Jaguar may boost production of the "track-focused" XKR-S -- though not for the U.S. market.

Jaguar apparently didn’t know it would have a hit on its hands when it unveiled the “track-focused” XKR-S GT at the New York International Auto Show a few weeks back.

One of three new high-performance R-line models to be added to the British marque’s line-up in recent months, that mouthful of a name is being branded on a version of the familiar XK equipped with a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 upgraded to make a tire-spinning 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque.  That is enough to propel the Jaguar XKR-S GT from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds.

And despite a $174,000 price tag, the XKR-S GT has generated enough buzz that Jaguar is thinking of boosting production by as much 50%. Of course, one has to consider that in perspective. The original run was only planned to total 30, including 25 for the U.S. and the rest for Canada.

“We’re now looking at other regions that have raised their hands,” Steven de Ploey, Jaguar’s Global Product Marketing Manager, tells TheDetroitBureau.com.

All exterior changes are functional, according to Jaguar engineers, including the chin spoiler, these front drive planes, and the big rear wing.

For those who might be considering one of the original 30 Jaguar XKR-S GT coupes, don’t worry. “We’re completely locked into that limited run” for North America, de Ploey quickly emphasizes.

There are numbered plates already prepared that list where each car sits in the production run. And besides, tampering with the original plan could trigger some nasty lawsuits considering the long-term value of those vehicles could be directly related to their exclusivity.

What Jaguar thus may do, he more than hints, is add another run of perhaps 10 cars for the UK and possibly five more for Germany. Other markets are still under consideration.

For those who didn’t catch the original NY Auto Show announcement, Jaguar engineering director Pete Simkin pronounced the XKR-S GT “our most track-focused car yet,” during a media sneak peek prior to the official unveiling of the super-coupe.

Along with the upgraded V-8, the GT edition undergoes a number of modifications designed to boost both performance and handling.  And while that includes a number of body modifications, Simkin stressed that “every exterior element has a function.”

Among the steps taken to improve track performance, the XKR-S gets:

• Unique front splitters to improve underbody airflow;
• Carbon fiber wheel arch extensions;
• Dive planes at the base of the front fenders; and
• An oversized rear wing,

Even the black hood stripes are integrated into the car’s special cooling system, which includes large hood vents.

All told, the various aerodynamic enhancements not only make the car more slippery but add 320 pavement-gripping pounds of downforce.

The Jaguar XKR-S GT’s price tag is also impressive and marks the highest figure since the company’s brief run of XJ220 supercars some years back.