2006 Jaguar XK Series Review

Specifications

Faster, Lighter, Stronger, Better and More Beautiful

When the current generation XK appeared on the sports car scene nearly a decade ago, it marked a return of a Jaguar sports car full of feline grace - something that seemingly skipped over the middle-generation XKS. Ten years down the line, and were faced with a new Jaguar sports coupe, one that Jaguar has put to market with some of the most impressive technological advancements, showing that Jaguars are more about being serious road cars than merely classy motor vehicles to head down to the country club in.

the extruded and cast structuThe upcoming XK replacement, once again dubbed XK, is a big cat, complete with grand-touring dimensions, but make no mistake its not fat. The new car weighs in at 3,510 pounds, about 220 pounds lighter than the previous generation. Much of the weight reduction is to do with an aluminum-intensive construction, made possible by new technologies founded by Jaguar and its suppliers. The car has an aluminum monocoque structure, similar to the one established for Jags latest XJ full-size sedan. The manufacturing process takes a cue from the aircraft industry, wherere is assembled with rivets and epoxy. Body panels are pressed aluminum. Not only is the car lighter, its more rigid by 31 percent. As weve seen with the XJ, the transition to aluminum has made a crucial step forward for class-leading handling and road manners.

On the surface, the new XK is very similar to the ALC concept which foreshadowed it. Head stylists Ian Callum attempted to convey years of rich heritage through the latest XK, while keeping it modern and contemporary, cutting back on the feline shape. Unlike the XJ which has been criticized for being too retro, the historical influences here are subtle such as the hood-long power bulge, oval grille and hatchback - the last of which has been missing since the E-Type. While the aperture is narrow, and the trunks volume is small, the double-hinged hatchback that moves away from the operators head is an improvement on practicality. Gone are the lengthy overhangs, and flat hood, giving the new XK a tauter looking skin, while new-shaped headlamps and tail lamps take this sports coupe in a new direction for Jaguar.

Adding to the standard crumple zones, and side impact protection, this latest Jaguar also is the first full-size sports coupe to focus on pedestrian protection. EuroNCAP crash testing marks a cars performance for both occupant and pedestrian safety. Its impact on the industry is so great, its forced manufacturers to re-style their cars, leading bluntly-shaped noses - many of which arent pretty. Jaguars solution was to introduce the worlds first active pedestrian protection, a system that props the upper half of the hood within milliseconds of an impact to soften and reduce head injuries to a pedestrian. Itll save countless lives, all while keeping the XKs lines beautiful.

At launch, the XK will be introduced with one engine, the AJ V8 featured in the XJ8 sedan. The naturally aspirated 4.2-liter engine is a traditional Jag engine, both smooth and quiet. Whats new with this engine, in comparison to the old XKs motor is that it features new fuel injection technology allowing it to produce more 300-horsepower and 303 lb-ft of torque and to meet global emissions standards. The key to the XKs silky performance has always been plenty of torque, and with the new XK, in excess of 85% of maximum twist is available between 2000 rpm and 6000 rpm. This broad flexibility gives it potential beyond its 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.0 seconds, and if it werent for its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, it would probably exceed 170.

For drag strip hooligans, the new XK takes just 14.4 seconds to run through the quarter mile - only a half second off the previous XKRs time. No doubt that with an extra 100 horsepower under its hood, and less curb weight, the upcoming XKR will be blindingly fast. While the old XK was a competent car in the corners, this upcoming car should place Jaguar amongst top-ranking driving machines. Not only does the lighter curb weight have a crucial factor, but the new ZF Servotronic 2 variable-assistance steering plays an important part at delivering excellent feedback. Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System (Trac DSC) is also standard.

While the traditional J-gate shifter, beneath is a brand new six-speed automatic gearbox, with Park, Neutral, Reverse, Drive and Sport settings. One particular highlight is an intelligent program that responds to the drivers inputs. Back-road blasting will mean that gears are held onto longer, but itll switch to something more comfort-oriented when your style changes. In Sport Auto mode, the gearbox will even blip the throttle for quick, smooth downshifts. Like Aston Martins DB9, the XK features steering wheel mounted paddles that allow you to shift gears sequentially just like a formula-one driver, however, as this is an automatic, gearshifts are smoother and less jerky allowing the car to keep the refinement Jaguar drivers demand.

With increases in wheelbase, track, and a taller roofline, Jaguar has addressed the oft-voiced complaints that the XKs interior was far too cramped. The new car delivers 0.8 inches more headroom, better front shoulder and legroom, but theres little improvement on the two tiny rear seats, suitable only for transporting very small children or shopping bags. Front passengers sit lower in the car, held in place by sportier buckets with plenty of lateral bolstering. As with all other high-end Jaguars, the interior is executed in true British luxury and style meaning plenty of polished wood and hand-stitched leather, though the burnished alloy trim is available for those who would prefer something a little more contemporary and in tune with its sportier driving capacities.

Driver ergonomics look to be a solid improvement over the previous model, with a new, easy to read instrument cluster with information center, and a dominating center console with a bright, 7-inch touch screen monitor. All major controls including the climate control and navigation are done through the screen, reducing clutter and the number of buttons. The XK has a keyless starting system, operated by a red engine start button, but the system can be furthered by Jaguars Smart Key system; you leave your key fob in your pocket, the car does the work automatically unlocking as you approach, and locking as you leave.

With exemplary technology in the cars chassis, its only fitting that Jaguar used the XK to showcase other new driver aids. The new car features an advanced ABS braking system which is able to vary brake pressure at each wheel, using analogue valves allowing for better steering during emergency braking. The brakes also have brake force distribution and brake assist to shorten stopping distances. This is also the first Jaguar to have Forward Alert, which uses the cars optional adaptive cruise control to scan the road every 10 seconds, and in the even that the system picks up an imminent collision, it warns the driver. The XKs seats also have Protec dynamic headrests to prevent whiplash injury, and the xenon headlamps swivel according to steering angle and vehicle speed.

The new XK will make its world debut at this years Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September, but this is just the start. Later this year, or early next year, Jaguar intends on completing the range with an open-topped convertible. But, sporting new lightweight construction, there could even be a smaller V8 option (3.6L), or even a six-cylinder model in the future. Also, Jaguars PSA-engineered 2.7-liter twin-turbo diesel could be on the lines. The models were waiting for is the 400 horsepower supercharged R model, which will have AMG-powered Mercedes, Porsche and Maserati drivers checking their rear-view mirrors. The new XK is faster, lighter, stronger and better; a real 21st century Jaguar, and one thats shaping up to be a real sports car too.