black Pack that's a styling kit available only in conjunction with the Speed Pack, buyers can choose from three different colors -Ultimate Black, and despite its name, Polaris White or Salsa Red.

The kit adds 20-inch gloss black Kalimnos alloy wheels while further gloss black finishing is applied to the window surrounds and front grilles. Body coloured front and rear spoilers and boot lid finisher round out the exterior package while customers can also opt for 'XKR' side body graphic that runs along the door sills.

Inside, all XKRs with the Black Pack are trimmed with Charcoal leather hides that can be personalized with a range of color stitching and grain.

In the UK, pricing for the Speed Pack has been set at £3,500 while the Black Pack costs an additional £500.

Other enchantments for the entire 2011 XKR range, include the red brake callipers and a repair kit that replaces the spare tire that become standard on all XKR Coupe and Convertible models.