Jaguar XK

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Jaguar XK
Also called: XK8, XKR, XK
Manufacturer: Jaguar
Production: 1997–present
Predecessor: Jaguar XJS
Class: Grand tourer
Body style: 2-door coupé
2-door convertible
Layout: FR layout
Similar: BMW 6-Series
Cadillac XLR
Lexus SC
Leopard
Maserati Spyder
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Porsche Boxster
Mark I
2001 Jaguar XKR Silverstone
Also called: XK8, XKR
Production: 1997–2006
Engine: 4.0 L AJ26 V8
4.0 L AJ26S SC V8
4.2 L AJ34 V8
4.0 L AJ34S SC V8
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic Overdrive
Wheelbase: 101.90 in.
Length: 187.40 in.
Width: 72.00 in.
Height: 51.00 in.
Related: Aston Martin DB7
Mark II
Also called: XK, XK 4.2, XKR
Production: 2007–present
Engine: 4.2 L AJ34 V8
4.0 L AJ34S SC V8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 108.3 in (2751 mm)
Length: 188.6 in (4790 mm)
Width: 74.5 in (1892 mm)
Height: 52.0 in (1321 mm)
Curb weight: 3700 lb (1675 kg)
Related: Jaguar XJ

The XK series (XK8 and XKR) is a grand tourer produced by the British automaker Jaguar since the 1997 model year. It is the replacement of the XJS, and is available as a coupé and convertible. Currently in its second generation, the XK8 was the first 8 cylinder vehicle produced by Jaguar, when the Jaguar AJ-V8 engine was introduced.

Contents

[edit] 1997

Jaguar XKR
Enlarge
Jaguar XKR

The 1997 XK8 was available in coupé or convertible body styles 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.

[edit] Power and 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 coupés 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 coupés 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.

The grille design of the XKR was refreshed for the 2005 model year.

[edit] XKR-R

Jaguar XKR-R convertible
Enlarge
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.

[edit] 2007

Jaguar unveiled an all-new 2006 car, called simply the "XK", at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005. It uses the new XJ's aluminium chassis and is offered as both a coupé or convertible (incidentally, in a quite different manner to the way sports cars are usually designed, the coupé is based on the convertible. This meant that the engineers could design the convertible without the drawbacks of the car looking like, and actually being, a coupé with the top chopped off. This, coupled to the ultra-rigid aluminium spaceframe makes the XK convertible exceptionally rigid for a car of its type, offering an extremely impressive driving experience). For the moment, it is powered by a 300 hp (225 kW) version of the 4.2 L AJ-V8. However, in October, a supercharged version with 420 hp (300 kW) will be offered (again, in both coupé and convertible forms). There have been rumours that an XKR-R with over 500 hp and an even more involving drive is on the way.

The new XK closely resembles 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 coupés, 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. European Pedestrian Safety Regulations are also responsible for some of the similarity between the XK and some of Callum's other designs.

2006 Jaguar XK convertible
Enlarge
2006 Jaguar XK convertible

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 soft, but it's much more accommodating 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 2006 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.

Apex Motorsport is developing a Jaguar XKR racing car for the 2007 FIA GT3 European Championship.

The XK also won Top Gear "GT of the Year" and "Car of the Year" awards in 2006.

Engines

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

[edit] References

[edit] See also

[edit] External links


A subsidiary of Ford (since 1989) Jaguar Cars road and race car timeline, 1945-present - [edit]
Type 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Sports XK120 XK140 XK150 E-type S1 E S2 E-type S3 XJ-S XJ-S HE XJS XK8, XKR XK,XKR
Saloon Mark 1 Mark 2, 240, 340 X-Type
S-Type XJ-C S-Type, S-Type R XF
420 XJ6 Ser I XJ6 Ser II XJ6 Ser III XJ6 (XJ40) XJ6 XJ8, XJR XJ8, XJR
Mk IV Mk V Mk VII Mk VIII Mk IX Mk X 420G XJ12 XJ12 S II XJ12 Ser III XJ12 XJ12
Supercar XKSS 15 XJ220
Racing C-Type D-Type E-Type XJ13 XJ-C XJRs C R1/2/3/4/5
Corporate Ownership Independent BMH British Leyland Independent Ford
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