If there's a car that defines the Jaguar brand, it is the Jaguar XK. The next generation of the XK coupe and convertible is expected to arrive this summer. Jaguar says the XK coupe will retail for $83,000, while the convertible will have an MSRP of $89,000. The high-performance Jaguar XKR coupe will retail for $96,000, while the XKR convertible will be priced at $102,000.
Jaguar is calling the 2010 XK all-new, but in spirit and execution it looks familiar. And that's a good thing. Rather than a hard-edged sports car, the Jaguar XK has been more of a beautiful, lush, well-appointed grand touring car. The new XK coupes and convertibles don't change that but appear to be a bit faster, more polished, more efficient, and better looking than ever.
Nothing defines the XK more readily than its slinky styling, and the new ones should not disappoint. The 2010 XK models are clearly an evolution of the current car, with familiar proportions and similar profiles. Changes are most obvious in front, with a larger mesh grille below the bumper and a more prominently defined front lip spoiler. In back, the jewel-like LED taillights and rear bumper spoiler have bit more pizzazz. In total, the new XK is a hint flashier than the current car but just as pretty, and it still looks fast even when it's sitting still.
The XK features aluminum construction. Its body/chassis combination is formed from aluminum tubes and panels, glued and welded together like a commercial jet. Jaguar claims the XK has the lightest shell and the most torsional stiffness in its class. That means that it requires less energy to move, yet remains more resistant to bending or twisting over big bumps and bad surfaces, even in open-top form. Those are the ingredients of better handling, a smoother ride, and a more refined road feel.
Inside, the next XK features the disappearing, radial gear selector introduced in the Jaguar XF sedan. It'll come standard with keyless starting and an array of trim choices: wool carpet, Rich Oak, Burr Walnut, Dark Oak, Knurled Aluminum, Dark Mesh Aluminum.
Under the hood, the XK models get a new generation of V8s that are considerably more powerful than those they replace. Jaguar's so-called AJ-V8 Gen III applies a host of updated technologies to decrease both emissions and fuel consumption and to extend maintenance intervals. The 5.0-liter V8 in the XK Portfolio delivers 385 horsepower, or 85 more than the 4.2-liter V8 its replaces. The supercharged version in the 2010 XKR produces 510 horsepower, up 90 compared to the current model.
The 2010 Jaguar XKs will continue with ZF's six-speed automatic transmission, which is widely used by luxury car builders for its pleasing operation and excellent performance. All will be equipped with steering-wheel levers for manual shifting, though the transmission in the sport-oriented XKR will be tuned for faster, more aggressive shifts.
Jaguar claims 0 to 60-mph times of 4.6 seconds for the XKR and 5.2 seconds for the XK Portfolio. Jaguar also predicts a slight increase in EPA mileage rating for both cars.
The 2010 XKs will be equipped with a new adaptive suspension system that Jaguar calls Adaptive Dynamics. Such suspensions are intended to better balance sharp, precise handling with a smooth, comfortable ride by electronically varying the rate at which the shock absorbers dampen road shocks, depending on conditions and the driver's demands. Jaguar says its Adaptive Dynamics has more computing power and considerably quicker response time than its previous CATS adaptive suspension system.
Neither the new XK Portfolio nor the XKR are expected in showrooms before June, but Jaguar dealers will gladly take your order now. Both models will come standard with 19-inch wheels: The Portfolio with all-season rubber and the XKR with summer performance tires.
On Sale: Summer 2009
Expected Pricing: $83,000-$102,000
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