Car Design News: 2007 Jaguar XK

First of a new generation Jaguars

The launch of the all-new Jaguar XK marks an exciting new era for Jaguar in terms of both design and engineering, and reinforces the marque�s reputation for building ground-breaking cars that are as rewarding to drive as they are gorgeous to look at.

The XK generation that ceased production in June 2005 was Jaguar�s fastest-selling sports model of all time. The challenge for the team that designed and engineered the 2007 XK was to produce a model that bettered that success story. The new XK has been engineered above and beyond the high expectations that customers rightly have for a Jaguar sports car, a fact made possible because everything from its advanced aluminum chassis to its sophisticated transmission and exquisite interior has been designed in pursuit of a luxurious, advanced and stunning new Jaguar.

The all-new Jaguar XK will be launched in Spring 2006 and will allow Jaguar to emerge as a world leader in Lightweight Vehicle Technology while retaining its reputation for beautifully designed and crafted cars.

"The new XK delivers the unique blend of performance, luxury and style that only a Jaguar can," says Bibiana Boerio, managing director, Jaguar Cars. "And its beauty is more than skin-deep � this is a sports car with the heart and soul of every great Jaguar."

All new Jaguar XK key points

All-new Coupe and Convertible Jaguar XK, each designed as a 2+2 sports car

First of a new generation of beautiful, fast Jaguars

The most technologically advanced Jaguar ever

Succeeds the Jaguar XK range introduced in 1996

All-aluminum construction assists best-in-class torsional rigidity in Coupe form. In convertible form, there is a 50 percent improvement in stiffness over the previous XK Convertible

All-new XK is lighter than its predecessor, with Coupe and Convertible curb weight at 3,671 lbs (1,665 kg) and 3,759 lbs (1,705 kg) respectively

In Convertible form the Body-in-White weight, at just 633 lbs (287 kg), is 19 percent lighter than the previous XK Convertible

Lightweight body offers a 10 percent improvement in power to weight ratio

Delivers a balance of superb performance, driving dynamics and Jaguar sophistication

Intuitive controls and driver-focussed technologies �Keyless Entry, Keyless Start and available Active Front Lighting � enhance driver enjoyment

Spacious, elegant sports car cabin exemplifies Jaguar craftsmanship, luxury and quality

Launched with latest generation naturally aspirated 4.2-liter Jaguar AJ-V8 engine, developing 300bhp SAE

AJ-V8 engine developed to satisfy ULEV II emissions requirements and features Exhaust Gas Recirculation

New Jaguar Sequential Shift 6-speed ZF automatic transmission system incorporates steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear changes

XK Coupe reaches 60mph from standstill in 5.9 seconds (0-100 km/h) in 6.2 seconds) and completes quarter mile sprint in 14.4 seconds � less than half a second off the pace of the previous 400bhp supercharged model

XK Convertible takes just 6.0 seconds to reach 60mph (0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds) � 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model

XK Coupe accelerates from 50-70mph (81 - 113 km/h) in just 3.1 seconds � 0.2 seconds quicker than the previous model (Convertible XK also 0.2 seconds quicker from 50-70mph at 3.2 seconds)

Electronically limited top speed of 155mph (250 km/h)

Convertible roof operates electrically in less than 18 seconds to be stowed below lightweight aluminum tonneau cover

New XK on sale from Spring 2006, with prices announced at the beginning of the year

The Convertible will make its Global debut at the North American International Auto Show (Detroit) in January 2006

The XK marketplace

The XK competes in what the motor industry categorizes as the �Large Premium Sports Car� sector. This market is growing in importance and competitiveness � between 1996-2004, the total segment worldwide has more than doubled, from 48,000 to 99,000 units. Additionally, the number of key competitors increased over that period from four to seven. Forecasts predict that the sector size will remain constant over the next five years, with at least eight key competitors expected in the market by 2007.

Conventionally, the Large Premium Sports Car sector consists of two key product groups:

- Grand tourers, which maintain a high degree of luxury and refined comfort

- Overtly sporty cars, where high performance and handling are the main attributes.

Clearly, a product like the new XK that delivers well on both attributes will have immense appeal. The new XK offers the customer a sporty drive without compromising on luxury while its superb performance and handling will allow it to be bought by customers who previously would only have considered outright sports cars which compromised luxury and space in favour of more aggressive handling characteristics.

The new XK will appeal to a select group of affluent potential purchasers, who have an affinity with luxury products. They are looking for a grand tourer as well as a car with pure sporting credentials, one that provides exhilaration and escapism combined with status and exclusivity � �luxury in a sports skin�.

Consequently, the new XK�s beautiful exterior styling - which echoes Jaguar�s lineage and signals performance - meets exactly those requirements. Similarly, customers will be delighted with an interior that engages and excites all the senses. It promotes driver focus, uses quality materials, colors and details, and has technology features that assist driver convenience and enhance performance.

Advanced technology that adds to the driving experience will attract these �savvy� consumers looking for features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and a touch-screen information and control center. In short, the all-new XK offers customers the best of both worlds - sport and luxury, versatility and capability.

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