Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-door (2012)

The exciting 5-Door version of the all-new Land Rover Range Rover Evoque makes its global public debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17, 2010.

With its stylish and sporting appearance, enhanced by extra practicality and greater family appeal, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door joins the stunning coupé model to create a highly desirable line-up that will transform the premium compact SUV segment.

Like the coupé, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door remains faithful to the spirit of the groundbreaking Land Rover LRX concept car, offering an innovative new interpretation of the original cross-coupé design.

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door also stays true to the core values of the Range Rover brand, providing premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and renowned Land Rover all-terrain capability, but in a more compact package.

"The addition of the 5-Door to the Range Rover Evoque line-up extends the appeal of our brand still further," said Land Rover's Managing Director Phil Popham.

"While retaining everything that's great about the Range Rover Evoque coupé, this new 5-Door bodystyle will offer customers even more choice, greater practicality, versatility and flexibility. The launch of the Evoque in 2011 will expand and revitalise the global appeal of the Range Rover marque."

Commitment to sustainability

With the same compact footprint and advanced technologies as the coupé model, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door reinforces Land Rover's commitment to environmental sustainability. The Evoque is positioned as the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever.

To deliver optimum efficiency, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door features lightweight construction techniques and offers the choice of a front-wheel drive variant. A new range of state-of-the-art petrol and diesel engines comes with direct injection and stop-start. The Range Rover Evoque also adopts low CO2 systems such as Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) and is built to maximise end of life recyclability.

"Enhanced sustainability has been at the centre of the design and development of the Range Rover Evoque," said Phil Popham. "We are offering customers the choice of high-efficiency coupé or 5-Door bodystyles, and both models are highly relevant, very contemporary and extremely desirable."

Coupé style and 5-Door versatility

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door offers an exciting new interpretation of the LRX concept car design, combining the dramatic stance and dynamic appeal of the original cross-coupé with the enhanced functionality offered by a 5-Door format.

"The 5-Door Range Rover Evoque has the same strong emotional appeal as the coupé, while offering the superior versatility of a family vehicle," said Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern.

"The key lines remain intact - the dramatic rising beltline, muscular shoulder running the length of the car, and the distinctive taper to the floating roofline - but with a slightly higher rear roof. The finished vehicle offers impressive levels of space and versatility whilst retaining the overall essence, visual robustness and jewel-like detailing of the coupé."

The more capacious interior of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door has not been achieved by enlarging the compact footprint of the coupé model: the overall length and width remain identical.

Like the coupé, smart design, meticulous engineering and clever packaging has ensured that the Evoque 5-Door delivers the core Range Rover values of luxury, refined performance and all-terrain capability while remaining true to the spirit of the LRX concept design.

Interior quality and versatility

The cabin of the Range Rover Evoque is lavishly appointed with premium quality materials and an elegance befitting of a Range Rover interior.

Customers can specify soft, premium leather and beautifully tailored, twin-needle stitching providing a luxurious finish to almost every surface of the instrument panel, doors and seats.

Measuring 30mm taller than the coupé model, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door adds further space and versatility to the luxurious cabin. Rear seat passengers benefit from over 50mm more shoulder room, along with generous headroom which compares very favourably to traditional sporting saloons.

A full-sized glass panoramic roof enhances the sensation of space and comfort by flooding the interior with natural light, and offers even greater headroom for all occupants.

For growing families, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door provides the versatility and luggage space of a compact station wagon.

The rear seats, with seat belts and head restraints for three passengers, have 60/40 folding seat squabs and are equipped with ISOFIX child seat mounts. When required, luggage capacity can be expanded to a substantial 1445 litres.

Sporting dynamics

On the open road, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door offers a polished driving experience that combines dynamic and sporty handling with responsive, effortless performance and refinement.

"The 5-Door Range Rover Evoque has the same sporting character as the coupé," said Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programmes. "We have focused on ensuring that the car is agile and fun to drive, so that customers have a rewarding experience, even in day-to-day urban driving. Advanced technologies such as MagneRide™ mean we can ensure that this dynamic prowess does not come at the cost of top-quality refinement or comfort."

