The latest Jaguar racing car will be on display this week at the Autosport International Racing Car Show. The Jaguar RSR XKR GT will compete in races across North America.
Jaguar worked with Michigan-based RSR to develop a car to compete in GT2 racing for the 2010 season. Based on a
road-going XKR, it will contest the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) this year. The Jaguar RSR team is run by Paul Gentilozzi, who drove the prototype XFR to 225mph in 2008, and Paul will be one of the drivers competing in the XKR GT this year.
The racing XKR uses the same basic monocoque as the production car but with additional reinforcements by RSR. Power comes from a 5.0-litre V8 that develops around 542bhp, enough for a claimed top speed of 180mph.
The Autosport Show will be the Jaguar RSR's only appearance in the UK before it returns to the USA. The XKR GT has already competed in two races across the Atlantic but the plan is to complete a full season, starting with the ALMS Winter Test in late February; the first race of the season - the 12 Hours of Sebring - is scheduled for 20th March.
The Autosport International show runs from 14th to 17th January and is open to the public on the 16th and 17th.
John Lambert - 13 Jan 2010