At launch, the XK will be introduced with one engine, the AJ V8 featured in the XJ8 sedan. The naturally aspirated 4.2 litre engine is a traditional Jag engine, both smooth and quiet. What's new with this engine, in comparison to the old XK's motor is that it features new fuel injection technology allowing it to produce more 300 horsepower and 303 lb-ft of torque and to meet global emissions standards. The key to the XK's silky
performance has always been plenty of torque, and with the new XK, in excess of 85% of maximum twist is available between 2000 rpm and 6000 rpm. This broad flexibility gives it potential beyond its 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.2 second, and if it weren't for its electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, it would probably exceed 275 km/h.
For drag strip hooligans, the new XK takes just 14.4 seconds to run through the quarter mile - only a half second off the previous XKR's time. No doubt that with an extra 100 horsepower under its hood, and less curb weight, the upcoming XKR will be blindingly fast. While the old XK was a competent car in the corners, this upcoming car should place Jaguar amongst top-ranking driving machines. Not only does the lighter curb weight have a crucial factor, but the new ZF Servotronic 2 variable-assistance steering plays an important part at delivering excellent feedback. Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System (Trac DSC) is also standard.
While the traditional J-gate shifter, beneath is a brand new six-speed automatic gearbox, with Park, Neutral, Reverse, Drive and Sport settings. One particular highlight is an intelligent program that responds to the driver's inputs. Back-road blasting will mean that gears are held onto longer, but it'll switch to something more comfort-oriented when your style changes. In Sport Auto mode, the gearbox will even blip the throttle for quick, smooth downshifts. Like Aston Martin's DB9, the XK features
steering wheel mounted paddles that allow you to shift gears sequentially just like a formula-one driver, however, as this is an automatic, gearshifts are smoother and less jerky allowing the car to keep the refinement Jaguar drivers demand.
With increases in wheelbase, track, and a taller roofline, Jaguar has addressed the oft-voiced complaints that the XK's interior was far too cramped. The new car delivers 20 mm more headroom, better front shoulder and legroom, but there's little improvement on the two tiny rear seats, suitable only for transporting very small children or shopping bags. Front passengers sit lower in the car, held in place by sportier buckets with plenty of lateral bolstering. As with all other high-end Jaguars, the interior is executed in true British luxury and style meaning plenty of polished wood and hand-stitched leather, though the burnished alloy trim is available for those who would prefer something a little more contemporary and in tune with its sportier driving capacities.
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| While the old XK was a competent car in the corners, this upcoming car should place Jaguar amongst top-ranking driving machines. (Photo: Jaguar) |
For drag strip hooligans, the new XK takes just 14.4 seconds to run through the quarter mile - only a half second off the previous XKR's time. No doubt that with an extra 100 horsepower under its hood, and less curb weight, the upcoming XKR will be blindingly fast. While the old XK was a competent car in the corners, this upcoming car should place Jaguar amongst top-ranking driving machines. Not only does the lighter curb weight have a crucial factor, but the new ZF Servotronic 2 variable-assistance steering plays an important part at delivering excellent feedback. Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System (Trac DSC) is also standard.
While the traditional J-gate shifter, beneath is a brand new six-speed automatic gearbox, with Park, Neutral, Reverse, Drive and Sport settings. One particular highlight is an intelligent program that responds to the driver's inputs. Back-road blasting will mean that gears are held onto longer, but it'll switch to something more comfort-oriented when your style changes. In Sport Auto mode, the gearbox will even blip the throttle for quick, smooth downshifts. Like Aston Martin's DB9, the XK features
 |
| While the traditional J-gate shifter, beneath is a brand new six-speed automatic gearbox, with Park, Neutral, Reverse, Drive and Sport settings. (Photo: Jaguar) |
With increases in wheelbase, track, and a taller roofline, Jaguar has addressed the oft-voiced complaints that the XK's interior was far too cramped. The new car delivers 20 mm more headroom, better front shoulder and legroom, but there's little improvement on the two tiny rear seats, suitable only for transporting very small children or shopping bags. Front passengers sit lower in the car, held in place by sportier buckets with plenty of lateral bolstering. As with all other high-end Jaguars, the interior is executed in true British luxury and style meaning plenty of polished wood and hand-stitched leather, though the burnished alloy trim is available for those who would prefer something a little more contemporary and in tune with its sportier driving capacities.