Jaguar pops the bonnet (September 2005)

Featured on the all-new XK two-door GT, the Pyrotechnic Pedestrian Deployable Bonnet (PPDB) sense a collision with a pedestrian and employs a controlled explosive device to raise the cars bonnet. The system responds and deploys in around 30 milliseconds - less time than it takes to blink - to raise the bonnet 13cm. Says Jaguar, the ystem can sense and distinguish between different impacts and responds appropriately.

The 'deployable' bonnet on the new XK creates a cushioning space above the engine to help mitigate the severity of injuries to pedestrians. 

"The Jaguar design team embraced the idea of using a deployable bonnet when it was first considered during early concept discussions on the new XK. This clever feature saves between 50mm and 65mm in height off the bonnet surface and a similar amount off the roofline, allowing the design team to maintain a very low, sleek Jaguar sports car profile on the new XK," said Ian Callum, Jaguar Cars Design Director.
 
The system fitted is complemented by a passive bumper system designed to mitigate leg injury by using crushable foam and plastic covering.
 
Jaguar says the PPDB operates at vehicle speeds where it provides the most benefit and is automatically disabled outside of this speed range. The system is separate from any other crash protection system on the vehicle, including airbags.

CarPoint published details of the new XK recently (click here)… In case you missed it, here's our edited version of Jaguar's own notes on the new XK 'At a Glance':

• All-new Jaguar XK 2+2 sports car
• The first of a new generation of Jaguars
• The most technologically advanced Jaguar ever
• Succeeds the Jaguar XK range introduced in 1996
• All-aluminium monocoque construction is light in weight, incredibly stiff and strong
• At 1595kg, all-new XK is 90kg lighter than its predecessor
• Incorporates "intuitive controls and driver-focussed technologies" including keyless entry, push button start and active lighting
• Features latest naturally-aspirated 224kW 4.2lt Jaguar AJ-V8 engine
• Sequential shift six-speed automatic transmission with wheel-mounted paddles
• Claimed 0-100km/h in 6.2sec
• Electronically limited top speed of 250km/h
• Arrives Down Under in mid-2006
• XK Roadster model will follow

Check out more news from the Frankfurt Motor Show: