Jaguar 'Claws' Two Dunlop SP Sport Tires for Supercharged XKR

AKRON, Ohio, July 20 -- Jaguar Cars has selected two Dunlop SP Sport performance tires for its new supercharged XKR, a 420-horsepower sporting Grand Tourer.

Dunlop tires, standard on the 2007 Jaguar XK, also have been specified for the XKR, which delivers 120 more horsepower. The XKR will jet to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds; the car arrives in showrooms by year's end. A convertible model takes 5 seconds.

Jaguar uncovered the 420-horsepower cat at the British International Motor Show this week. One thousand buyers -- sight unseen -- already have signed purchase papers.

Dunlop SP Sport 01 high-performance tires are standard equipment in 245/40R19 94Y (front) and 275/35R19 96Y (rear). Twenty-inch SP Sport Maxx ultra-performance tires are optional in 255/35R20 97Y XL (front) and 285/30R20 99Y XL (rear).

Silvana Valencic, segment product manager for Dunlop in North America, said the two tire models are a perfect match for Jaguar's horsepower and stiff suspension. "The supercharged XKR and its max-traction Dunlop tires will deliver every horse to the pavement. The Grand Tourer is a serious performance sports car -- with serious performance rubber."

The all-aluminum XKR borrows the six-speed paddle automatic from its XK cousin. But its enhanced front bumper, hood slots, grilles and side vents, unique 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs and quad exhaust system make a powerful statement, Jaguar said. The 4.2-liter V8 supercharged engine has a top speed of 155 mph.

Refined exhilaration is a key feature for the new Jaguar XKR, and both SP Sport Maxx and the SP Sport 01 tires feature tread patterns with directional- transfer variation for reduced road noise and improved driving comfort, Valencic said.

SP Sport Maxx ultra-performance tires feature Multi Radius Technology, which places more tire on the pavement for maximum dry traction. The tire also uses a twin Hydro Paddle tread design for excellent wet traction, she said.

SP Sport 01 high-performance tires use JointLess Band Technology for dependable ride uniformity and treadwear. A highly specialized silica tread compound improves dry and wet traction as well as rolling resistance, she concluded.

Dunlop is a global tire brand with an excellent reputation among performance car enthusiasts. Well known for its prestigious original- equipment fitments and sports car racing heritage, Dunlop is also a key supplier to sport compact enthusiasts featuring "tuner" tire sizes and race series sponsorships.

For more on Dunlop performance, go to http://www.dunloptires.com/.

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