- Regional dealer event conducted at the Bahrain International Circuit -
The XKR - available as a Coupe or Convertible - was officially launched in the GCC region with a special ride and drive programme held on the Formula 1 track at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).
A total of 75 Jaguar employees from dealerships around the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region attended a two-day training and ride and drive session aimed at familiarising the team with the new XKR.
Stunningly beautiful, the new XKR is one of the most innovative, modern, high-performance and luxurious sports cars. It boasts a 4.2 litre supercharged V8 engine that has the capacity to develop 420bhp. The all-aluminium body construction makes the car lighter and more stiff aiding the maximisation on performance and agility. The monocoque structure combined with its six-speed automatic transmission with the option of utilizing the ultra-quick manual steering-wheel-mounted paddles makes it one of the most powerful sporting GT's in its class. The car goes from 0 - 100kph in just a little over five seconds.
Designed by Ian Callum, the new look is a perfect fusion of contemporary, sleek lines and Jaguar's well-known flare, drawing inspiration from the original line of XK and E-type sports cars.
"Jaguar's intentions are clear; to reinvent their brand and produce some of the most beautifully designed powerful and comfortable luxury cars. And they do that in stunning fashion with the new supercharged Jaguar XKR. It is certainly a car that breaks away from the more traditional Jaguar look to appeal for the young and the young at heart," said Andy Gawthorpe, Managing Director, Jaguar Middle East and North Africa.
The XKR brings together a host of straightforward, user-friendly technology features like its intuitive driver-focused controls and the sophisticated Touch Screen. Powered by Microsoft developed software specifically designed for cars, the Touch Screen allows for simpler operation of satellite navigation system, entertainment, climate control and the advanced Bluetooth compatible telephone system.
Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, BIC Government Affairs & Public Relations Director, who is also a Bahraini race driver, said that the XKR was the car that people were hoping, and expecting Jaguar to make. "It is a beautiful car. We have been waiting for it; Jaguar got everything right this time. The most impressive feature is the transmission system and the speed of the gearshift. The car handles very well and should satisfy any race-driver," Shaikh Salman added.
The XKR is available in all Jaguar showrooms across the Middle East.
-Ends-
For additional information on Jaguar, please visit the website www.media.jaguar.com or contact
Leanne Blanckenberg or Krupa Uthappa,
Promoseven Weber Shandwick
Tel: +9714-321 0077,
Fax: +9714-321 1711
e-mail: krupa.uthappa@promoseven.com
© Press Release 2007
