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Christopher Jackson | 9/7/2007 | Jaguar
Jaguars have always struck me as being very nice yet somehow vaguely disappointing to the inner child. I've driven the X-Type, the XJ and the S-Type and never felt like I had a strong sense of what that cat on the hood really means. Recently, I got a chance to spend some time behind the wheel of the Jaguar XK convertible, and suddenly it all made sense.
This is what, as a young car guy, I always imagined a Jag should be like. The XK is elegant in a mailed-fist, velvet-glove way. It's equal parts excess and sensibility.
I'm not the only one to think so, either. Experts and enthusiasts alike are proclaiming the all-new, aluminum-intensive construction XK to be the first sign of life at the moribund British brand in years. Rather than counting on the notion of "heritage" to buoy up its shortcomings, the new XK seems more intent on eliminating the flaws in the first place. It's a welcome shift, and we hope it continues throughout the Jaguar lineup. Jaguar promises that it will.
The design is, of course, fantastic. There are elements of the previous XK in it, but the look is folded and creased just so, adding muscle as well as some very subtle touches of past Jaguars. The oval grille with a single horizontal chrome bar is a direct link to the classic E-type, and the long-hood, short-deck proportions are just about perfect. The XK looks good top up or top down. Big eighteen- or nineteen-inch wheels give the car a powerful look, but are open enough to keep from adding visual bulk. In this case the looks tell the story, too, because aluminum construction means that this cat is light on its feet. The new XK convertible has shed a full fifth of its body weight. Teardrop-shaped taillights add distinction from the rear as well. When retracted, the convertible top hides beneath a smooth tonneau cover so the XK's lines aren't spoiled. Top up or top down, this car looks like it's ready to run with the serious performers.
The cabin is comfortable and nicely appointed. The XK matches the poise and grace of the Lexus SC430 and Mercedes SL-Class, but manages to inject a sense of handcrafting as well. A BMW 645i is a very nice convertible that was welded together by machines; the XK feels like something built by artisans. Jaguar matches interior color schemes to the exterior paint color for a tailor-made feeling. Classic touches include a three-spoke steering wheel and twin instrument binnacles ahead of the driver. Wood and metal trim flow together nicely, and a modern touch is added with the seven-inch touch screen that houses navigation and other functions in the center stack. The high-mounted screen can get washed out in the sun if the top is down, but the XK has a way of making the rush to your destination seem a bit less important. The cockpit is well protected from the wind at speed, and the climate control automatically redistributes the air when the top is down. The top takes just eighteen seconds to raise, and three-layer construction keeps things quiet on the road.
The 4.2 liter V8 provides rapid urge without being picky or needing the shepherding that many high-powered cars do. The XK8's reflexes are quick yet relaxed. This car never rushes, but never leaves you waiting, either. The XK has 300 horsepower on tap, courtesy of dual overhead cam, 32-valve construction, but it's controlled, subtle power. Variable cam phasing improves throttle response and fuel economy. The fuel injection system has also been revised with more efficient, performance-oriented injectors. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment, and it bangs off confident shifts when you drop the gas pedal. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are also part of the setup, indicating the presence of an electrohydraulic selectable automatic gearbox. Leave it in full-automatic mode and the XK purrs quietly around town; switch to sequential shift mode and lightning-fast up- and downshifts are just a paddle flick away. Anti-lock brakes are standard, of course.
Jaguar has always been known for its suspension tuning, of course. Thanks to lightweight construction and unequal-length wishbone suspension at all four corners, this cat can dance, too. The handling is refined and controlled. The XK8 doesn't hesitate when thrown into a corner; those big wheels hold on and the suspension sets itself up with grace that belies this car's size. Computer-controlled active shock damping is available, allowing the XK to control body roll and pitch during high-performance maneuvers.
It's got power, poise and grace, everything that built Jaguar's reputation back in the day. The new XK claws its way to the head of the luxury sport convertible class, and does it with style. Jaguar's latest looks every bit its $81,500 price tag.
Specifications:
All specs are for the Jaguar XK 4.2L V8 convertible.
Length: 188.0 in.
Width: 70.8 in.
Height: 51.0 in.
Wheelbase: 101.9 in.
Curb weight: 3980 lb.
Cargo space: 10.8 cu.ft.
Base price: $81,500
Engine: 4.2 liter DOHC 32-valve V8
Drivetrain: six-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower: 300 @ 6000
Torque: 310 @ 4100
Fuel capacity: 19.9 gal.
Est. mileage: 18/26
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