Jaguar's new 200mph XK 21 | 04 | 2011

SIX YEARS after it went on sale in Scottish dealerships, Jaguar has given its XK range a significant makeover; and the new line-up will include what is believed to be the company’s fastest production car yet.

Powered by a 543bhp supercharged 5.0-litre V8, the new XKR-S — which has received extensive changes to the chassis as well as to the exterior styling — will hit 100mph in just 8.7sec. Top speed, though electronically limited to 186mph, is thought to be close to 200mph once unrestricted.

The new XKR-S boasts 8% more power than the XKR and 9% more torque from its updated version of Jaguar’s familiar V8. The result is 5% more torque than the Porsche 911 Turbo and 10% more power. The range-topped also gets a revised exhaust, to reduce back pressure and provide a more appealing engine note.

Shown for the first time at the New York Motor Show, the 2012 model year XK range has smaller headlamps, with LED running lights, a new bumper and grille, plus a redesigned nose.

The design — under the ever-watchful eye of Scot Ian Callum — also introduces new front wings which now feature horizontal vents; Callum has avoided these in the past simply because the are a styling signature associated with Aston Martin.

Inside the XK — which now comes in a choice of 17 exterior colours, six new interior colourways and three new veneers — there's an upgraded instrument cluster and blue LED interior ambient lighting, a new rotary gear selector, steering wheel and switchgear.

As you would expect, the superfast XKR-S gets its own unique, aggressive styling. Externally there's a prominent rear spoiler and a carbonfibre lower rear valance, plus a new front bumper and carbonfibre splitter, new sills. The cabin also gets 16-way adjustable performance seats and leather embossed with a carbonfibre weave pattern.

CLICK HERE to see more images of the new Jaguars XF, XFR and XK

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars

Jim McGill