With Jaguar’snewly launched F-Type model representing the pinnacle of the brand’s performance machines, look for an ultra high-performance GT to join the lineup in the future.
In a recent interview Jaguar Engineered to Order (ETO) division boss Pete Simkin commented that, “We would definitely look at the business case for an F-type GT,” and that, “.. we hope the XK GT is just the start.”
Not likely until at least 2016, expect additional versions to come first, including R and R-S models with increasingly heightened levels of performance.
Rumored to already be in the planning stage, Jaguar boss Adrian Hallmark has said that engineers have experimented with higher-output versions of the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 found in the XKR-S GT, which already makes an incredible 542 hp. That said, the F-Type version could boast as much as 600 hp!
Rather than being driven by profits Hallmark believes such cars are important to explore engineering improvements and grow brand prestige. “Clearly, building a run of 30 to 50 exclusive GTs isn’t going to have any impact on the fortunes of the company in sales terms, but the importance of these projects lies in the knowledge they give us,” he said. “Jaguar is already well known for its ability to create sporty, dynamic cars, but the XKR-S GT project has shown us that we can learn more by pushing the envelope. Lessons learned from the dynamics, aero and braking work on that car will enter the mainstream.”
Before any more iterations of the F-Type arrive, however, expect the next-ultra-high performance GT model to be based on the XF sedan, as it will likely be replaced soon and will exit the market with its most extreme model yet.
[Source: AutoCar]