The optional Adaptive Dynamics system with advanced MagneRide™ dampers provides an exceptional balance between a supple, controlled ride and sharper handling responses.

Capable off-road

Drivers who take their Range Rover Evoque off-road will be reassured to know that, in addition to extremely generous ground clearance, the car has better breakover and departure angles than other compact SUVs.

The Evoque will be the first Range Rover to offer customers a choice between a full-time four-wheel-drive system, which delivers outstanding performance and traction on all surfaces, and a low carbon, front-wheel-drive option for further enhanced fuel economy.

The Range Rover Evoque's formidable all-terrain potential is enhanced by the latest version of the company's signature Terrain ResponseTM system.

Powertrains

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door shares its turbocharged powertrain line-up with the Coupé model. The state-of-the-art diesel and petrol engines offer smooth and responsive performance, blending four-cylinder efficiency with six-cylinder refinement and power.

Customers can choose between two comprehensively updated 2.2-litre turbodiesel derivatives, with 190PS or 150PS.

In the 5-Door model, the front-wheel drive Range Rover Evoque with the 150PS 2.2-litre engine achieves sub 135g/km CO2.

A new 240PS, 2.0-litre Si4 petrol engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing for exceptional driveability and fuel efficiency.

Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programmes, said: "We have combined state-of-the-art powertrains with a lightweight bodyshell and a range of low-carbon technologies to deliver fuel efficiency which is outstanding for a premium SUV."

Innovation

Like the coupé model, the Evoque 5-Door benefits from the same high-end innovative technologies as the larger Range Rovers. An intuitive control system and touch-screen display combines a stylish, uncluttered layout, state-of-the-art functionality with class-leading ease of use.

The display is available with dual-view technology, so that driver and passenger can view independent content.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone and audio streaming, plus a range of USB and auxiliary inputs for iPods and other portable devices.

The Evoque is the first Range Rover to offer breathtaking new sound systems developed in partnership with the high-end audio specialist Meridian. The premium Meridian offering is an 825W, 17-speaker system that delivers the ultimate in surround-sound performance.

Other features available to Range Rover Evoque customers include:

* Park Assist for automated parallel parking
* Blind Spot Monitoring system
* Surround Camera System with five digital cameras, including a reversing system
* Full dual-zone automatic climate control, featuring a Park Heater timer facility
* Hard drive navigation system
* DAB/FM/AM/Sirius tuners, with hard drive virtual 10xCD multiplayer
* Digital and Satellite TV, and DVD playback
* Rear seat entertainment package, with 8-inch video screens, digital wireless headphones and touch screen remote control
* Keyless entry system and powered tailgate
* Adaptive headlamps with Automatic High Beam Assist
* Heated windscreen, front seats and steering wheel

Three design themes

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5-Door follows the coupé model by offering customers the choice of three main vehicle design themes, each with its own distinctive character, exterior treatment and carefully co-ordinated interior package.

'Pure'combines the stunning concept-car exterior with a stylish, clean interior in neutral colours. Soft-touch wrapped materials on the major surfaces contrast with the metal brushed aluminium trim.

'Prestige' is theultimate in Range Rover luxury, combining a bespoke exterior that includes unique, 19-inch wheels and sparkling metallic details with an interior that is almost entirely leather-wrapped.

'Dynamic' brings a bolder exterior with 20-inch wheels and unique bumpers, sills, grille and tailpipes for a more assertive, confident stance. Contrasting roof and spoiler colours are available, while the premium sports interior offers sports seats with splashes of bright contrast colour.

Both coupé and 5-Door models of the Range Rover Evoque will be manufactured at Land Rover's multi award-winning Halewood plant in Merseyside, UK. The car will go on sale in more than 160 markets worldwide from summer 2011. Prices will start from £30,000 / 35,000 EUR.

