A Jaguar XKR‑S, the most powerful and fastest series production sports car the company has ever built, is currently travelling 3,000 miles in under ten days as part of Britain's 2012 Rally for Heroes, an initiative to raise funds for Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

A wave of a flag from legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker OBE marked the start of the rally from the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold in Surrey.

The event has been organised by Warrant Officer Benn Laider and Corporal Mick Clark, both of whom have served on tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.  "The support we have received for this event has been extraordinary, leading companies such as Jaguar have backed us, the military has been excellent and the British public has been amazing," said Officer Laider.

The XKR‑S is adorned with a camouflage‑inspired livery specially created by the Jaguar design team and will be driven by Corporal Martin Staples, who is based in Northern Ireland. Victims of improvised explosive devices are also taking part in the rally.

The route the Jaguar XKR‑S will take is based around a five‑mile drive for every serving soldier who has lost his or her life on duty in Afghanistan. It includes stints at renowned race tracks such as Monaco Grand Prix circuit and the Nürburgring in Germany.

Fundraising continues as the convoy of 50 cars makes its way across Europe before the rally draws to an end at the Wings & Wheels Air show at Dunsfold on Sunday August 27^th.

Donations can be made through the rally website: www.rallyforheroes.com

For more information on the Jaguar XKR‑S, please visit www.media.jaguar.com

(ENDS)

For any enquiries or to contact the Jaguar UK PR team, please call or e‑mail:

For further information on Rally for Heros, please call or e‑mail:

Sally Smith

Tradewinds PR
M: 07729 301207
T: 01935 842094
E: sally@tradewindspr.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

SUMMARY OF JAGUAR XKR‑S

• The most powerful and fastest series production sports car Jaguar has ever built with a top speed of 300km/h.
• The ultimate expression of Jaguar's sports car strategy; offering intelligent performancewith everyday driveability.
• Uprated supercharged AJ‑V8 Gen III R direct‑injection engine produces 550PS and 680Nm
• of torque.
• Maximum speed raised to 186mph (300km/h) with 0‑60mph reached in just 4.2 seconds.
• The only car in its class to emit less than 300g/km of CO2.
• Active sports exhaust delivers an authentic, race‑car inspired soundtrack.
• Exploits the XK's strong, lightweight advanced aluminium body architecture to maximise performance, agility and economy.
• Bespoke suspension changes front and rear for ultimate precision, control and driver appeal.
• Unique styling changes incorporate Computational Fluid Dynamics calculations in order to reduce lift and maximise aerodynamic stability.
• Revised interior features 16‑way adjustable memory sports seats with carbon‑fibre effect leather.
• Reprogrammed Adaptive Dynamics allow the enthusiastic driver to explore the outer edges of the handling envelope.
• Jaguar's performance flagship competes in the sub‑exotic segment, new territory for the company.