LEADER OF THE PACKJaguar may not have been a front runner in F1 of late but since quitting this sport it seems that their latest XK road car may just have the winning formula. The XK was first launched in 1996 and with such sleek and luxurious styling; it was a car that screamed ‘I’m wealthy and proud.’ But under the skin there was much more to this car than status. Indeed, Jaguar’s swift and graceful Feline had yet to demonstrate the prowess and might it had behind it.
With a parent company like Ford and an unashamed ‘plugging’ contract on the set of the James Bond Film, Die Another Day in 2002, Ford’s latest asests were sure to stimulate a lot of interest. The Ice racing XK was no exception, except the showrooms didn’t sell it with the Four wheel drive as seen on the film which was a bit of a disappointment. Never the less the monstrous 4.2 litre V8 engine was part of the standard package, as was a 0-62 time of 5.4 seconds.
Two years on and the XK-RS concept was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show. It displayed the work of Rocketsports Racing in collaboration with Jaguar North America. It may not ever reach production but it is still the most powerful convertible Jaguar and also looks a lot more menacing. The Jaguar AJ-V8 Trans-Am race engine was stroked out from a 4.5 litre capacity to 5.0 litres. This translates in to 550 horse power on tarmac and a top speed of 200mph.
Nine years from its first launch and the years have been kind, let’s say. Rather like Kylie, Jennifer Aniston and Halle Berry have matured from fresh-faced beauties in to sexy cover girls; the XK just gets more desirable with age. No doubt experience and a lot of hard work also contribute to the success of both the XK range and these famous women.
The standard road-going XK models have also been given the star treatment of expert beauty therapists; whom are otherwise known as designers in the automotive world. To this effect we can now admire some spanking new alloys, a mesh grill and a sporty tailpipe on the 390bhp supercharged XKR as well as computer controlled shock absorbers. There are also revised XK8’s available in the range and these have a selection of optional extras to tempt you. Like the XKR’s they come in convertible or coupe form.
The new XK range may just be what Jaguar needs to launch a new era of astounding luxury sports cars.
Verdict
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Spec
ENGINE: 4.2litre V8
POWER: 300bhp @ 6000rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 310lb ft @4100
0-60mph (sec): 5.9
TOP SPEED: 155mph
MPG: /-/-/25 (urban/extra-urban/combined)
TRANSMISSION: 6 speed
WEIGHT: 1,595kg
PRICE: £60,097
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