Jaguar XKR-S to debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed Press Day

The new Jaguar XKR-S, unveiled recently at the Geneva Motor Show, is set to make its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Press Day on March 17.

The Press Day marks the start of a partnership with Goodwood that will see Jaguar celebrate the 50th anniversary of the E-type by occupying the 'central feature' space in front of Goodwood House throughout the 2011 Festival of Speed.  The sculpture, designed by Gerry Judah, promises to follow the tradition of dramatic structures that have graced the Goodwood lawn.

Present at the Festival (1-3 July) the new XKR-S will take on the notorious Goodwood Hill along with an array of E-types including the rare lightweight racing machines and examples of all three generations of the iconic sports car.

The fastest Jaguar in a generation, the XKR-S is capable of accelerating from rest to 100 mph in just 8.7-seconds before reaching a top speed of 186 mph.  With substantially revised suspension architecture, new springs and dampers as well as revisions to the electronic systems controlling the Dynamic Stability Control and Active Differential, the XKR-S has the composure and traction to harness the extra power. On both Press Day and Festival of Speed, Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, will be at the wheel to demonstrate the abilities of the car.

Jaguar will also have a significant presence at the Goodwood Revival (16-18 September) with a diverse range of historic vehicles joining the E-types.