Renault DeZir Concept (2010)

Renault has provided a preview glimpse of its new Renault DeZir concept car ahead of the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Renault DeZir stands out as an illustration of the brand's commitment to more emotional styling.

Renault DeZir's sensuous lines and bright red finish express passion. Powered by an electric motor, DeZir is proof that environmental concern and a love for cars are by no means incompatible.

The Renault DeZir project is the first to have been led by Laurens van den Acker and marks the start of a sequence of concept cars that will provide an insight into Renault Design's new vision for the future. It also lays the foundations for the styling cues of Renault's forthcoming vehicles.

The public will get its first opportunity to see Renault DeZir at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

DEZIR: THE FIRST EVIDENCE OF RENAULT DESIGN'S NEW VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Under the leadership of Laurens van den Acker, Renault's Design Department has taken its inspiration from the brand's new signature 'Drive the Change!' and explores Renault's styling roots to express the company's powerful human dimension via a new strategy founded on the notion of the 'life cycle'. This vision also builds on the bonds that are gradually forged between the brand and its customers at watershed moments of their lives, such as when they fall in love, start to explore the world, found a family, begin to work, take time to play and attain wisdom.

This approach coincides with the introduction of a new Renault design language that takes its inspiration from the three keywords which communicate the brand's vision, namely 'simple', 'sensuous' and 'warm'.

In keeping with this strategy, Renault's concept cars will progressively express this vision, paving the way for a product plan based on a coherent and clear offer.

To implement this, Renault Design has revised its methodology, and a single team of designers will now be responsible for each new concept car and for the ensuing production model it previews.

FALLING IN LOVE

Renault DeZir is the first project to be led by Laurens van den Acker and exemplifies the brand's new philosophy with regard to design. It also marks the implementation of the strategy based on the notion of 'life cycle'. The first step involves falling in love, an experience that is perfectly illustrated by Renault DeZir's powerful, sensuous styling and bright red finish; red being the colour associated with passion.

"Renault DeZir is a statement of our new formal design language which conveys notions such as movement, sensuality and emotion through ideal proportions, in much the same way as an object whose forms have been honed by nature. The result is a warm, stimulating design that says 'Renault'," explains Axel Breun, Renault's Director of Concept Car and Show Car Design. Fluidity was an overriding theme from the initial preliminary sketches, and was expressed by a blend of simple forms and generous volumes. "My early source of inspiration stemmed from the liquid sensation, wave-like movement and contrasts in light associated with certain rippled surfaces," observes Yann Jarsalle, who was in charge of Renault DeZir's exterior styling. "By directly laying out volumes and not just joining together a number of surfaces by lines, I felt more in tune with the world of sculpture than with that of architecture."

The result is a two-seater coupé which is both sculptural in spirit yet perfectly harmonious.

Renault DeZir's shape features prominent wheel arches that accommodate 21-inch wheels, the design of which took its inspiration from the notion of movement.

Meanwhile, the sides feature a combination of flush and recessed forms that play on contrasting light patterns.

Behind the beauty, an electric car

The 'Z' in the name Renault DeZir is a direct reference to Renault's Z.E. signature, and several features of its design are suggestive of two qualities readily associated with electric mobility, namely advanced technology and light weight. Indeed, the recessed, linear styling of the front air intake and the entire rear-end convey an impression of lightness in addition to efficiently channelling battery-cooling air from the front to the rear.

To provide rhythm and balance to the overall package, this smooth, fluid skin contrasts with the ripple effect seen on the aluminium side panels, roof and headlight 'eyelids'. The design of these features alludes to the ripples which can form when a breeze blows over water, while the geometric pattern adds an unmistakable high-tech feel.

The prevailing bright red colour of the body interacts with the graphical forms of the cross-drilled aluminium side panels which equally exude a sense of light weight and technology.

