XK's bonnet may save the Aussie six

Its looks may kill, but its pedestrian-friendly bonnet won't. In simple terms, that's the theory behind the pop-up bonnet Jaguar unveiled on its much-anticipated new XK Coupe at this week's Frankfurt international motor show.

But there's more to the so-called Pyrotechnic Pedestrian Deployable Bonnet System (PDBS) than meets the eye. Especially in terms of its relevance to our own Falcon, among others.

Apart from being a fascinating bit of technology, the Jaguar system has brought into focus the fast-approaching reality of Europe's new pedestrian safety legislation. And that's an issue that also will have repercussions here.

Importantly, the new system gives the new XK valuable credits in terms of new the pedestrian safety rules, the first phase of which kick off in Europe on October 1. The new legislation requires car-makers to commit to a two-phase introduction of active and passive safety features on all new cars to help protect pedestrians in an accident.

Because our crash test ratings closely follow the European model - and because Euro crash test ratings are used here when importers and local car-makers alike apply for Australian market certification for their new models - don't be surprised to see systems like the XK's proliferate.

Together with hybrid powertrains, the new safety rules were one of the most discussed issues among car-makers and the motoring media in Frankfurt. And it's fair to say that its PDBS system gave the new XK added credibility beyond its obvious rakish looks and new alloy underpinnings.

Jaguar claims the system is a world first in a production car. But, given the importance the new pedestrian safety rules will play in future European crash test ratings, don't be surprised to see similar systems adopted by other car-makers.

Obviously, if it proves reliable and economically viable, the system also should trickle down to Jaguar's other models and through the ranks of its Ford-owned stablemates. And that will be of real interest to Ford here in Australia, especially in terms of the Falcon.

The Falcon is the only locally-built big sedan to use a straight six. And because that engine is long and tall, the impending pedestrian safety legislation has been shaping up as a headache for Ford.

The Jaguar system is especially clever because it helps isolate a luckless pedestrian from "hard points" in the engine compartment in a collision without comprising the XK's essential low-slung lines. In some cases, other car designers have raised the bonnets on new models - or lengthened them - to achieve a similar cushioning space around the engine.

As Jaguar Cars Design Director, Ian Callum said at the launch of the XK in Frankfurt, its pop-up bonnet allowed the design team to keep the car's lines low and rakish, saving between 50 and 65mm off the bonnet surface and a similar amount off the roofline.

If the PDBS system were applied to the Falcon, perhaps its basic architecture could remain relatively unchanged - and its straight-six engine kept intact - while still satisfying coming pedestrian safety requirements.

So, in real terms the new XK's pop-up bonnet system may prove the saving grace for the last of the Aussie sixes.