Geneva Motor Show 2008

It was a Swiss show, but Jaguar was flying the flag for Britain with its sensational new XKR-S high performance range-topper.

With a host of body modifications, chassis upgrades and a 174mph top speed, the Jag is aimed squarely at Aston Martin’s N400 and Maserati’s Granturismo Sport.

Externally, the newcomer is identified by an aerodynamic bodykit that features a deeper airdam, side skirts, a larger boot-mounted spoiler and race car-style rear splitter below the rear bumper. Special 20-inch ‘Vortex’ alloy wheels hide a powerful Alcon R Performance braking system.

Under the bonnet is the firm’s familiar 420bhp supercharged 4.0-litre V8. Connected to the quick-shifting semi-auto gearbox, it lets the XKR-S rocket from standstill to 60mph in 4.9 seconds, while tweaks to the engine management raise the top speed to 174mph. The active exhaust system means that the newcomer will have a sporty soundtrack to match its performance.

The Jag will be just as effective in the corners as it is in a straight line. With bespoke springs, recalibrated active dampers and revised steering, the car will be the most involving drive in the manufacturer’s line-up.

Inside, there are heavily bolstered leather sports seats embossed with the XKR-S logo, while piano black trim covers the dashboard and door trims. Only 200 examples will be built, and the range-topper is expected to cost £80,000 when it arrives in summer.