The geometric forms of the glazed areas also contribute to Renault DeZir's easy-to-read overall design and are reminiscent of a fighter-plane cockpit or certain endurance racing prototypes. The absence of a rear window is overcome by the fitment of two rear-facing cameras which provide the driver with a panoramic view of what is happening behind the car.

The creative thinking behind the design of the front end was aimed at recalling Renault's styling heritage, while at the same time paving the way for the design trends of the brand's forthcoming models.

Renault DeZir's front end features a full-width air-intake which strikes out either side of a large, verticallypositioned Renault logo that proudly displays the car's brand pedigree. Meanwhile, the chrome finish of the lozenge contrasts with the dark aspect of the grille to express the statement still further. The air scoops situated at the outer extremities of the front air intake are a legacy of Renault's formal styling language and form an integral part of the air intake's design, as do the headlights which sit above these scoops.

The front-end design previews the new front-end identity that is poised to become a feature of all Renault models in the future.

The headlights take the form of backlit prisms, which make them a highly graphic feature. The perforated 'eyelids' add to this high-tech feel and contribute to Renault DeZir's specific lighting signature. Rear lighting is provided by an illuminated, seemingly floating strip that extends across the full width of the car. The Renault logo is highlighted by backlighting through the fins of the grille and consequently appears to hover in the middle of this space.

The gull-wing doors are another feature that embody automotive passion and reveal a refined interior, while the fact that the left- and right-hand doors open in opposite directions symbolizes a yin and yang-style amorous harmony.

The interior design also suggests lightness. "Love is a sentiment that lifts you; gives you wings," says Stéphane Maïore, who was in charge of Renault DeZir's interior styling. "Inside DeZir, you feel like you're floating on a cloud," adds Stéphanie Petit, Colours and Materials Designer. The forms are soft and light, while the predominant colour is white, although there are also echoes of the same passion red used for the exterior. The materials employed for the interior, like the senses they awaken, are precious, with white leather upholstery and trimming for the seats, dashboard and floor, along with a red lacquered finish for the console and accessories.

The one-piece, two-seater front benchseat provides cocoon-like comfort. To emphasise the sensation of a shared passion and lightness, it comprises a number of interlocking elements trimmed in white leather, with a quilted pattern on the passenger's side, and a contrasting uniform finish on the driver's side, as if to suggest an inexorable attraction between the two. The embroidered pattern on the leather is based on a graphical representation of the Renault logo and is an example of refined of couture a la française. This technique also provides an indication of the coming trend for future production models.

The interior styling takes its inspiration from the idea of an amorous encounter and is based on a coming together of opposites:

* the cockpit-style driver's environment contrasts with the ethereal lightness of the dashboard and the feel of the white leather bench seat,
* the driver's door features a bright red lacquered finish, while the panel of the passenger-side door is trimmed in white leather,
* the dashboard, too, features contrasting finishes, with one part trimmed in white leather and another which exudes a more high-tech feel, with a grained effect that recalls the finish of certain exterior components,
* the white benchseat seems to float on a red-hued bed of light which, once again, symbolises passion. This lighting gently pulses to a rhythm that suggests a beating heart.

But couples also seek to protect one another, and the forms of the interior are suggestive of this notion of protection:

* the centre console seems to present the transmission-mode selection lever to the driver, ensuring that it is within easy reach,
* the housing of the transmission-mode selection lever reveals luminous petals which indicate the selected mode,
* the steering column is shrouded in a red housing that extends up to the steering wheel hub itself.

AN ELECTRIC BEAUTY

Renault DeZir is powered by an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position to optimize weight distribution over the front and rear wheels. The vertically-mounted 24kW/h lithium-ion battery is located behind the benchseat and provides the car with a range of 160km. Battery cooling is ensured not only by the air channelled from the front to the back of the car, but also - and above all - by the flow of air that enters through the lateral scoops concealed behind the aluminium panels on either side of the body. The basic motor is the same as the unit used for Renault's production electric cars, although an evolution has enabled its power and torque to be uprated to 110kW (150ch) and 226Nm respectively.

