XK-R Portfolio

by Mark Gregory

As you may have already seen, Jaguar Cars have now added a further model to the new XK-R range with the unveiling of an all-new special “Portfolio” edition.

This 4.2-litre, 420bhp supercharged V8 six-speed brute now boasts some very admiring additions to the already comprehensive XK-R specification.

However, I am surprised that Jaguar has gone with the name “Portfolio” as I believe a previous XK-R limited edition was also given this name on one of the older versions?

The new Portfolio arrives with some unique exterior styling revisions including an enhanced front bumper, new bonnet louvers, aluminium-finish grilles and side power vents. This is finished off with an exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint (silver also optional in the UK and Switzerland) and 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels.

Jaguar believes that the Portfolio has now taken the engineering and craftsmanship skills to a much higher level both in performance and design, none more so then their decision to have their Jaguars Special Vehicles team initiate a working relationship with leading brake manufacturer Alcon. This has resulted in the creation of the largest and most powerful brakes ever to be installed on a production Jaguar car.

The Portfolio comes with huge 400mm front brake discs – an increase of 45mm over the standard XK-R – and are supported by six-piston callipers, while at the rear four-piston callipers operate on 350mm discs.

Surrounding the brakes are the new 20-inch five-spoke Cremona wheels. Sitting behind the front wheels sit the all-new Power Vents produced from polished aluminium which also incorporates the indicator side repeaters.

Interior wise, the Portfolio introduces a number of additions including a unique Engine spun alloy fascia or optional Satin American Walnut veneer, a new alloy and leather gearshift selector, soft-grab door handles, contrast stitching throughout the cabin, leather-edged mats with a Jaguar logo and distinctive Portfolio treadplates on the doorsills.

The Portfolio has also celebrated this special occasion with its first partnership with renowned audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins. This world-leading audio manufacturer recently worked alongside Jaguar to create a new speaker system for the C-XF concept car, but Portfolio owners will be the first to benefit from this equipment.

The overall appearance provides a Jaguar that is quite unique and one that will surely appeal to new XK owners and admirers.