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Jaguar XKR-S GT is a rare 550bhp treat

There’s been a painfully long gap between the New York Motor Show official unveiling and being able to buy the Jaguar XKR-S GT, but at least the wait is almost over.

Jaguar has just announced the XKR-S GT will go on sale in the UK on October 13th, 2013. Now for the bad news: it will cost £135,000. More bad news? Only ten of them will be sold on our shores, making you more likely to grow a third arm than own one.

For all that dosh you can expect the same, thunderous 550bhp, 680Nm 5.0-litre V8 borrowed from the XKR-S coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Fast is an understatement.

Nothing different, then, except the XKR-S GT has been blessed with wider, grippier Pirelli Corsa tyres, a rear wing so large it has its own weather system and up-rated suspension with increased camber, revised bushings and adaptive dampers. All of these changes provide more grip and absurd levels of downforce. In fact, at the electronically limited top speed of 186mph, downforce equals 145kg ─ about the weight of two adults.

The XKR-S GT is also 25kg lighter and much better at coming to a halt, thanks to the use of a carbon ceramic brake system that utilises 398mm and 380mm discs and six- and four-piston monoblock callipers on the front and rear wheels, respectively. Oh, and expect a carbon-fibre front splitter, rear diffuser, extended wheel arch spats and an aluminium valance to improve aerodynamics.

Throw in a wider front track, a new steering system and faster steering ratio (less movement required to throw the car into corners) and you can see why the XKR-S GT can lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7m40s — the fastest time set by a road legal Jaguar.

With so few cars up for grabs, deep-pocketed Jaguar fans should probably get on the dog and bone to order one. Should you miss the boat, 30 are being built for the US and Canadian markets, although you will have to put up with driving on the wrong side of the car.

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