Three battery-charging methods can be employed:

* a standard charge using a conventional household plug (fully charges the battery in eight hours).
* a fast charge using a 400V three-phase current (charges the battery to 80 per cent of its capacity in 20 minutes).
* a fast battery exchange thanks to Renault's Quick Drop technology.

In order to optimise range and dynamic performance, Renault Design's technical teams have kept Renault DeZir's weight to a minimum: its body is made from Kevlar, while its tubular steel frame is similar to that employed for Mégane Trophy race car. Renault DeZir's suspension also shares certain features with that of Mégane Trophy - including a double wishbone arrangement - to deliver a particularly high standard of handling precision.

Renault DeZir's aerodynamics have been carefully honed, too, thanks to full underbody fairing and a rear diffuser. The result of this work is a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, as well as outstanding acceleration, with Renault DeZir capable of accelerating from rest to 100kph in five seconds, and from standstill to 50kph in just two seconds.

Renault DeZir's energy efficiency package also includes the recovery of deceleration energy. The technology it employs is based on the same principles as the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) seen in Formula 1. When the car decelerates, kinetic energy is recovered and stored in the battery. In the case of Renault DeZir, this energy can then be employed by the driver to provide a temporary power boost at the moment he or she chooses, using a button located on the steering wheel.

Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the design of the driver interface. The dashboard visually mirrors the sensations felt at the wheel by means of a graphic display of data received from the accelerometer and speed sensors.

The central touchscreen display incorporates a smart navigation system that synchronises journey information with the driver's diary in order to optimise task management and itineraries. Software incorporated in the dashboard provides drivers with a real-time indication of their energy management ability via a fun interface that uses video-game style graphics.

A DeZir for music

Within the framework of the creation of an audio signature for the brand's upcoming electric vehicles, Renault has been working closely with the highly-regarded IRCAM (Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique, founded by Pierre Boulez in 1969) to define the sound that best reflects Renault DeZir's personality.

Dimensions

* Length: 4,225 mm
* Width: 1,968 mm
* Height: 1,163 mm
* Height, with doors open: 2,256 mm
* Width, with doors open: 2,682 mm
* Ground clearance: 110 mm
* Wheelbase: 2,582 mm
* Front track: 1,600 mm
* Rear track: 1,705 mm

Technical data

* Motor: Electric synchronous motor with rotor coil
* Power: 110 kW / 150 hp
* Maximum torque: 226 Nm
* Top speed: 180 km/h
* Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5 seconds
* Acceleration 0-50 km/h: 2 seconds
* Battery: Lithium-ion (24 kW/h)
* Range: 160 km
* Transmission: Rear-wheel drive; Direct, drive, with reducer and forward/reverse inverter
* Drive: Electric with active differential
* Chassis: Tubular steel frame
* Wheels and tyres: 245/35 R 21
* Diameter of ventilated brake discs: 356 mm (front and rear)
* Callipers: 6 pistons (front and rear)
* Cd (drag coefficient): 0.25
* Kerb weight: 830 kg

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport (2011)

On a beautiful sunny day at 25 degrees the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport achieved a new landspeed world record for production cars, on the proving grounds of the Volkswagen Group at Ehra-Lessien (nearby its headquarters at Wolfsburg). In the presence of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV) and a representative of Guinness Book of Records the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport achieved an average top speed of 431 km/h.

Saturday, 2 pm - Bugatti's Pilote Officiel Pierre Henri Raphanel puts his helmet and gloves on, pulls the safety belts tight whilst the engineers check the car a very last time: tyre pressure, temperature, all systems go. Then the orange black Bugatti Veyron Super Sport crosses the light barrier, from now on the time will be taken, within one hour the car has to drive from South to North and then in the opposite direction. No one but the driver is allowed to touch the car during this time. The tension rises. A few minutes later we can hear from the left side the sound of a starting jumbo jet coming closer towards us. First we perceive the headlights of the Veyron, then we can recognize the shape of the car, a loud wooosh…. and Raphanel dashes in top speed past us. The GPS-tachometer stops at 427, 933 km/h. Now the same procedure from the opposite direction. This time the car reaches 434, 211 km/h. As average top speed the representatives of the "TÜV"and Guinness generate a value of 431, 072 km/h (268 mph). This even hit Bugatti's engineering team by surprise.





