JAGUAR LAUNCH NEW 'R' RANGE OF OPTIONS

(Jaguar press release - 14 September 1999)

Jaguar announced this week an all-new, exclusive range of R Performance Options, making systems and components originally showcased on the XK180 concept roadster a production reality. Like the XK180, the R Performance Options were developed by Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), the company's specialist in-house design and engineering department - the skunk works if you like!

Available both as factory-fit options and dealer-fit accessories, R Performance Options comprise stunning BBS modular alloy wheels (available on all models), high-performance Brembo brakes (XJ Series, Daimler and XK Series models) and a comprehensive Handling Pack for XK8 and XKR coupes.

Jaguar's Managing Director, Jonathan Browning, commenting on the launch of the R Performance Options at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, said: "The R Performance Options range builds on Jaguar's rich sporting heritage, as characterised by the XK180, from which the range is derived. Complementing the exhilarating, refined performance of Jaguar's supercharged XJR saloon and XKR sports models, the R Performance Options satisfy the needs of the luxury car driving enthusiast. They combine an individual but discreet, sporting character with dynamic handling, without compromising Jaguar's renowned ride comfort, luxury and refinement."

BBS alloy wheels
The new range of dramatically styled alloy wheels, is supplied by motorsport wheel manufacturer BBS. Four styles are available: 'Paris', 'Detroit', 'Milan' and 'Monaco'. The Paris and Detroit wheels are named after the motor show venues at which the XK180 concept roadster was first displayed in 1998. They are the same size as the wheels fitted to the XK180 - and the largest ever fitted to a production Jaguar, measuring 9 inches wide x 20 inches in diameter (front) and 10 x 20 inches (rear).

Available on XK Series, both Paris and Detroit have five spokes and carry the Jaguar 'growler' emblem in the centre. The overall appearance of each style, however, is quite unique. Detroit's five wheel nuts are clearly visible around the growler emblem in the centre, whereas the larger centre hub of the Paris wheel conceals the nuts and displays a bigger, more prominent growler emblem. In addition, Detroit's spokes have a smooth, chamfered finish, while the Paris wheel features highly defined, contoured lines. Both are sexier than sex itself!

The 18 inch Milan wheel is specifically designed for the XJ Series, Daimler and XK Series. The front and rear wheels of XJ Series and Daimler models and the front wheels of XK models are 8.5 inches wide; XK rear wheels are 9 inches wide. Milan's five spokes have a sharp, crisp appearance, heightened by narrow, cleanly grooved channels running along the centre. While the Milan wheel may be fitted to

any XK Series model, it can be fitted to XJ and Daimler saloons only when specified with Sports or CATS (adaptive damping) suspensions.

Additionally, an 8.5 x 18 inch BBS 10-spoke alloy Winter Wheel and tyre assembly is available for all XJ Series, Daimler and XK Series models. The 8 x 18 inch Monaco wheel is unique to the S-type. The Monaco's seven spokes have clean, lightly contoured surfaces with bevelled edges.

All wheels in the R Performance Options range - with the exception of the Winter Wheel - feature modular, two-piece construction similar to that used in racing, with die-cast, spun rims for greater strength. Their high-quality appearance is enhanced by the use of titanium fixing screws - one of the screws cleverly concealing the valve - and thanks to wide spacing between the spokes, each style is easy to clean. All wheels are fitted with super-low-profile, high-performance Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Brembo brakes
For supreme confidence in high-speed braking, XJ Series, Daimler and XK Series drivers can now choose an uprated braking system supplied by Brembo, the world's leading manufacturer of high-performance brakes.

Available exclusively for use with 18 or 20 inch wheels from the R Performance Options range, the Brembo braking system features four-piston aluminium calipers, front and rear. The two-piece, 355 x 32mm front discs and one-piece 330 x 28mm rear discs are ventilated and cross-drilled for maximum performance.

As well as providing superior braking confidence and response, the discs and Jaguar-branded calipers are an impressive design feature, being clearly visible through the widely spaced spokes of the R Performance alloy wheels.

Handling Pack
Designed specifically for the XK8 coupe and XKR coupe, the Handling Pack comprises:

• High-performance Brembo brakes
• 18 or 20 inch alloy wheels
• Jaguar's advanced Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS)
• Revised electronic control unit settings and revised damper settings for taut, dynamic handling
• Uprated springs and anti-roll bars for increased roll stiffness
• A re-tuned variable ratio, speed-sensitive steering system, giving a very direct feel and pinpoint accuracy

Inspired by the Jaguar XK180 concept
The achingly beautiful XK180 convertible stole the show when unveiled at the Paris Salon in September 1998. A second car, displayed at the Detroit International Show in January this year, was received with equal acclaim.

Unfortunately not for production, the 450 horsepower XK180 is based on a shortened version of the supercharged XKR convertible. While the all-new bodywork, hand-made in aluminium, evokes the spirit of past Jaguars, the styling and technology are thoroughly contemporary.

The Jaguar XK180 was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the XK sports car and to showcase the skills of Jaguar stylists, craftsmen and engineers. The XK180 was the first major project from the newly re-established SVO division, staffed with craftsmen skilled in every aspect of vehicle manufacture and expert in producing bespoke vehicles for individual customers.

Availability
In the UK and European markets, the new R Performance Options may be ordered as line-fit options from September 1999, for delivery before the year-end. They will be available as dealer-fit accessories in early 2000. We certainly recommend them!

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