CALIFORNIA: Jaguar has released the details of the new Jaguar XKR, which goes on sale in July.

The main interest will naturally be in the supercharged engine which will be now with 420 bhp, providing 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The other technical highlight is that weight has been reduced by 70 KG in the coupe and 100 KG in the convertible.

All the usual accoutrements of a sporting GT are present; up rated suspension and more aggressive styling plus an Active Exhaust System to provide a purposeful V8 roar under hard acceleration.

Prices will start at £ 67,495; a 12.5% premium over the normally aspirated XK.

To ensure optimized ride and handling the XKR's springs and dampers have been up rated; the front spring rate is increased by 38% and the rear spring rate by 24%.

New, larger ventilated brake discs at the front have been designed to produce higher braking performance for the XKR. The front brake disc diameter has increased from 326mm to 355mm and the thickness from 30mm to 32mm.

The braking system also includes four-channel ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Hydraulic Brake Assist to increase brake pressure during an emergency stop, and Jaguar's Electronic Park Brake function.

Styling changes to the XKR include a new front bumper, aluminium-finish grilles and bonnet louvres, 19" and 20" alloy wheel designs, and a quad-exhaust system.