"We took it that we would reach an average value of 425 km/h," explains Bugatti's chief engineer Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, "but the conditions today were perfect and allowed even more."

The climax of the Veyron series: the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Had a model been especially popular or highly successful in races, Ettore Bugatti's customers often pushed the master to tease out of the engine a few horsepower more for their future car. Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. had been in a similar situation when their existing customers asked the company to not only design their second model optically differently but to also create a version with a sportier and more extreme driving experience. The result is a car with a uniquely high performance of 1,200-hp (882 kW) offering experienced drivers a whole new dimension of excitement, with a maximum torque of 1,500 Newton metres and a limited top speed of 415 km/h (to protect the tyres) but, the technique of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is identical to the record car. The first five Bugatti Veyron Super Sports to come off the production line will constitute a special series of their own, with the same configuration as the landspeed record car.

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is a consequent of the further development of the classic exclusive 1,001-hp Bugatti Veyron 16.4, launched in 2005. This model offers a stunning set of specifications, such as the twin clutch gearbox with seven speeds, the extraordinarily precise driving performance in bends and excellent stability when braking and accelerating.

Continuous work in extreme performance ranges lead to constantly new conclusions, which enabled the engineers at Bugatti to develop the Veyron into a direction in which the driver can reach new dimensions. Every modification is designed to produce an even more powerful car for an agile ride. Four enlarged turbochargers and bigger intercoolers have been used to boost the power of the 16-cylinder engine, and the chassis has been extensively redesigned to maintain safety at extreme speed - thanks to slightly raised main-spring travel, stronger stabilisers, and new shock absorbers with a complex architecture originally developed for racing cars. This gives noticeably more precise control of the wheels and the car as a whole. With lateral acceleration of up to 1.4 G and improved interaction between the tyres and the intelligent all-wheel drive system, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport offers perfect handling and even more powerful acceleration of 1,500 Newton metres on corner exits.

The body has been fine-tuned to improve aerodynamic efficiency and maintain perfect balance in every situation, while the new fibre structure of the all-carbon monocoque ensures maximum torsion rigidity and passive safety - at reduced weight. The skin is made entirely of carbon-fibre composites, and the new Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is available in 100 per-cent clearlacquered exposed carbon on request.

Dynamic exterior

Every detail of this car, and not just its use of advanced motorsport technology, harks back to the pioneering spirit of company founder Ettore Bugatti. This brilliant designer came from a family of artists, and his philosophy was always to combine mechanical perfection and exterior beauty. This ethos remains alive and well at the company, and the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is wholly unmistakeable, with every external modification serving to coax greater performance from the car.

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport's flat, elongated silhouette is immediately recognisable. The 16-cylinder engine gets its air from two NACA ducts integrated into the roof, rather than from scoops above the engine. The front air intakes have been expanded and reshaped, with the lower one extending elegantly around the sides to the wheel arch. The revised back looks sportier due to the double diffuser and a centrally arranged exhaust system.

Bugatti has a tradition of making super-sport versions of successful models, usually with racing chassis and supercharged engines. These cars were considered as true racing machines for diehard Bugatti devotees. The most successful were the type 55 and type 57S; only around forty of each were built.

Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has sold 260 Veyrons and 35 Grand Sports by now, of which 249 Veyrons and 22 Grand Sports had been delivered. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport will begin production in the autumn of 2010 at Molsheim along with the Veyron and the Grand Sport. The first five cars - known as the World Record Edition - are in a special black exposed carbon and orange finish and have already been sold.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport will appear for the first time in public in California at the Pebble Beach Concours weekend in mid-August and will be featured at The Quail, Monterey Historic Races at Laguna Seca and on the concept lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Jaguar XKR 75 (2010)

An exclusive Jaguar XKR 75 makes its debut at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr Ralf Speth, initiated the challenge to the Jaguar engineering team to construct an XKR to celebrate Jaguar's 75th anniversary, which would deliver a combination of enhanced performance, superb chassis and steering control and grip levels to inspire the driving enthusiast to explore the true potential of the XKR's capabilities.

