JAGUAR'S new ultra high performance supercharged XKR coupe and convertible sports car, unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March, are now on sale in the UK and the rest of Europe.

The new XKR models build on the success of the XK8 which made its debut at the Geneva show in 1996 and is now the fastest selling sports car in Jaguar's history.

In 1997, Jaguar sold 14,619 XK8s across the globe - 88 per cent higher than 1996.

The principal market for the new XKR is Europe, accounting for 95 per cent of forecast sales in 1998 with over 35 per cent of that figure in the UK.

The new XKR is powered by the same 4.0 litre supercharged AJ-V8 engine as the Jaguar XJR sport saloon. The engine features an immensely stiff yet lightweight cylinder block design, providing an excellent platform for pressure charging with refinement.

The XKR is the fastest mainstream production Jaguar ever, even faster than the supercharged XJR sports saloon, it accelerates from rest to 60 mph in a mere 5.2 seconds.

Despite this prodigious performance, the efficiency of the new XKR powertrain also ensures that fuel economy and emissions are among the leaders in its class.

The advanced, innovative design of the all-aluminium AJ-V8 engine ensures that the new model comfortably meets not only the current stage two emissions requirements of the European Union but those presently proposed for the year 2000.

The award winning style of the XK8 embodies the unique Jaguar signature, making it instantly recognisable to discerning car enthusiasts worldwide.

For XKR, subtle enhancements of the beautiful exterior clearly signal a more powerful and sporting character, emphasising Jaguar's characteristic feline stance.

Twin louvered inserts in the bonnet and a bootlid-mounted spoiler provide visual clues to the supercharged performance beneath the surface as well as maining the optimum balance between front and rear end lift. The bonnet louvres optimise air flow through the performance cooling system.

The traditional Jaguar oval air intake mouth features a bright mesh grille in stainless steel, emphasising the family links with its XJR saloon stable mate.

The colour range for the new model is restricted to eight body colours, including the dramatic new Phoenix Red which was specially selected to suit the sporting character of these exciting new models.

The XKR coupe and convertible, in traditional Jaguar fashion, represent exceptional value for money with a comprehensive standard specification. Extra features worth £4,000 are standard whereas on the XK8 they are optional at extra cost.

In the UK the coupe retails at £59,300 and the convertible at £66,300.

Commenting on the launch of the new XKR, Nick Scheele, Jaguar's chairman and chief executive said: "XKR provides an unrivalled blend of styling panache, supercar performance, handling precision and outstanding value for money.

"This year Jaguar celebrates the 50th anniversary of the launch of the brilliant XK120, which set new standards for sports car performance.

"XKR is a worthy descendent which I am sure will further enhance the reputation and appeal of the XK8 range among motoring enthusiasts worldwide."

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