Jaguar XK8

The XK series (XK8 and XKR) is a modern Grand Touring coupe and convertible from Jaguar. Production began in 1996 for the 1997 model year, replacing the XJS, and continues through a second generation today. The XK8 was the first 8 cylinder vehicle produced by Jaguar, introducing the new Jaguar AJ-V8 engine.

1997

Jaguar XKR

The 1997 XK8 was available in coupe or convertible forms and with either a supercharged 390 hp (287 kW) or naturally aspirated 290 hp (213 kW) engine. The supercharged variant is known as the XKR. The first-generation XK series shares its platform with the Aston Martin DB7. Both cars are derived from the Jaguar XJS, though the platform has been extensively changed.

Power & Performance

Both the XK8 and XKR are limited to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) by a computer governor, giving them a lower top speed than the car they replaced. The XK8 heralded a change in direction for the company, resulting in the S-Type and X-Type.

Several limited-edition XKR coupes and convertibles have been produced to mark important events in Jaguar’s history.

The first was the 2001 XKR Silverstone, of which only 250 were released in North America, on a total of 600 worldwide(first edition: 100 (For Europe only), then 500 more (sold worldwide)). It featured a Platinum paint finish, high-performance package (same engine than standard XKR, but improved transmission, suspension and brakes and 20" Silver BBS Detroit wheels) and custom interior.

The XKR 100 followed in 2002, of which 30 coupes and 270 convertibles were sold in North America. The XKR 100 featured an Anthracite paint finish, 20-inch modular wheels, Brembo brakes, and custom interior.

Finally, the XKR Portfolio emerged for 2004. Two hundred were released in North America: 100 in Jupiter red and 100 in Coronado blue. It featured 20-inch alloy wheels and custom color interior.

Both the XK8 and XKR come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, and 19 and 20-inch wheels are available for additional cost. A navigation system and self-leveling xenon headlamps come standard with the XKR and as options for the XK8. Jaguar’s Adaptive Cruise Control is an optional feature available on both models. Both come with all-leather interior, burl walnut trim, and side airbags. The XK series ranges in price from US$69,830 - US$86,330.

Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, BMW 6-Series, Lexus SC 430, Cadillac XLR, Audi R8, Porsche Boxster and Maserati Spyder.

XKR-R

Jaguar XKR-R convertible

Jaguar also produced a concept car called the XKR-R which was very similar to the production XKR, but with a more powerful engine and improved handling. The naming convention is similar to that of the S-Type R special edition. Unlike the S-Type R, it has not yet been approved for manufacturing, and is now unlikely to ever be produced.

2007

Jaguar unveiled an all-new 2007 car, called simply the "XK", at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005. It uses the new XJ's aluminium chassis. Initially, it will be powered by a 300 hp (225 kW) version of the 4.2 L AJ-V8. A supercharged version with 420 hp (300 kW) will be offered as well as a convertible version.

The new XK will closely resemble the ALC Coupe concept which was first seen at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The designer, Ian Callum, was also responsible for Aston Martin's DB7 and Vanquish coupes, which explains the similarities in design among the three cars.

The new XK's grille is inspired by that of the 1961 Jaguar E-Type.

The new XK has introduced a world first in pedestrian safety. In numerous pedestrian collisions with vehicles, head injuries occur when a pedestrian’s head impacts with the bonnet of the vehicle. However, the injuries are not usually sustained from the bonnet itself, rather the bonnet deforming and the pedestrian’s head colliding with the engine block underneath.

Jaguar's innovation is to have sensors in the front bumper that determine if a pedestrian has indeed been struck and this then triggers two pyrotechnical charges that instantaneously lift the bonnet, providing extra distance between engine and head. In effect, the bonnet becomes the exterior equivalent of an airbag: The hood's sheet metal may not be as soft, but it's much more accomodating than a big lump of V8.

This potentially life saving device has awarded the all-new Jaguar XK the Engineering and Technology Award at the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards in London. Hopefully other manufacturers will also adopt this technology and the incidence of life-threatening head injuries from pedestrian impacts will be a thing of the past.

The XK convertible was introduced for 2007 at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. It weighs 3759 lb (1705 kg) and features a conventional cloth top that will open or close in 18 seconds.

Engines:

• 2007 - 4.2 L AJ-V8 V8, 300 hp (224 kW) and 310 ft·lbf (420 N·m)

References

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See also

• PBDS

External links

• XK Official website
• Jaguar XK: The big cat leaps into the 21st century, Independent Online