Mike O'Driscoll, managing director, Jaguar Cars, said "The Jaguar XKR 75 will provide owners with exclusivity, excitement and a hint of Jaguar's great heritage. This is a fitting way to celebrate the sporting credentials of the XK marque in the 75th year of the Jaguar name", he continued.

Jaguar engineers increased the power and torque of the acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged engine to 530PS and 655Nm respectively for the Jaguar XKR 75, to deliver truly outstanding performance. While the limited edition model's top speed is electronically limited to 174mph (280km/h), the Jaguar XKR 75's 0-60mph (100km/h) acceleration time is reduced from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds compared to the standard 510 PS XKR.

Using the rigid lightweight aluminium architecture of the XK as a solid foundation, the increased power of the Jaguar XKR 75 is matched by an agile, dynamic chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.


The Jaguar XKR 75 features revised suspension and handling for increased precision and agility in addition to the performance enhancements. To ensure the Jaguar XKR 75 remains stable at high speeds, a revised aerodynamic body pack with a front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR's computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.

And with an improved acoustics package for the semi-active sports exhaust, the Jaguar XKR 75 produces a pulse-racing growl to match its performance.

The car's driver-focussed character, however, has not been achieved at the expense of the Jaguar traditional values of refinement and comfort.

"We conceived the XR 75 as a sports car with a duality of character that makes it perfectly suited to driving across Europe to the Nurburgring, completing some very fast laps, and then driving home again, added Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity.

The Jaguar XKR 75 features a new Stratus Grey finish. Red brake callipers contrast the eye-catching 20-inch gloss Vortex forged lightweight alloys with a dark technical finish and diamond turn. Customers will have the option to apply a unique body graphic that runs from the front bumper to the rear haunches.

The Jaguar XKR 75's interior completes the driver-focussed performance environment finished in Charcoal with ivory stitch, piano black finish to facia and centre console and a Jet suedecloth headlining.


THE JAGUAR XKR 75 AT A GLANCE

The unique features of the exclusive new XKR 75 include:

•Increased performance through detailed engine and transmission recalibration
◦Power increased to 530PS (compared to 510 PS on XKR)
◦Torque increased to 655Nm (compared to 625Nm on XKR)
◦Upgraded torque converter to handle the increased torque
•Upgraded suspension systems for increased precision and agility
◦Increased spring and damper rates (front springs 28 per cent stiffer, rear springs 32 per cent stiffer)
◦New fully-machined aluminium front and revised rear suspension upright for increased camber stiffness (increased by 25 per cent)
◦Re-tuned Adaptive Dynamics damper control software
◦Reduced ride height (15mm front and 10mm rear)
•Aerodynamic body pack with body coloured finish to front splitter, side sills extensions and rear diffuser, and body coloured larger rear spoiler and rear trunk lid finisher
•Sports exhaust with improved performance and acoustics - system has new crossover pipe and larger exhaust outlets
•New Stratus Grey exterior paint with optional graphics pack
•Red brake callipers surround 20" Vortex forged lightweight alloy wheels, diamond turned with dark grey finish
•XKR performance interior in Charcoal and Ivory stitch leather, with Jet suedecloth headlining and XKR 75 tread plate
•Active front lighting
•Final calibration was done in partnership with the RSR engineering team which has been collaborating with Jaguar on the 2010 motorsport programme.
Production of the Jaguar XKR 75 is limited to just 75 vehicles, which will be available to order from July 2010 in the UK priced from £85,500 OTR. Customer deliveries will commence during October 2010.