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Geneva stages set for clash of the titans unveiled today
publication date: Mar 1, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Jaguar will launch its most potent series production
car ever, the all-new XKR-S, at the Geneva Motor Show today.
This all-new model
will significantly broaden the appeal of the XK range, offering enthusiastic
drivers a compelling, fresh choice in the luxury GT class. |  |
With an uprated
supercharged V8 engine, overhauled suspension and a new aerodynamically-driven
design, the XKR-S is the ultimate expression of Jaguar's long held duality of
purpose: GT luxury with incredible performance.
"The XKR-S is a bold
and exciting new model for Jaguar," said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar's new Global
Brand Director. "We expect to attract both loyal and new Jaguar driving
enthusiasts who still want the comfort, opulence and class only a Jaguar can
offer, combined with inspirational performance."
The XKR-S produces
550PS and 680Nm of torque, enough power to offer a top speed of 186mph (300km/h).
Its performance credentials speak for themselves: 0-60mph takes 4.2 seconds,
with 0-100mph dismissed in just 8.6 seconds.
The XKR-S is not
merely the quickest Jaguar ever, but also the most agile, responsive and
driver-focused. It exploits the XK's strong, lightweight aluminium body
architecture to maximise both handling and economy. Alongside its incredible
performance, the XKR-S is the only car in its class that emits less than
300g/km CO2.
Bespoke suspension
changes to the front and rear offer ultimate precision, control and driver
appeal, while a reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics system allows the enthusiastic
driver to explore the edges of the handling envelope.
|  | Alongside the
exciting new XKR-S, Jaguar will be marking the 50th anniversary of
the E-Type with the first in a series of celebrations that take place during
2011.
Jaguar will be
hosting E-Type drives at the Parc des Eaux Vives in Geneva, where the original
car was launched by the marque's founder, Sir William Lyons, half a century ago.
| | | |  | Aston Martin introduces the new Virage - supremely
elegant and powerful, yet juxtaposed as an understated sports car.
The marque can now
provide customers with a class-leading range, all with different characters,
yet with the same unique Aston Martin soul and luxury. | The Virage sits
between the enduringly elegant DB9 and overtly sporting DBS.
Beautiful, dynamic
and prestigious, the Virage combines outright sports car performance with
luxury, comfort and refinement.
The front mid-mounted V12 engine's torque
delivery provides outstanding performance, coupled with the car's inherent
agility and perfect weight distribution delivering the ideal balance between
outright sports car performance and trademark sporting luxury exemplified by
modern Aston Martins.
Aston Martin's
revered hand-built 6.0 litre V12 engine produces 490 bhp (365 kW/497 PS)
and 570 nM (420 lb. Ft) of torque and through its carbon fibre prop shaft, is
mated to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the
transaxle contributing to perfect 50:50 weight balance.
The Virage's
dynamics have been tuned to deliver an engaging yet more refined driving
experience, where the driver can extract the maximum performance from the car
with greater ease. A newly developed Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
intelligently ‘reads' the road to provide optimum road holding, adapting to
different conditions. The system now selects up to five different stiffness
settings within normal mode, and a further five stiffer settings within sport
mode.
Standard equipment
includes heated Sports seats, cruise control, satellite
navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and the powerful 700W Aston Martin
Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II integration.
| The Virage and
Virage Volante are on sale now, available from Aston Martin's global dealership
network spanning 132 dealerships in 41 countries.
Pricing for the new Virage
will be confirmed at the Show where it will be joined by two
further new cars, the V8 Vantage S and the new Tailor-Fit Cygnet city car, also due in 2011. |  |
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