2010 Jaguar XKR Pictures, Specifications, Information

The Jaguar sports car experience moves on to a new level in 2009 with the introduction of a new generation of the XK Coupe and Convertible.

With all-new engines, even more dramatic looks, a new interior, an advanced lightweight aluminum body structure and a wider range of models, the new XK builds on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar.

Designated 2010 model year but available summer 2009, the new XK range not only stands out from the crowd, it stands apart. The combined efforts of Jaguar's designers and engineers have produced a car that utilizes advanced technologies at a higher level than ever before.

The benefits of the XK's lightweight but incredibly stiff and strong chassis are already acknowledged. Not only does this architecture bring dynamic benefits thanks to its torsional rigidity, it also offers excellent safety and crash repair features – and provides the ideal base to optimize performance across the board, including fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

"The philosophy at Jaguar is for our designers and engineers to work together with all areas of the Jaguar business to develop elegant, inspired solutions to complex technical challenges. The result is great products – and the new XK is a perfect example." Mike O"Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engines are the most efficient Jaguar has ever produced. They deliver significantly more power and torque than the previous generation of engines: 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque in the new supercharged XKR and 385bhp and 380lb-ft in the XK Portfolio.

With the introduction of these all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection V8 engines comes a new level of performance for the XK, with improved acceleration from standstill and stunning in-gear acceleration times. All models are electronically limited to a maximum speed of 155mph, but the 0-60mph sprint for naturally aspirated coupe models falls from 5.9 to 5.2 seconds, while for the supercharged XKR Coupe, 0-60mph is reduced from 4.9 to 4.6 seconds.

And yet thanks to a combination of excellent powertrain efficiency and the XK's advanced lightweight body architecture, all XKs offer strong fuel economy and impressive CO2 emissions ratings. Fuel economy is comparable to the previous generation of XK – despite the significant increases in performance – and CO2 emissions from each engine are better than the out-going versions, with the naturally aspirated version improving on that of the 4.2-liter V8 by two percent, while the supercharged engine produces one percent less CO2 than its predecessor. Indeed, the new generation XK is among the very best in both fuel economy and emissions for any V8-engined sports car.

"With an all-new, supercharged AJ-V8 engine and dramatic new looks, the new XKR has all the performance, power and panache that you expect in the ultimate sporting Jaguar." Mike O"Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

Allowing the engines to optimize their power is one of the most sophisticated transmissions available. Jaguar's acclaimed electronically controlled, six-speed ZF 6HP28 transmission offers an unparalleled combination of driver control matched to virtually undetectable gearshifts. With control either from steering wheel-mounted paddles or full automatic mode via the JaguarDrive SelectorTM, which is new for the 10 Model Year XK, the transmission is now paired with an advanced electronic differential on the XKR model to ensure it accelerates even faster, handles more precisely and sets new standards of dynamic control and excellence.

There are two core models in the new XK range: the highly equipped XK Portfolio and the XKR, each with its own sporting character. In addition to the many changes under the skin, the new XKs are visually different to the previous generation. Each still looks just like a Jaguar should look – seductive, powerful and elegant – but all models, coupe and convertible, introduce revised exterior styling that underlines Jaguar's contemporary thinking on design.

Inside, quality levels are raised even further with new interior trim and finishes that demonstrate Jaguar's renowned craftsmanship, plus even more comprehensive specification. The driver is the center of attention, with exciting new ideas, including the acclaimed JaguarDrive Selector™, Adaptive Dynamics with Active Differential Control and comfort features such as heated and cooled seats – taking the driving experience of the new XK range to even higher levels of luxury alongside the improved performance.

"The new XK delivers more power, more performance and more technology – without compromise. It moves the Jaguar sports car experience on to a whole new level." Mick Mohan, Director, Jaguar Programmes

THE NEW XK RANGE IN DETAIL

The new XK is a sophisticated grand tourer with the heart of a true sports car, combining effortless high-performance and state-of-the-art V8 powertrains with a new layer of advanced technologies, intuitive control, and Jaguar's superbly crafted, new-fashioned luxury interiors. The range will continue to include both naturally aspirated XK and supercharged XKR, available in 2+2 coupe or convertible body styles.

All-new AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter direct-injection engines bring significant improvements in power and torque and they do so with no compromise in terms of fuel economy and emissions. In both respects, every car in the new XK range, in spite of such large performance and flexibility gains, is comparable to their predecessors.

The impressive fuel economy is directly attributable to the combination of the XK range's lowest-in-class weight and the all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engines. As well as the intrinsic advantages of the engines" exceptionally light weight and compact dimensions, these technically advanced all-aluminum four-cam power units offer a number of features that deliver power with very high efficiency, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI), which improves performance and economy, and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT), which benefits performance and economy and also reduces emissions.

The simplified and logical model range for the new XK essentially comprises just two clear choices – XK Portfolio and XKR. Each has its own specific choices of trim, color and fine detail, but every one has the same underlying sporting character and clear emphasis on efficient performance, luxury and craftsmanship. Beyond that, the XK vehicle personalization program also offers an extensive range of accessories that allow the customer to add further bespoke touches – inside and out.

Stunning performance increases

In naturally aspirated form, the new AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter engine delivers 385bhp and 380lb-ft of torque – respectively 26 and 23 percent more than its 4.2-liter predecessor. The XKR's supercharged 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III R delivers a mighty 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque – improvements of 23 and 12 percent respectively over the supercharged 4.2-liter engine.

