475 Horses: Jaguar XKR GT3 Racing Car Makes Debut

BIRMINGHAM, England — If it sounds sacrilegious to put a big spoiler on the back of the Jaguar XKR, think again. Thanks to Apex Motorsport of the U.K., it looks like a natural on the luxury car.

The Jaguar XKR GT3 made its debut at the Autosport International Show here on Friday. Jaguar was quick to point out that this is not a factory motorsports program and that Apex race activities are independent of Jaguar. But it was clear that the British marque is wholeheartedly behind the idea.

"We welcome this initiative, which will result in production Jaguar sports cars being seen once again on race circuits across Europe," said Stuart Dyble, Jaguar board director and vice president of communications and public affairs.

The Jaguar XKR GT3 features a supercharged 4.2-liter V8 that cranks out 475-plus horsepower. Torque numbers have not yet been determined. The car retains the aluminum body of the production model and is equipped with Michelin racing tires front and rear.

The first car built by Apex has been sold to Stuart Scott, managing director of Cambridge Business Travel, who said, "Taking delivery of the first XKR race car is a dream come true."

source: edmunds