(from Jaguar Press Release) Jaguar is proud to announce a new era in its sports car lineage – the all-new XK. Like all great Jaguar sports cars, the focus of the all-new Jaguar XK is firmly on the future, while acknowledging the marque’s rich history. It heralds a new era for Jaguar in terms of both design and engineering, and is the most technically advanced Jaguar ever built.
The all-new Jaguar XK continues the Jaguar tradition of beautiful, powerful, ground-breaking sports cars, but behind its stunning looks, the all-new Jaguar XK bristles with practical, intuitive, modern technology, clearly focussed on enhancing the driving experience. It delivers significant improvements in performance, dynamics, safety, exterior and interior design and equipment and it will launch with all the quality expected of a brand which is making great progress in independent quality audits.
When it is launched in early 2006, this first of the next generation of Jaguars will signal the next exciting step for Britain’s most evocative car company.
By starting with a blank canvas, Jaguar was able to make use of the latest aerospace technologies alongside more traditional Jaguar skills to create a luxurious, powerful, highly advanced sports car.
A major key to the all-new XK’s character is Jaguar’s industry-leading aluminum monocoque body structure, introduced with the latest XJ sedans.
With this unique high-tech construction method, the all-new XK’s bodyshell is 31 percent stiffer than the previous steel XK and significantly offers a 10 percent improvement in power to weight ratio.
The all-new XK is up to 90 percent stiffer and 397lb lighter than key rivals, with a kerb weight of just 3671lb.
In the words of Jaguar’s Chief Engineer Mike Cross, in charge of developing the all-new XK’s vehicle dynamics, "What the team has looked to engineer is a sports car with true all-round ability. That means it must be fast, outstandingly agile, and truly exciting to drive. It has to go quickly, stop quickly, and do everything in between in the way a Jaguar should. Yet it’s also a rational choice - the all-new XK will deliver a balance of superb driving dynamics and relaxed comfort that is the epitome of sophisticated sporting luxury."
All-new Jaguar XK at a glanceAll-new Jaguar XK 2+2 sports car. First of a new generation of beautiful, fast Jaguars. The most technically advanced Jaguar ever made. Succeeds the Jaguar XK range introduced in 1996. Advanced all-aluminum construction allows a lightweight yet incredibly stiff and strong car.
Intuitive controls and driver-focussed technologies such as Keyless Entry and a push button starter enhance driver enjoyment.
Spacious, elegant sports car cabin exemplifies Jaguar craftsmanship, luxury and quality.
Launched with latest generation naturally aspirated 4.2-liter Jaguar V8 engine, developing 300bhp (SAE).
New Jaguar Sequential Shift 6-speed automatic transmission system incorporates steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear changes. Reaches 60mph from standstill in 5.9 seconds and completes quarter mile sprint in 14.4 seconds – less than 0.5 seconds off the pace of the previous 390bhp supercharged model.
Electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The latest in entertainment with the option of an Alpine Dolby Pro-logic II 525 watt surround sound system and Sirius satellite radio.
Standard Bluetooth® wireless technology for mobile phones on all models. On sale from early 2006.
Pricing will be confirmed closer to sale, although the Jaguar XK will be highly competitive in the luxury sports car segment. Convertible model will also be available – details later this year.
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