Aiming to set the luxury performance standard
By Ron Perry
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October 7, 2005
Introduction
Few grand touring cars are as beautiful as the Jaguar XK, making the task of designing an all-new one that much harder. But, all good things must come to an end, and the time has come for a complete redesign of this venerable sport 2+2. Jaguar hinted at the design direction it would take with last year’s Advanced Lightweight Coupe Concept, and, as it turns out, the production version of the 2007 XK Coupe looks plenty like that show-stopper.
Starting with a blank sheet of paper, Jaguar has completely redesigned the 2007 XK to be lighter, roomier and more luxurious while enhancing the classic style of the original version – no small undertaking that involves quite a bit of risk. Skeptics have kept wary eyes open for information and photos of the new car in hopes that Jaguar designers would accomplish their objectives, and now that the official pictures and details have been released, it appears we can all relax. Not only does the re-design reflect long-standing Jaguar styling cues, but as is expected in a car of this pedigree, the new
2007 Jaguar XK is loaded with state of the art technology as well.
Once again Jaguar has upped the ante with the re-design of the luxurious, yet sporty, 2007 XK. A coupe will be offered initially, followed by a convertible at a later date.
What it is Luxury sport coupes and
convertibles have always been an important part of Jaguar’s product lineup, and this new 2007 XK is a big step toward the continuation of that tradition. The most significant change to the new XK has to be the all-aluminum monocoque structure, engineering that first debuted on the current XJ sedan. No other car in this segment offers this technology. The use of the aluminum structure results in overall weight savings and a body shell that is 31-percent stiffer than the previous steel skin. Weighing in at 3,671 pounds, the 2007 Jaguar XK isn’t exactly lightweight but sheds 108 lbs. compared to the current XK Coupe.
Why it mattersA combination of impressive performance and sensual styling with the latest technology is important to the discerning buyers who might consider buying a 2007 Jaguar XK, and the company knows it. That’s why the new XK has been fitted with an antilock braking system equipped with larger vented discs for more responsive feedback and shorter stopping distances as well as fade resistance. Additional technology has been added to the
new Jaguar XK as well. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth hands-free cellular communications technology as well as a Smart Key system that allows keyless ignition as well as vehicle entry. Other features include tire pressure monitoring, run-flat tires, stability control, and something called Forward Alert that scans the road ahead to warn of potential collision hazards. Optional is the new active front lighting system that swivels the headlights in the direction of steering input.
How quick it isJaguar didn’t just do a cosmetic re-design of the new 2007 XK Coupe. Under the hood is the latest version of Jaguar’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8, producing 300 horsepower. That’s a mere six horsepower increase over the previous XK, so Jaguar must be saving all the glory for an “R” edition. Power is run through a six-speed sequential shift transmission that incorporates steering wheel mounted paddles for manual shifting. Jaguar claims a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds for the 2007 Jaguar XK, as compared to 6.1 for the previous model. The quarter-mile time measures 14.4 seconds – less than a half second off the previous 390-horsepower, supercharged XKR’s quarter-mile time. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.
What it looks like When it comes to re-styling an icon like the Jaguar XK, designers need to retain a traditional appearance while modernizing the car’s overall look and feel. For the 2007 Jaguar XK, stylists have successfully created a smoother, sleeker, and more contemporary – if somewhat derivative – design. Yet, for all of its simple grace, the 2007 Jaguar XK also looks more aggressive. Gone is the separate lower rear valance trim that distracted from the clean lines of the current model. Sharper contour lines above the rear fenders give the new XK a crouched, ready to pounce appearance. The only controversial change, in our opinion, is the addition of side vents behind the front wheels. Somebody at Ford Motor Company, which owns Jaguar, likes the look because similar vents have been added to the Range Rover and the Jaguar Super V8 Portfolio sedan.
What it does best With the addition of a hatchback, the new 2007 Jaguar XK Coupe expands on an already arresting design by allowing more convenient access to storage space. Plus, it ties the new XK to the original, which included a similar portal for loading luggage. Made from aluminum to ensure it is easy to lift, the hatch is nicely incorporated into the XK’s design and is shaped for optimum rear visibility.
What we thinkWith its distinct Aston Martin flavor blended with traditional Jaguar design cues, the 2007 XK Coupe is beautiful but somewhat derivative, and we wish for more horsepower. When it comes to more motor, we’ll just have to wait for the XKR version to debut.
Photos courtesy of Jaguar cars North America
