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- Jaguar XK
Pros Superb award winning sports coupe convertible. Unrivalled construction. Beautiful, fast and thrilling to drive. Good safety record.
Cons Very expensive.
The Jaguar XK series - XK8/XKR is a high performance grand tourer produced since 1997 as the replacement for the Jaguar XJS and made available as a coup and convertible. The XK8 was the first 8 cylinder vehicle produced by Jaguar, launching the Jaguar AJ-V8 engine. The initial 1997 XK8 was available in coup or convertible with either a supercharged 370 hp (276 kW) or naturally aspirated 290 hp (216 kW). The supercharged variant is also known as the XKR. The first-generation XK series shares a platform with the legendary Aston Martin DB7. Both cars are based on the Jaguar XJS.
Jaguar launched the all new XK in 2006, as both coup and convertible. The XK utilizes Jaguars innovative new all-aluminum
monocoque chassis developed from the 2005 Advanced Lightweight Coup (ALC) concept car. Its a classic jag and has been much appreciated. Featuring a dramatic look, powerful engine and luxurious interior and exterior in a choice of Coupe or Convertible, a 4.2 litre V8 XK or Supercharged XKR! This is a car which has achieved a record for amazing ground-breaking handling thrills and performance. With so much hype sales have been booming. The GT sports car developed the momentum for the XK that bit further. Not only is it a superb classic but also contemporary looking sports car the 4.2 litre sports car is the most technologically advanced and greatest to drive that Jaguar have produced. Much of the credit goes to the innovative bonded and riveted aluminium monocoque body structure with a chassis that is very safe and light, aiding outstanding performance, handling, safety and economy. As an added bonus drivers say the engine growls and purrs like a sports car should.The XK sports car claimed Car of the Year award at the 2006 Auto Express New Car Awards. The XK Coupe also came out on top in the Best Coupe category beating the BMW 6 Series and the Porsche 911 no mean feat. Other awards include the Most exciting car to be launched in 2006 by What Car? magazine. Comparing the XK favourably to the BMW 6-Series Top Gear awarded the XK GT and Car Of The Year for 2006, reporting that it drives like a dream and highlighting the Intuitive and responsive and never rock solid handling.
Others awards in 2007 were in recognition of exceptional safety features on the XK car: the Prince Michael Award for Safety and the World Traffic Safety Symposiums Traffic Safety Achievement Award in the Automaker category. These awards were in large part to the XKs Pyrotechnic Deployable Bonnet System a new, industry-leading safety feature created to meet Phase One of new European safety legislation. In the event of a pedestrian impact the deployable bonnet on the new XK automatically flips up a few inches increasing space between engine and bonnet helping to isolate the pedestrian from hard points in the engine compartment.
The XK features the latest generation Jaguar 300bhp V8 4.2 litre engine
combining thrilling performance with efficiency and refinement.
At the heart of the XKR, is a supercharged 4.2 litre V8. Featuring new twin air
intakes and variable inlet camshaft phasing to develop 420bhp and deliver truly
breathtaking acceleration - 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.
Jaguars new Sequential Shift 6-speed ZF transmission also offers seamless control.
This state-of-the-art system gives a choice of Drive, Sport Automatic or Manual
modes. For maximum driver involvement, one-touch paddles mounted behind
the steering wheel can be used to control gear changes manually.
The Computer Active Technology Suspension also optimises comfort and
control. It determines the best possible balance between ride and handling by
analysing road conditions and continuously adjusting suspension settings
via electronically controlled dampers. Trac Dynamic Stability Control
also helps ensure confident road holding.
XK (4.2)
