2008 Jaguar XKR-S: 2008 Geneva Auto Show

Jaguar says this is its fastest car since the XJ220 supercar of the 1980s. It's the 2008 Jaguar XKR-S, and the company is boasting it can touch 174 mph. Um, that's 19 mph faster than an XKR.

Only 200 will be made, and each and every one will wear black. Left- and right-hand-drive versions will be built, but Jaguar will only sell the super coupe in Europe... Bummer. This thing looks like fun.

Power comes from the same 420-hp supercharged V8 used in the XKR and the same six-speed automatic Jag uses in everything. What makes the XKR-S special are its bodywork and its underpinnings.

Jaguar has lowered the car 10mm, bolted on unique 20-inch Vortex forged alloy wheels and quickened the coupe's steering ratio. Behind those wheels, which wear Pirelli PZero rubber (255/35ZR20 front and 295/30ZR20 rear), are larger Alcon R performance brakes with six-piston calipers. Jag says they're the most powerful brakes on any production Jaguar.

A revised suspension with bespoke springs, dampers, antiroll bars and recalibrated Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) is also part of the package. The goal, according to the car's press kit, was to achieve an even more sporting character while retaining the XKR's supple ride comfort. Judging by the way the car handled the spinning turntable of the Jaguar display, we'd say mission accomplished.

At great risk, Jag played with the coupe's classic good looks, adding a new front air splitter, side sill extensions, a rear spoiler and a new rear bumper with a diffuser panel. Better aero and a tougher overall appearance were the desired effect, and Jag managed both without adding any ugly. The XKR-S is both more aerodynamic and better-looking than your run-of-the-mill XKR.

Inside Jag kept things simple with soft leather, contrasting stitching and piano black veneer trim.

No word on price, but it won't be cheap. The XKR-S hits dealers this summer. -- Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief