British International Motor Show - Jaguar

Cat got your tongue?
If the stunning Jaguar XK had you salivating when it was released back in the spring, then we strongly recommend a visit to the Jaguar stand, where the XKR performance version is being shown for the first time anywhere in the world.

It's a sight to behold. The R gets a new front bumper, a meaty aluminium grille, bonnet and side vents and 20-inch alloys to set it apart from the standard XK. These touches only give a small clue to the beast that's under the bonnet, though.

Will it drive as well as it looks?
Well, if it's anything like the standard XK, then yes. The standard car rides like a grand tourer and handles like a sports car, and the R uses the same high-tech aluminium body, so it'll have a very good base to work with. It has uprated suspension, too, so responses should be even sharper.

More importantly, though, it uses a supercharged version of Jaguar's 4.2-litre V8 engine, which gives the R a whopping 420bhp. Jaguar says that this, combined with 413lb ft of pull, will get the car to 60mph in under five seconds, and up to a limited top speed of 155mph.

Will I have to sell my grandmother to get one?
If your grandmother is worth £67,495, then that'll get you the coupe version. She might have to chuck her false teeth into the deal as well if you fancy the cabriolet, because that'll set you back another £6000.

Even though this is the XKR's world debut, you can stroll into your local Jaguar dealer and order one today. There will be a bit of a waiting list, though, because 800 orders have been taken already and the first deliveries won't start until October at the earliest.

Take a close look at the car by clicking one of the video links below.

• Jaguar on Windows Media
• Jaguar on RealOne Player

What else?
Jaguar announced that it's XJ luxury car can now be ordered with a diesel engine on its long-wheelbase version. Priced at £46,770 for the Executive model and £52,770 for the Sovereign model, the stretched diesels are available to order now. Jaguar is also keen to highlight that the long XJ is 350kg lighter than the stretched BMW 7 Series.

The XJs have upgrades for 2007, including 19- or 20-inch alloys, new exterior colours and interior trim options. There's also a rear-seat entertainment system, an MP3/iPod module and JagWatch – a satellite-based anti-theft device.

And?
There's a new special-edition XJ called the Portfolio. It will be available in September and costs £62,040. If you are interested you'd better speak to your Jaguar dealership soon as only 100 will be sold in the UK.