The release of the 2007 Jaguar XK marks the beginning of a new era for the manufacturer in terms of engineering and design. Its predecessor, which went out of production in June 2005, was the fastest selling Jaguar sports car in the marque’s history, and the challenge for the 2007 team was to build upon that success. The new XK features extraordinary engineering which will delight even the most discerning Jaguar customer, including aluminium chassis, high-tech transmission and luxurious interior. The new model was launched in spring 2006, firmly placing Jaguar as the world leader in lightweight vehicle production, whilst guarding the manufacturer’s reputation as a producer of stunning, beautifully designed cars.
Sports styling
The 2007 XK is noticeably sportier than its predecessor, yet retains the classic Jaguar characteristics of elegance, modesty and maturity. With the hard top in place, it resembles a classic low-slung coupe. The front-wing power vents have become a new styling signature for Jaguar, and most recently featured on the XJ Super V8 Portfolio. Further homage to models gone by is paid by the grille opening, rear liftback and hood power-bulge, all of which echo the Jaguar E-type.
The interior of the new XK carries modern, luxurious materials and high-quality craftsmanship. Features include finely stitched leather and high-tech metallic trim finishes. The layout of the cockpit is driver-centred and sporty, including body-hugging sports seats, which are set very low to increase the ‘sports car’ feel.
Like the old model, the 2007 XK is available in a two-door coupe or two-door convertible setup, each model having been developed separately under the one design program.
The XK Engine
The new XK boasts a naturally aspirated 4.2 litre AJ-V8 engine which is compact, lightweight and based on the engine seen in the most recent XJ saloon model. There are significant improvements on the version found in the previous XK, including a new fuel-injection system.
The 4.2 litre engine is capable of producing 300 bhp, and torque peaks at 303 lb/ft at 4,100 rpm. The sportiness of the XK is enhanced by the distribution of torque through the range, with 85% being delivered across the full range between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm. Despite these powerful capabilities, the engine offers relatively frugal fuel economy and a drop in CO˛ emissions of around five percent.
The new XK Coupe’s top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph (250 km/h), and is capable of achieving 60 mph from standstill in 5.9 seconds. The new weight savings produce a standing quarter mile figure of 14.4 seconds – over half a second faster than the previous XK model.
The 2007 XK features a first for Jaguar cars – the use of steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles to control transmission. Both “Drive” and “Sport” settings offer access to manual operation through the paddles.