Vehicle Overview
The Jaguar XK is a high-end luxury sports car that drives as well as it looks. The four-seat XK comes as a coupe or convertible with V-8 power. There are two high-performance variants of the XK: the XKR and XKR-S. Both have supercharged V-8s, and the XKR-S’ engine puts out 550 horsepower. According to Jaguar, the XKR-S can go from zero to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Competitors include the BMW 650i and Mercedes-Benz SL.
(Skip to details on the: XKR and XKR-S)
New for 2012
The XK coupe and convertible receive new front and rear styling.
Exterior
The XK’s oval grille opening is different from other Jaguar models, and the broader front bumper distinguishes it from the preceding generation, called the XK8. Exterior features include:
- 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels
- Power-operated heated side mirrors with automatic dimming
- Bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps
- Dual exhaust
Interior
The XK’s interior isn’t the roomiest in its class, though its front-seat legroom is far better than average and its dimensions are more than workable for adults. The backseat exists only in name; there’s no legroom unless the front occupants slide forward, and the seat cushions have oddly shaped contours. It’s “2+2” seating, which means Jaguar doesn’t expect you to think they’re real rear seats. The convertible’s soft-top is thick enough that interior noise levels aren’t much different from the coupe’s. Interior features include:
- Leather seats and steering wheel
- Available real wood or aluminum trim
- Navigation system
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Optional adaptive cruise control
- Optional leather-appointed dash
- Optional heated steering wheel
Under the Hood
Jaguar claims zero to 60 mph acceleration of 5.2 seconds in the XK. Mechanical features include:
- 385-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 (XK)
- Six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift function
Safety
Safety features include:
- Side-impact airbags
- Active front head restraints
- Daytime running lights
- Antilock brakes and traction control
- Electronic stability system
- Front and rear parking sensors
XKR
Jaguar’s XKR builds upon the XK with a 510-hp, supercharged version of the 5.0-liter V-8. A modified suspension firms up the ride but sharpens handling. Other changes include a modified exterior with a mesh grille, modified fog lights, larger wheels, quad exhaust and dual hood louvers. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and Jaguar says the XKR accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Back to top
XKR-S
Jaguar claims the limited-production XKR-S has a top speed of 186 mph and will leap from zero to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Thanks to exhaust system and engine computer tuning, the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 makes 550 hp and 502 pounds-feet of torque. Boost pressure and engine compression are also slightly higher. The engine teams with a six-speed automatic that incorporates shift paddles. The suspension is 10 millimeters lower, and the XKR-S has an electronic differential.
The exterior is different than other XKs. Gloss-black accents are present, and the front bumper incorporates a carbon fiber splitter. The aggressive-looking hood features two horizontal cooling slots near the car’s nose. At the rear, there’s a big fixed spoiler with carbon fiber inlay. The XKR-S also has unique wider side sills and a distinctive rear apron with a carbon fiber diffuser.
Inside, there are 16-way power-adjustable performance seats with sculpted side bolsters. RS logos adorn the head restraints and doorsills. Back to top
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