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Subject:  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. |
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Author: David Harrison Levi | [ Next Thread |
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] Date Posted: 23:52:17 05/22/07 Tue Author Host/IP: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com/207.200.116.198 Jaguar XK Jaguar XK 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 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 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. 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. 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. XKR-R Jaguar XKR-R convertibleJaguar 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. 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. 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] 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. 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. 2007 Jaguar XKR 2006 Jaguar XK convertibleJaguar'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. 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. References Patrick Bedard. "Preview: 2006 Jaguar XK". Car and Driver (March 2006): 58–59. See also PDBS Adaptive Restraint Technology System External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Category:Jaguar XK8XK 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 Jaguar Cars, a subsidiary of Ford since 1989, road and race car timeline, 1980s-present Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 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 car XJ-S HE XJS XK8 / XKR XK / XKR Compact exec X-Type Executive car S-Type XF Full-size XJ6 Series III XJ6 (XJ40) XJ6 XJ8 / XJR XJ8 / XJR XJ12 Series III XJ12 XJ12 Supercar 15 XJ220 Racing XJRs C R1/2/3/4/5 Ownership British Leyland Independent Ford [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] |
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