Jaguar XK
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jaguar XK | |
|---|---|
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| Manufacturer | Jaguar |
| Also called | XK8, XKR, XK |
| 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 911 |
| Mark I | |
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| 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 |
| Wheelbase | 101.9 in (2590 mm) |
| Length | 187.4 in (4760 mm) |
| Width | 72.0 in (1830 mm) |
| Height | 51.0 in (1295 mm) |
| Related | Aston Martin DB7 |
| Mark II | |
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| 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 (2750 mm) |
| Length | 188.6 in (4790 mm) |
| Width | 74.5 in (1892 mm) |
| Height | 52.0 in (1320 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3700 lb (1675 kg) |
| Related | Jaguar XJ |
The Jaguar XK series (XK8 and XKR) is a grand tourer produced by 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
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 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] 2006
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).
The XK convertible was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. It features a conventional cloth top that will open or close in 18 seconds.
[edit] Engines
Initially, the XK was only powered by a 300 hp (225 kW) version of the 4.2 L AJ-V8 petrol engine. In October 2006, a supercharged version of that engine was added with a maximum output of 420 hp (300 kW).
There have been rumours that an XKR-R with a 5.0-litre 550 hp engine and an even more involving drive is on the way. This is an open secret among Jaguar dealerships in the UK who will confirm that it's on its way as early as the fall of 2007.[citation needed]
[edit] Design
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.
[edit] Technology
The new XK has introduced a world first in pedestrian safety, PDBS (Pedestrian Deployable Bonnet System). 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.
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 is much more accommodating than a solid engine block.
This device has awarded the all-new Jaguar XK the Engineering and Technology Award at the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards in London.
[edit] Trivia
- Apex Motorsport is developing a Jaguar XKR racing car for the 2007 FIA GT3 European Championship.
- The XK won television show Top Gear "GT of the Year" and "Car of the Year" awards in 2006.
[edit] References
- Patrick Bedard. "Preview: 2006 Jaguar XK". Car and Driver (March 2006): 58–59.
[edit] See also
- PDBS
- Adaptive Restraint Technology System
[edit] External links
- XK Official website
- 2007 Jaguar XK Photos and Specifications
- The XK8/XKR Enthusiasts Club
- Jaguar XK: The big cat leaps into the 21st century, Independent Online
- XKPages.com - A site dedicated to the Jaguar XK8 and XKR Sports Cars.
- XK mk2 Gallery - FamilyCar.com
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