Updated XK range arrival by early 2010

Jaguar Australia has confirmed the updated, powered-up versions of its XK and XKR sports models will arrive in local showrooms in the first quarter of next year.

The latest generation XK and XKR Jags feature new, more powerful direct-injection 5.0-litre 'AJ' series V8 petrol engines. The XK's V8 is rated at 283kW/515Nm while the XKR's supercharged V8 now produces 375kW and 625Nm.

This is a big step up from the 4.2-litre offering in the previous models, which was rated at 224kW/420Nm and 306kW/560Nm for the naturally aspirated and supercharged versions respectively. With the added power and torque, the 0-100km time for the naturally aspirated XK is now 5.5sec -- bettering the outgoing model's 6.2sec. The supercharged XKR manages the sprint in 4.8sec; down from 5.2sec for the 4.2-litre version. Both cars feature six-speed automatic gearboxes and are electronically limited to 250km/h.

Despite the extra output the 5.0-litre engine is more efficient than the 4.2, in both guises, and meets the as yet-unscheduled (for Oz) Euro 5 emissions requirements. The new engine is also physically more compact than the outgoing offering and also features in the latest XF/XFR models.

The supercharged engine uses a Roots type blower unit with TVS (twin vortex system). Jaguar says the new design improves the thermodynamic efficiency by 16 per cent over its predecessor. The improvements also mean the unit is quieter says Jag, "making whine a thing of the past". The unit sits in the 'V' of the engine to lower height and enhance pedestrian safety.

As noted above, the XK uses Jag's ZF six-speed transmission with steering wheel paddles and new-to-XK 'JaguarDrive Selector' -- as used by the new XF -- for full auto mode. The range-topping XKR model also boasts an electronically controlled limited slip diff.

The 10MY XK range starts at $224,200 for the XK Coupe. The supercharged XKR hardtop model starts at $255,000. You'll need to add $23,300 for the cloth-top Convertible models ($247,500 and $278,300).

Stylists have sharpened the lines of (dare we say it) Jaguar's best-looking model. Changed include new head and taillights and a new front bumper. The taillights feature LED lighting and the rear body valance is lower.

Jaguar says the current XK was first to demonstrate the company's "new design direction" and the new XK/XKR model "reinforces that message". Front-on the new model resembles the outgoing version but in place of the predecessor's fog lights the latest XK range features air intakes in the bumper.

Visual differentiation between the XK and supercharged XKR comes by way of more chrome in the grille and unique tailpipe design. Both models now come with chrome window surrounds.

Interior-wise the XK range now comes with white-faced instrumentation, 16-way seating adjustment and also cooling/heating for the seats. In true Jag style, the XK/XKR models are offered with a choice of 'heavy' timbers and an array of leather colours.

Convertible models have a triple-lined roof, which takes 18 seconds to open or close according to the maker. Jaguar says the finish is almost indistinguishable from the fixed roof version. Both XK and XKR models feature 'Suedecloth' headlining.

The convertibles also boast pop-up rollover protection.

Jaguar continues its use of pressed, cast and extruded aluminium alloy components for the XK's body shell. According to the maker these parts are riveted and bonded using techniques originally developed in the aerospace industry and adapted for automotive use by Jaguar.

The XK comes standard with 19-inch ten-spoke alloys while the XKR is offered with 20-inch wheels in twin five-spoke design as standard, or twin seven-spoke 'R Performance' alloys as an option.

Jaguar Australia spokesman Tim Krieger told the Carsales Network his company was pleased to confirm the XK's arrival early next year, as Aussie customers had been enquiring about its availability since the car's launch in Europe earlier this year.

Jaguar's customers in the Asia-Pacific region usually have to wait around six months for models to arrive after European distribution.

Krieger said Jaguar Cars Australia had already received forward orders for the new XK variants.

Jaguar XK/XKR 10MY pricing
XK Coupe $224,200
XK Convertible $247,500
XKR Coupe $255,000
XKR Convertible $278,300

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