Victory

Now a familiar sight on the racetracks of North America, the mighty 650bhp racing version of XKR coupe has achieved three of four outright Manufacturer's Championship wins in the Trans-Am Series for Jaguar. For the 2004 season, the Jaguar R Performance XKR driven by Paul Gentilozzi, propelled him to his 29th career Trans-Am victory, tying the legendary Mark Donohue's career Trans-Am win record.

From the landmark XK120 sports car that first introduced the famous XK name in 1948, through the XK8 and XKR coupes and convertibles of today, the XK nameplate has become synonymous with style, luxury, performance and grand touring ability.

"The XK 'Victory' edition is not only a celebration of the XK's success in Trans-Am, but also its enduring success as one of the world's great-looking sports GT cars," stated C.J. O'Donnell, executive vice president of Marketing, Sales and Communications for Jaguar North America.

There will be a special 'Victory' edition version of each of the four XK models -- XK8 convertible, XK8 coupe, supercharged XKR convertible and supercharged XKR coupe. All models share the same sensuous lines and flowing curves that give the XK its seductive profile. Just 1,050 of the special 'Victory' edition XKs will be available in the US beginning in June 2005. The XK8 coupe and convertible continue to be powered by the normally aspirated, 294bhp, all-aluminium AJ-V8 Jaguar engine, while the supercharged XKR derivatives again pack a potent 390 horsepower. For the XKR Trans-Am racecar, power comes from a highly tuned version of the normally aspirated 4.2-liter AJ-V8 road car engine developing a massive 650bhp.

The special XK 'Victory' edition road cars will arrive in four exclusive, limited edition exterior colours (other standard XK colours will also be available on 'Victory' models) -- Black Copper Metallic, Frost Blue Metallic, Bay Blue Metallic and Satin Silver Metallic -- with four interior colours and two distinct veneer options for the dashboard to create 18 possible combinations for the buyer to choose from. Victory editions will offer a Carbon Fibre interior package on all XKR models, as well as feature a new Elm wood veneer on all XK8 models.

The 2006 Jaguar XK 'Victory' models will benefit from several additional new features including standard Bluetooth® wireless connectivity. With Bluetooth, a compatible telephone may be wirelessly controlled via the XK's steering wheel controls, without ever leaving the driver's pocket or purse, for easy, hands-free use.

The XK8 models currently feature 19-inch 'Atlas' style wheels, which will now come standard with a sporty chrome finish, while the XKR models get a new unique 20-inch BBS wheel design. The XKR also gets cross-drilled Brembo® brake rotors, while the XK8 adds power-fold exterior mirrors. Tying in with the racing heritage, special badging and accents will adorn the 'Victory' models in acknowledgement of the XK's racing achievements -- polished door tread plates featuring chequered flag emblems and leather-edged floor mats. The Jaguar Growler badge also features chequered flag accents on the sides of the emblem. Pricing begins at just over $70,000 and will only be available on the US market.