The Jaguar XK is a coupe, also available in a convertible version, the Jaguar brand . Its first version is the Jaguar XK8, also derived in sportier R version and replaced by a second generation. This Jaguar is a high-end four-seater Coupe Grand Touring category. This car has several competitors in this segment including the Maserati GranTurismo (GranCabrio for the convertible version), the BMW 6 Series F13, the Aston Martin DB9 and the Porsche 911
The Jaguar XK8 is a GT coupe released in 1996, also available in a convertible version, as well as an engine equipped with an Eaton compressor (XKR) that benefits from a Mercedes-Benz gearbox . The first generation of Jaguar XK8 shares its platform, partially derived from the Jaguar XJS, with the Aston Martin DB7 . The original design is by Geoff Lawson , succeeded by Ian Callum , for the next two generations of Jaguar XK.
The feline silhouette of the XK, despite two major evolutions in 2002 and 2006, remains unchanged. Precious wood and leather are very present, although some unpleasant plastics have appeared, and there are versions favoring aluminum and carbon . Similarly, the convertible top is made of triple insulation fabric and not metal. The Jaguar XKR is the supercharged version of the XK8, produced from 1998.
The ” 8 “, which is replaced by the 2006 version, also called “New XK”, refers to the V- 8 engine . The displacement of this V8 went from 3,996 cm3 at the origin (AJ26 & 27), to 4,196 cm3 in 2002 (AJ34). The AJ27 engine was voted as one of the top 10 engines in the world in 2000. The XK is standard equipped with a ZF 6-speed electronic automatic transmission (6HP26), since the 2003 model year; previously was mounted a 5-speed automatic transmission: ZF 5HP24 on the XK8; Mercedes 722.6 on the XKR.
Jaguar XK / XKR (2006/2014)
The engine has a displacement of 4.2 L then 5.0 liters in 2009, the latter engine being completely overhauled. The power of the XK reaches 550 hp DIN compressed version, which achieves 100 km / h in just 4.7 seconds 2 (0 to 200 km / h : 16.6 seconds). This Jaguar is clamped at 250 km / h . The XKR is equipped with the same 8-cylinder V- 90 ° as the XK8, with one detail: the power supply is completed by a volumetric compressorEaton and a variable admission system. As a result, the power jumped 116 hp, from 304 to 420 hp (510 hp in 2010 with the new 5.0 L V8 ). It is the same for the couple: 560 Nm (57 mkg) against 420 Nm (42.8) for the XK8. The box, original Mercedes (722.6) then ZF (6HP26) is fast, for an automatic model of classic architecture, changing gear in less than 100 milliseconds, and enjoying a sport mode that can be activated or disable while driving.
In 2012, the Jaguar offers a coupe version 2 seats with a 5.0 V8 engine of 550 hp. Supercharged Limited Edition S BA, 680 Nm, for a 0-100 km / h in 4.4 3 seconds and a maximum speed of 300 km / h .
As for the interior, Jaguar offers a choice of all-leather interior and many wood paneling, or on the contrary a more sober and sporty appearance where aluminum and carbon replace the woodwork. The new XK has a new navigation system.
Few four-seater GTs available in convertibles compete in performance with the XKR; however, the Aston Martin DB9 and the Maserati GranTurismo and Grancabrio can be cited for the convertible version.