2004 Jaguar XK-RS: Rocketsports Unleashes 550-hp Beast - AllCarIndex
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In the world of high-performance cars, few names carry the same weight as Jaguar. Known for their luxurious GT road cars, the British automaker took a daring leap into the supercar realm with the unveiling of the 2004 Jaguar XK-RS concept at the Chicago Auto Show.
Developed in collaboration with Michigan-based Rocketsports Racing, the XK-RS was touted as the most powerful road-going Jaguar convertible ever produced. Boasting an impressive 550-horsepower, this thundering supercar showcased the potential of transforming a luxury GT into a high-speed beast capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 mph.
Under the hood, engineers at Rocketsports took the already potent Jaguar AJ-V8 Trans-Am race engine and increased its displacement to 5.0 liters. Paired with an Eaton supercharger, the XK-RS delivered a jaw-dropping 500 lb.-ft. of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds.
To ensure the car's drivability, Rocketsports replaced the standard six-speed automatic transmission with a five-speed manual transaxle, giving enthusiasts a more engaging driving experience. The repositioning of the driveline weight also resulted in a perfect 50:50 weight balance, enhancing the car's handling capabilities.
In terms of aerodynamics, Rocketsports drew on their expertise from their Jaguar XKR Trans-Am race cars to modify the XK-RS's body. Special underbody air tunnels, deep front and rear spoilers, wider wheel arches, and aero-style sill sections all contributed to increased stability at high speeds.
The suspension was also upgraded with high-performance Penske shocks, and R Performance Brembo calipers with 14-inch drilled rotors were added for superior stopping power. The XK-RS rolled on three-piece Makaveli Gotti wheels wrapped in high-performance BFGoodrich g-Force T/A tires, further enhancing its performance capabilities.
Inside, the XK-RS featured body-hugging leather seats with medium grey inserts, providing both comfort and style. The exterior was painted in a sleek black lacquer finish, accented by Pearl Black Jaguar "leaper" graphics along the sides.
The XK-RS concept exemplified the strong partnership between Rocketsports Racing and Jaguar North America, showcasing the potential of Jaguar's GT road cars to be transformed into high-performance supercars. With its powerful engine, aerodynamic design, and superior handling, the XK-RS left a lasting impression on car enthusiasts and racing enthusiasts alike.
