X150 XK

STIFFER, stronger and lighter than its long-running X100 XK predecessor, the all-new and all-aluminium XK 2+2 is being billed as the most advanced vehicle Jaguar has ever built.

Underneath what is claimed to be the world’s first pedestrian-saving "pop-up" bonnet – which in a split-second rises a few inches to create a cushioning effect between the hood and the hard components underneath – lies a 4.2-litre quad-cam AJ-V8.

It churns out 224kW at 6000rpm and 420Nm at 4100rpm, with a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission incorporating steering-mounted shift paddles, and drives the rear wheels.

The XK’s kerb weight kept down to 1595kg, the coupe can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.2 seconds, crossing 80-110km/h in 3.1 seconds and reaching the quarter-mile in 14.4 sec. The 1635kg convertible is 0.1 seconds behind on all three measures, while both vehicles are limited to a 250km/h maximum.

Both are also claimed to decelerate from 100km/h to zero in 36.6m and return 11.3L/100km across the combined EU fuel consumption standard.

Compared to its predecessor, the new XK coupe’s chassis is said to be 31 per cent more rigid while the convertible is 50 per cent stiffer.

Now resting on a longer (2752mm) wheelbase, the XK is longer and taller, has wider tracks and much more interior room than before.

The familiar suspension configuration of unequal length wishbones at the front and unequal length wishbones (using the driveshafts as upper links) at the rear continues, with conventional coil springs and telescopic dampers all round.

The most recent version of Jaguar’s CATS (computer active technology suspension) two-stage adaptive damping system is also fitted, allowing control over all four dampers individually rather than in pairs.

Active headlights, bigger disc brakes, the latest four-channel ABS (with analogue control and electronic brake-force distribution) and 18-inch wheels – with 19s and 20s also available – round out the mechanical highlights.

For 2007 JAGUAR Australia launched a supercharged version of its second-generation XK grand tourer introduced 10 months ago. The Jaguar XKR comes in both coupe and convertible form.

Powered by a 306kW at 6250rpm (compared with 224kW for the ‘atmo’ 4.2-litre XK and 298kW for the previous XKR) with a maximum torque of 560Nm at 4000rpm (7Nm more than the previous model and up from 420Nm at 4100rpm in the XK).

An upgraded six-speed ZF automatic gearbox with sequential changing function is retained resulting to a healthy 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds and greatly enhanced mid-range acceleration.

The XKR is easily identified from the regular XK by its bold aluminium mesh on the grille and also the deeper front air dam, twin bonnet louvers that exhaust hot air from the engine compartment, bold alloy side vents just ahead of the doors and R badging – not to mention four big exhaust outlets at the back.

The XKR sits on massive 20-inch Senta 10-spoke alloy wheels (which are available as options on the XK) fitted with 255/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 at the rear.