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To celebrate the marque’s 75th anniversary, Jaguar has announced a very special version of its XKR. Perhaps unsurprisingly named XKR 75 and limited to just (no prizes for guessing this) 75 examples, it will debut at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The changes compared to a standard XKR are wide-ranging. Power from the 5.0 litre supercharged V8 is up from 503 bhp (375 kW / 510 PS) to 523 bhp (390 kW / 530 PS), which reduces the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 174 mph (280 km/h), an increase of 19 mph (30 km/h).



To make the most of the extra performance, the chassis has also been upgraded. Stiffer springs, increased damper rates, new aluminium uprights front and rear for increased camber stiffness, re-tuned Adaptive Dynamics damper control software and a reduced ride height (by 15 mm front / 10 mm rear) are all intended to give a more driver-focussed feel. Jaguar is claiming that refinement and ride comfort have not been sacrificed completely, though.



Visually, the XKR 75 is distinguished by its aerodynamic body kit. Consisting of a front splitter, rear diffuser, larger rear spoiler and side sills extensions, it has been designed to increase high speed stability. To complete the look, dark grey 20" Vortex forged lightweight alloy wheels and Stratus Grey paintwork come as standard. Thankfully, however, the rather dodgy (and superfluous) go-faster stripes - or ‘graphics pack’ in Jaguar-speak - are optional. On the inside, there’s Charcoal leather with ivory stitching, a piano black finish to the facia and centre console and a black suedecloth headlining.



Exclusivity doesn’t come cheap though. At £85,500 on the road in the UK, the XKR 75 is exactly £10,000 more than a normal XKR. But that still looks like pretty good value when compared to competing models such as the £87,335 BMW M6 Coupé or the £104,560 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG.



The XKR 75 is available to order from July, with deliveries scheduled to start in October 2010.