The XKR-S is a limited production (200 units) version of the XKR coupé for the European market, 50 units were built in RHD for the UK, 150 units were built in LHD, it was not sold outside of the UK or EU. It was a 2009 model year vehicle but built in 2008. The model was developed by Jaguar's Special Vehicles team in collaboration with British competition brake specialist Alcon and has an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). The additional performance was achieved through improved aerodynamics (reduced drag and lift) and a revised suspension set-up. Other changes include an S Alcon R Performance braking system with 400 mm diameter front and 350 mm rear brake discs, six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, recalibrated suspension, Ultimate Black body colour, XKR-S badging on the rear of the car, a 10 mm lower ride height, 20-inch Vortex forged alloy wheels with bespoke tyres, an active exhaust system, leather upholstery with Charcoal with Ivory twin-needle contrast stitching, Piano Black veneer and a Charcoal Alston luxury headliner.
The car was unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and later shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The production version went on sale in the Summer of 2008.
This special edition (with a 4.2-litre V8 engine) should not be confused with the later introduced 2012 XKR-S featuring a 5.0-litre V8 engine, which was launched in 2011.