2008 Jaguar XK Coupe

Jaguar's new XK coupe was rolled out for the 2006 model year with much fanfare. Based on the popular Advanced Lightweight Coupe concept car, the XK has been received positively by most of the motoring press and car enthusiasts.

The XK is a 2+2 sports car designed to offer a mix of luxury and performance. Most easily classified as a grand tourer, the XK competes with vehicles like the Mercedes SL-Class and Aston Martin Vantage.

Power comes from a 4.2-liter V8 provides 300 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque at 4100 rpm.

If the XK looks similar to recent Aston Martins, it's no accident. It was designed by Ian Callum, who penned the Aston Martin DB7 and V12 Vanquish.

The XK can be ordered with 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels. A navigation system with a seven-inch LCD touch screen is standard. Other features include front and side airbags, stability control, Burl Walnut or satin-finish Poplar trim, and keyless entry and start.

Options include a 525-watt Alpine premium sound system, Sirius satellite radio, soft-grain leather, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and a heated steering wheel.

A Jaguar Sequential Shift six-speed automatic transmission comes standard, incorporating steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear changes. On downshifts, the system even creates a throttle blip to shorten over-run shifts.

2009 Update

For 2009 model year, all cars are fitted standard with an iPod and USB connectivity interface, an air quality sensor, front park assist and electrochromic and heated power fold-back mirrors.



A new color is also added to the palette - Ultimate Black, replacing Midnight from June 2008.