2010 JAGUAR XKR

Performance on a new level

In naturally aspirated form, the new AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-litre engine delivers 385PS (SAE) and 380lb ft (515Nm) of torque - respectively 26 and 23 percent more than its 4.2-litre predecessor. The Jaguar XKR's supercharged 5.0-litre version delivers a mighty 510PS (510bhp SAE) and 461lb ft (625Nm) of torque - improvements of 23 and 12 percent respectively over the supercharged 4.2-litre engine.

On the road, while maximum speed remains under electronic control at 155mph (250kph), these power and torque gains allied to the lightweight aluminium body architecture of the XK dramatically improve acceleration times. For the naturally aspirated XK, 0-60mph is reduced to 5.2 seconds from 5.9 seconds (and 0-100kph from 6.2 to 5.5 seconds); for the supercharged Jaguar XKR, 0-60mph is reduced to 4.6 seconds from 4.9 (and 0-100kph to 4.8 seconds from 5.2).

The supercharged Jaguar XKR is also impressively efficient, with combined fuel economy of 23.0mpg and a CO2 rating of 292g/km - an improvement over the previous Jaguar XKR - and 16 and 17 percent better, respectively, than the equivalent figures for the BMW M6.

Exterior

The exterior changes for the naturally aspirated XK models and the supercharged Jaguar XKR are highlighted by a distinctive and purposeful new front end design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body valance. New LED rear light clusters incorporating fog lamps plus twin reversing lamps (rather than the previous single lamp units) give every new XK a unique 'night time signature', while LED technology is also included in the integrated side repeater and approach lamps in the new exterior mirrors. Every new XK also features revised body-coloured side power vents.

Interior

Contemporary, sporting luxury, exceptional quality of craftsmanship, and Jaguar's renowned attention to detail are the keynotes of the new XK range's enhanced interiors. The cabin is clean, elegant and spacious, and remains entirely in harmony with the sporting character of the revised exterior.

The luxury character of the new XK and XKR, however, is guaranteed, regardless of the customer's choice of body style - hard-topped coupe or fabric-roofed convertible. Both benefit from the inherent strength of Jaguar's lightweight aluminium architecture, which means that as well as being the lightest body structure in its class, the body shells also have the highest torsional strength. And that exceptional rigidity, with or without a fixed roof, means creak and rattle-free refinement, even on unforgiving surfaces.

Beyond that, the convertible's triple-lined fabric roof gives a level of fit and stability, even at very high speeds, that minimises wind noise and other road noise and includes a luxurious interior finish almost indistinguishable from a fixed roof. In addition, XK Portfolio and XKR models feature luxurious Jaguar Suedecloth headlinings as standard.

For both coupé and convertible, the latest feature enhancements are showcased by the JaguarDrive Selector™, which is neatly and elegantly packaged in the centre console. The welcome to the car is also enhanced by new, bright treadplate inserts. Many of the other changes emphasise high levels of Jaguar craftsmanship with new jewel-like touches. The three-spoke steering wheel now has a leather-wrapped lower spoke, and Jaguar's striking 'growler' badge. The new Jaguar XKR's instruments further emphasise its performance character with red pointers, while all models adopt a new white illumination for their instruments.

Real wood veneers remain an important part of Jaguar craftsmanship and now include a new Rich Oak veneer option alongside the classic Burr Walnut for all three models. The new XK Portfolio also offers the choice of an Ebony veneer, while the Jaguar XKR offers its own unique alternative in Dark Oak. A Knurled Aluminium veneer is also available on XK and XK Portfolio, while Dark Mesh Aluminium is available on XKR.

The most advanced Jaguar V8 engines ever

Since the first XK was launched in 1948, generations of powerful yet refined engines have played a crucial role in establishing the unique character and pedigree of Jaguar cars. Now, the new 5.0-litre V8 direct-injection engines continue that tradition, delivering increased power and torque with reduced emissions and impressive fuel economy. Available in two versions - the supercharged 510PS and naturally aspirated 385PS - the new AJ-V8 Gen III engines exemplify Jaguar's reputation for innovation and engineering excellence.