On the road, while maximum speed remains under electronic control at 155mph, these power and torque gains allied to the lightweight aluminum body architecture of theXK dramatically reduce acceleration times. For the naturally aspirated XK Portfolio, 0-60mph is reduced from 5.9 to 5.2 seconds; for the supercharged XKR, 0-60mph is reduced from 4.9 to 4.6 seconds.

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

Crucially, however, the XK also continues to better its closest rivals on economy and CO2 ratings, with an average consumption of 25.2mpg and a CO2 figure of 264g/km – a seven percent improvement on the equivalent figures for the Mercedes-Benz SL500.

The Looks – exterior styling

Visible changes on the new XK Portfolio and XKR reflect the significant changes under the skin. Carefully revised exteriors take the seductive, powerful, elegant lines that define Jaguar's new design language and interpret them for a dramatically beautiful 2+2 sports car whose shape is even more taut, powerful and athletic. Evoking the essence of performance long before it moves, the new XK family shape is unmistakably "new-school" sporting Jaguar: wholly contemporary, finely sculpted, efficiently packaged and precisely detailed.

Design Director Ian Callum outlines the new design features on the XK range:

"The current XK was the first car to signify a new generation of Jaguars – cars that have honed our image every bit as successfully as the original XK120 or E-type. Now the new XK range reinforces that message. The cars" visual agility and beautiful lines have been enhanced with a distinctive new front end, rear lights and revised body styling that gives every model even more presence."

The exterior changes for both the naturally aspirated XK Portfolio and the supercharged XKR are highlighted by a distinctive and purposeful new front bumper design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear bumper spoiler. New LED rear light clusters incorporating fog lamps plus twin reversing lamps (rather than the previous single units) give every car in the new XK range 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 car in the new XK range also features new engine covers and revised, body-colored side power vents.

Beyond the shared changes, subtle differences in detail distinguish each of the three models in the new XK range. Both the naturally aspirated XK Portfolio and the supercharged XKR display purposeful front bumper features with stylish, chrome-detailed inserts and further chrome detailing to the upper mesh grille. The XKR is set apart by also featuring chrome on its lower mesh grille - which is finished in black on the XK Portfolio model. All models now feature chrome detailing on window surrounds and rear signature blade, and in addition the XKR comes with a new rear bumper spoiler that is finished in body color and a revised tailpipe design further emphasizing its sporting performance.

The Looks – interior styling

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, spacious and remains entirely in harmony with the sporty character of the revised exterior.

The luxury character of the new XK range, 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 aluminum architecture, which means that as well as being the lightest body structure in its class, the XK Portfolio and XKR's shells also have the highest torsional strength. And that exceptional rigidity, with or without a fixed roof, means creak and rattle-free refinement on virtually any surface, however unforgiving.

Beyond that, the convertible's triple-lined fabric roof gives a level of fit and stability even at very high speeds that minimizes 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 headlining as standard.

It can, however, be powered up or down at the touch of a button in less than 18 seconds. And when it is lowered, the convertible's flush-folding roof retracts completely into the bodywork behind the rear seats, under a smooth cover that retains the elegant, sporty lines of the car.

Nor does the convertible compromise the new XK range's safety, for its roll-over protection system, which remains hidden unless it is needed, deploys instantaneously as necessary to provide occupants with the highest levels of protection.

For both coupe and convertible, the latest trim and feature enhancements are highlighted by the JaguarDrive Selector™, which is very neatly and elegantly packaged in the center console. The welcome to the car is also enhanced by new, bright treadplate inserts. Many of the other changes emphasize very 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 XKR's instruments now further emphasize its performance character with red pointers, while all models adopt a new white illumination for their instruments.

New heated and cooled front seats are standard equipment on the new XK Portfolio and available on XKR with the optional R Performance interior. The XKR features 10-way seat adjustability for both driver and passenger seats, with heating and memory functions as standard and unique R seat style. The XK Portfolio and XKR with the optional R Performance interior have 16-way adjustable seats with heating and memory functions, adjustable side bolsters and new cooled seats as standard.

The door casings are even more luxuriously crafted than before, with saddle-stitched lines and a new interlayer to give a softer touch to the top shoulder of the casing. The leather door pulls also introduce twin-needle stitching and a soft-feel interlayer. In each door, the modified seat switch pack now includes single-piece chrome "highlight" switches.

There is a wide choice of interior color options, including a new combination of Ivory seating with Oyster upper cabin trim and Oyster carpets. Soft-grain leather with contrast stitching is standard in the new XK Portfolio and in the new R Performance XKR.

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

Body architecture

Globally recognized as one of the key elements in Jaguar's intelligent use of advanced technology, the XK's industry-leading lightweight architecture constructs the entire body shell (the internal chassis structure and external body panels) from a combination of pressed, cast and extruded aluminum alloy components. These are riveted and bonded together using techniques originally developed in the aerospace industry and adapted for automotive use by Jaguar.

The result is a body shell with a depth of quality that is rooted in the highest structural integrity. It is also the lightest shell in its class by a significant margin and the most torsionally stiff. That all-round strength, remarkable rigidity and exceptional lightness underpin many aspects of the XK's excellence, from fuel-efficient performance to its inherent safety, durability and refinement – and, of course, its precise chassis dynamics.

Mike Cross, Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer, explains the benefits of this advanced body architecture:

"Lightness benefits agility, and agility with high performance defines the exhilarating yet refined nature of the Jaguar XK. It accelerates harder, stops more quickly and handles with true precision – setting new standards of dynamic excellence."