A glimpse at the latest Jaguar XK

The Jaguar sports car experience moves on to a new level in 2009 with the introduction of a new generation of the XK coupe and convertible.

With all-new engines, even more dramatic looks, a new interior, and an advanced lightweight aluminium body structure, the new XK builds on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar.

Designated 2010 model year and available in South Africa from late June 2009, the new XK range not only stands out from the crowd, it stands apart. The combined efforts of Jaguar’s designers and engineers have produced a car that utilises advanced technologies at a higher level than ever before.

The benefits of the XK’s lightweight but incredibly stiff and strong chassis are already acknowledged. Not only does this architecture bring dynamic benefits thanks to its torsional rigidity, it also offers excellent safety and crash repair features – and provides the ideal base to optimise performance across the board, including fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

“The philosophy at Jaguar is for our designers and engineers to work together with all areas of the Jaguar business to develop elegant, inspired solutions to complex technical challenges. The result is great products – and the new XK is a perfect example.”
Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engines are the most efficient Jaguar has ever produced. They deliver significantly more power and torque than the previous generation of engines: 375kW and 625Nm in the new supercharged XKR and 283kW and 515Nm in the new XK.

With the introduction of these all-new 5.0-litre direct-injection V8 engines comes a new level of performance for the XK, with improved acceleration from standstill and stunning in-gear acceleration times. All models are electronically limited to a maximum speed of 250kph, but the 0-100kph sprint for naturally aspirated coupe models falls from 6.2 to 5.5 seconds, while for the supercharged XKR coupe, 0-100kph is reduced from 5.2 to 4.8 seconds.

And yet thanks to a combination of excellent powertrain efficiency and the XK’s advanced lightweight body architecture, all XKs offer strong fuel economy and impressive CO2 emissions ratings. Fuel economy is comparable to the previous generation of XK – despite the significant increases in performance – and CO2 emissions from each engine are better than the out-going versions, with the naturally aspirated version improving on that of the 4.2-litre V8 by two percent, while the supercharged engine produces one percent less CO2 than its predecessor. Indeed, the new generation XK is among the very best in both fuel economy and emissions for any V8-engined sports car

“With an all-new, supercharged AJ-V8 engine and dramatic new looks, the new XKR has all the performance, power and panache that you expect in the ultimate sporting Jaguar.”
MIKE O’DRISCOLL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, JAGUAR CARS

Allowing the engines to optimise their power is one of the most sophisticated transmissions available. Jaguar’s acclaimed electronically controlled, six-speed ZF 6HP28 transmission offers an unparalleled combination of driver control matched to virtually undetectable gearshifts. With control either from steering wheel-mounted paddles or full automatic mode via the JaguarDrive SelectorTM, which is new for the 10 Model Year XK, the transmission is now paired with an advanced electronic differential on the XKR model to ensure it accelerates even faster, handles more precisely and sets new standards of dynamic control and excellence.

There are two core models in the new XK range: the XK and the XKR, each with its own sporting character. In addition to the many changes under the skin, the new XKs are visually different to the previous generation. Each still looks just like a Jaguar should look – seductive, powerful and elegant – but all models, coupe and convertible, introduce revised exterior styling that underlines Jaguar’s contemporary thinking on design.

Inside, quality levels are raised even further with new interior trim and finishes that demonstrate Jaguar’s renowned craftsmanship, plus even more comprehensive specification. The driver is the centre of attention, with exciting new ideas, including the acclaimed JaguarDrive Selector™, Adaptive Dynamics with Active Differential Control and comfort features such as heated and cooled seats – taking the driving experience of the new XK range to even higher levels of luxury alongside the improved performance.

“The new XK delivers more power, more performance and more technology – without compromise. It moves the Jaguar sports car experience on to a whole new level.”
Mick Mohan, Director, Jaguar Programmes

The new XK range at a glance

–    New generation of Jaguar XK sports coupe and convertible
–    Exterior styling revised on all models
–    Advanced aluminium body architecture is strong and lightweight and the key to optimising performance, dynamic agility and competitive CO2 emissions and fuel economy
–    All-new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines are the most powerful and efficient engines Jaguar has ever produced:
•    5.0-litre supercharged V8 delivers 375kW, 625Nm of torque and propels XKR coupe to 100kph in just 4.8 seconds.
•    5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine delivers 283kW, 515Nm of torque and propels XK coupe to 100kph in just 5.5 seconds.
–    Improved CO2 emissions performance (Euro Stage V two years ahead of  European legislative requirement) and comparable fuel economy to the smaller capacity and less powerful engines they replace
–    New generation of XK is true to the heritage of Jaguar’s legendary performance and offers class-leading refinement and advanced technologies
–    State-of-the-art six-speed automatic transmission has seamless gearshifts, plus for the first time on the XKR model an electronic differential to optimise traction and dynamic performance
–    New design features, including exciting customer-friendly technologies such as the JaguarDrive SelectorTM first seen on the XF, further enhance performance, driving dynamics and the XK range’s unique luxury sporting character.
–    Now three models in the range: XK, XK Portfolio and XKR. Styling revisions include a new front bumper, new side mirrors with integrated LED side repeater, rear valance, rear LED lights and colour-coded side power vents for both coupé and convertible versions
–    First customer deliveries from March 2009 in Europe, with SA deliveries starting in June, dependent on model.

All performance figures are manufacturer’s estimates.