Jaguar Production-Based V-8 Engine To Race Full 2004 Trans-Am Season - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Stacy94PGT · 04-20-2004, 12:36

Jaguar Production-Based V-8 Engine To Race Full 2004 Trans-Am Season

Motor Trend

The 2004 Trans-Am season marks the return of Jaguar power to the Motorock Trans-Am Series, with a production-based Jaguar AJ-V8 engine in Rocketsports Racing's R-Performance XKR Trans-Am racecar.

The thundering Jaguar AJ-V8 race engine, developed in conjunction with Michigan-based Rocketsports Racing, will power the Jaguar XKR of four-time Trans-Am champion Tommy Kendall throughout the 2004 season.

Jaguar announced its intention to develop a 4.5-liter version of its lightweight dual overhead-cam V8 road car engine at last year's season-opener in St.Petersburg, Florida on February 23, 2003. The new engine will power Tommy Kendall's Jaguar R-Performance XKR for his assault on the 2004 Trans-Am Series championship. Jaguar clinched the 2003 Trans-Am Manufacturers' Championship at Road America on August 24, 2003 - the British company's third Trans-Am title.

"This marks the beginning of a new chapter in Jaguar's North American racing history," commented George Ayres, Jaguar North America's vice president of Marketing. "The Rocketsports team, and all the Jaguar drivers did a fabulous job of bringing us the 2003 Manufacturers' title, and we expect to continue our success this year - this time with Tommy Kendall behind the wheel of an XKR using Jaguar power."

"The last time a Jaguar engine competed in the Trans-Am Series was back in 1981. The return of Jaguar power is long overdue and welcomed by the Series," added Rocketsports Racing team owner, Paul Gentilozzi. "We're proud to be a part of the continuing legacy that is Jaguar motorsports."

Gentilozzi re-introduced Jaguar to Trans-Am competition during the 2000 season by selecting the aerodynamic XKR body as his car of choice. The following year he drove the Rocketsports Racing XKR to his third Trans-Am drivers' title and delivered the coveted Manufacturers' Championship to Jaguar.

In early 2003, Gentilozzi approached Jaguar North America with a proposal to switch from Ford pushrod power to the Jaguar AJ-V8. He was given an enthusiastic reception - together with a new engine to begin work on.

"The Trans-Am Series is a perfect fit for Jaguar in the North American market," said Ayres. "It is the longest continuously-running North American road racing series - a series that continues to see a growing number of Jaguar XKR-bodied cars competing. The marque is once again delighted to be involved in road racing, where it has enjoyed great success in the past."

Engine work was carried out at Rocketsports' race shop in Lansing, Michigan. The engine itself is based on the same all-aluminum 4.2-liter AJ-V8 that powers Jaguar's XK sports cars, the S-TYPE sedan and the aluminum XJ sedan line-up. Rocketsports' engineers increased the V8's capacity from 4.2 to 4.5 liters and more than doubled the horsepower from the standard 294 bhp (SAE) to over 650 bhp.

While the production AJ-V8's alloy cylinder block and heads are retained, a new heavy-duty crankshaft is fitted along with lightweight racing pistons and connecting rods. Modifications also include custom-made headers and a race fuel-injection system.

With its race-tuned AJ-V8 revving to 9000 rpm, the carbon fiber and Kevlar-bodied racing XKR is a very fast, beautiful car. The car will sprint from standstill to 60mph in a staggering 3.2 seconds, with quarter-mile acceleration in 10.8 seconds at 135mph, and a top speed of 180mph.

The Jaguar-powered XKR also sports Jaguar's stunning silver, green and red North American racing livery.

The last Trans-Am Series involvement for Jaguar was with Bob Tullius' legendary Group 44 team in 1981 with its V12-engined XJS racecars. Jaguar's previous high point within Trans-Am competition was when Tullius took the Manufacturers' Championship in 1978.

"Formula One will continue to be the cornerstone of all racing for Jaguar," explained Ayres. "But the F1 series only comes to the U.S. once each year. The Trans-Am Series, on the other hand, features several races around the country and enjoys a huge, enthusiastic following. With at least six XKR-bodied cars racing in the 2004 season, Jaguar has a strong, highly-visible presence."

And since 2001, Jaguar North America has increased its ties to the Trans-Am Series by providing a contingency sponsorship - comprised of a pole award that offers a lease on a Jaguar XK sports car, and prize money to Jaguar drivers finishing in the top three positions.