Jaguar XK8 Convertible 1997

The Jaguar XK is a sports car grand tourer produced by the manufacturer English Jaguar Cars since the end of 1996. It is the successor to the Jaguar XJS, and there are versions with bodies coupe and convertible. It has a front engine, longitudinal rear-wheel-drive. Currently in its second generation, the XK incorporates for the first time an engine of eight cylinders (V8) - manufactured by Jaguar.

First generation (1996-2006)

The XK of the first generation is based on a platform modified from the Jaguar XJS. Your gasoline engine of 4.0 liter capacity comes in two variants: atmospheric 298 HP (216 kW) maximum power ("XK8") and with compressor volumetric 370 HP (276 kW) maximum power ("KEVER"). The first generation of the XK shares its platform with the Aston Martin DB7.

The XK has its top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), which is lower than the maximum speed of its predecessor.

The XK standard has alloy wheels of 18 inches, being able to turn to 19-and 20-inch as optional. A navigation system and free-leveling xenon headlamps come standard with the XKR, and as optional for the XK8. The adaptive control of Jaguar, is an optional feature available on both models. Both come with all leather interior, wood trim, walnut, and four airbags.

Limited editions

XKR Silverstone

Only made 600 Silverstone, in the celebration of the team Jaguar Racing return to F1 in 2001. It had a paint finish in Platinum, high-performance set (with the same engine that the standard XKR, but improved transmission, suspension and brakes), tires BBS 20-inch and interior trim at the option of the user.

XKR 100

This model was built to celebrate the centenary of the founder of the team Jaguar Racing. In the year 2002 were manufactured 500 units of the XKR 100 coupe and 500 in the convertible. The XKR 100 offers a paint finish in Anthracite, Recaro seats, alloy wheels BBS 20 inches, Brembo brakes, and interior finishes at the option of the user.

XKR Portfolio

The XKR Portfolio is only produced in 2004 exclusively for the Us market. The XKR Portfolio, 100 offering red paint line with sports seats Recaro and the interior, while the remaining 100 had Blue and interior paint.

There is also a XKR Portfolio 2008 model expected to be available around the world, with the more powerful brakes that appear in any production chain of a Jaguar.

XKR-S 4.2

In Europe, the XKR-S 4.2 will be unveiled in Geneva on march 1, 2005. This was the last XK to be laminated in that it is based on the original design from 1996. Features of the 4.2-S Four included new exterior colours and interior and two veneer options for the instrument panel, polished door treadplates with chequered flag and the emblems and embossed, leather-edged word mats. The revised Jaguar a white ribbon on the bonnet also feature chequered accents. New 19 "Atlas wheels plus cross-brake discs cross-drilled Brembo, red wheel badges and brake calipers red were also mounted.

XKR-R

Jaguar also produced a concept car called the XKR-R which was very similar to the XKR production, but with a more powerful engine and better handling. The naming convention is similar to the S-Type Special Edition. Unlike the S-Type, which has not yet been approved for manufacture, and now is likely to never make it.

Second generation (2006-2014)

Jaguar unveiled the second generation of the XK (project code X150) at the Frankfurt motor show of 2005. It was created by the Jaguar design team under the direction of Ian Callum. A key element of the character of the new XK is its unique and innovative unibody of aluminum, developed from the prototype Advanced Lightweight Coupe.

In the opposite way to usual, the design of the coupe is based on the open-top. The XK Convertible was introduced at the Detroit Auto show 2006. Its soft top opens and closes automatically in less than 18 seconds remaining hidden under an aluminum cover.

A new exclusive design of Jaguar is the V8 engine of 4.2 liters, four camshafts with air intake, develops 298 HP (219 kW) of maximum power, accompanied by a automatic transmission sequential six-speed transmission that incorporates controls on the steering wheel.

In 2009, he added the XKR, which mounts the same engine gas V8 5.0 liter 510 HP, which assembles the all-new Jaguar XFR.

The new XK looks similar to the ALC Coupe Concept, which was presented for the first time at the Detroit Auto show of 2005. The designer, Ian Callum, was also responsible for designing the Aston Martin DB7 and Aston Martin Vanquish, which explains the similarities in design among the three cars.

In 2014, it disappears from the market and it is same year created 66 units of special limited to the German market:http://www.motorpasion.com/sports/jaguar-xk66-only-to-germany

Technical Sheet

Security

Jaguar Cars has been one of the first manufacturers to meet Phase One of new european legislation on safety in a hood that actively protects the pedestrian. The new XK has introduced a hood equipped with the System with Protection for the Pedestrians (PDBS). In the case of unfortunate outrage, the hood of the new XK will "lift" automatically a few centimeters in a fraction of a second to create a cushioning effect between the engine and the hood. This keeps the pedestrian away from the areas with the most rigid of the engine compartment.

The active system installed in the new XK is complemented with an advanced system of sensors installed in the front bumper, the design of which helps to mitigate leg injury through the use of foams, deformable and of a plastic cover.

These devices have been awarded to the new Jaguar XK the Award of Engineering and Technology at the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards" in London.