Jaguar XKR gets Speed Pack

Buyers of the Jaguar XKR will now be able to specify a £3,500 Speed Pack that ditches the electronic speed limiter, raising the top speed from 155 mph (250 kph) to 174 mph (280 kph).  Power from the 5.0 litre supercharged V8 is unchanged at 503 bhp, but a recalibrated engine and transmission make the increase possible.



OK, traffic and speed limits probably make that academic in most places, but the pack also includes some useful additions.  The revised front splitter, larger rear spoiler and modified Active Differential Control are all designed to increase stability at high speed.  Visual enhancements comprise body-coloured side sills and rear diffuser, together with chrome around the windows, on both grilles and on the side vents.

For an extra £500, the Black Pack can be specified.  As the name implies, order this and the window surrounds, grilles and wheels are black instead, and the interior is charcoal leather.  Thankfully, the slightly dodgy-looking side stripes are a dealer-fit accessory, so they can be left off.

In the UK the XKR Coupe costs £78,455 with the Speed Pack.  That’s rather good value compared to £86,790 for the (155 mph limited) BMW M6, or £88,995 for the only slightly faster Aston Martin V8 Vantage.