The results are clear to see. Performance has been increased by 29 percent and 23 percent (87 and 94PS) on the naturally aspirated and supercharged engines respectively, yet both meet EU5 and US ULEV2 emissions regulations. Despite the significant increases in power, both have better emissions and comparable fuel economy to the previous 4.2-litre units.

Both new AJ-V8 Gen III petrol engines are state-of-the-art in every sense. The technical features have been engineered to deliver unparalleled efficiency, refinement, power and torque for which Jaguar is famous, combined with the lowest possible emissions. Low-speed torque characteristics and throttle response are world-class, while the supercharged version is one of the most economical 5.0-litre V8 engine available.

The new AJ-V8 engines are built around a stiff, all-new, aluminium block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. The blocks are high pressure die-cast, providing a superior finish and greater dimensional accuracy. The engines use aluminium heads, with four valves per cylinder and spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and forged steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads for the first time are specified with a secondary (recycled) aluminium alloy thus reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.

The new 5.0-litre direct injection petrol engines are more compact than their predecessors. Overall engine length has been reduced by 24mm by relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture. This length reduction - apparently a small amount - improves engine bay packaging in support of enhanced safety cell performance while ensuring overall engine weight is virtually unchanged.

Direct injection - power with economy

One of the key features of the new petrol engines is an industry-first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar directly to the cylinder. This substantially contributes to improved low-speed, dynamic response. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the centre of the combustion chamber, maximising air-fuel mixing and improving combustion control. Fuel is delivered via twin, high-pressure fuel pumps that are driven via auxiliary shaft in the all-new engine block.

Safety

As well as the convertible's hidden, automatic roll-over protection, every car in the new XK range features Jaguar's pedestrian deployable bonnet system (not fitted to Federal market cars). In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the system raises the bonnet by 170mm in just 30 milliseconds to provide a clear space between the surface of the bonnet and the hard points underneath, to reduce the severity of injuries - particularly those to the head - while still allowing the new XK low bonnet line. An energy-absorbing bumper system also helps minimise lower leg injuries to pedestrians.

Jaguar's Emergency Brake Assist is standard on the new XK and Advanced Emergency Brake Assist is fitted to all models with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Advanced Emergency Brake Assist uses the ACC radar to calculate distance from and speed of approach to the vehicle ahead and pre-charges the brake-line pressure to minimise impact speed if a collision is predicted - with an audible warning to the driver.

Every model in the new XK range includes front, side and thorax airbags, incorporating new technology which reduces the load on the occupant's body if the front airbag is deployed. Jaguar's Adaptive Restraint Technology System checks for seat occupation and seatbelt use, seat position, and the direction and severity of any impact, and uses all that information to determine the appropriate level of airbag deployment in any incident. Additionally, Jaguar's Protec front head restraint system can minimise whiplash in the event of a rear impact.

Tech

In true, contemporary Jaguar fashion, a great deal of relevant and intuitive technology is controlled by the clear and elegant seven-inch Touch-screen in the centre console - which is standard on all models. The Touch-screen provides access and control for the Climate Control and Audio systems, for the Satellite Navigation System, for Bluetooth mobile connectivity, and for Jaguar's Portable Audio Interface - which are all standard equipment. The satellite navigation system offers DVD mapping, postcode entry, and a traffic message channel. The Portable Audio Interface offers iPod connectivity, and the connection of other storage devices through a USB port, to the in-car sound system, with full Touch-screen control.

The audio system options for the new XK range include single-slot or multi-disc CD changers and either Jaguar Premium Sound or the ultimate, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins system. The Bowers & Wilkins option is a 525-watt system with Dolby® ProLogic®II Surround Sound, three-channel stereo with unique amplifier, Kevlar mid-range speakers with high output and low distortion, and specially designed aluminium tweeters.