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 the naturally aspirated XK and supercharged XKR, available in 2 + 2 coupe or convertible bodystyles.

At the heart of the 2010 revision of the Jaguar XK lineup is a new 5-liter V8 direct-injection engine that brings significant improvements in power and torque, without sacrifices in fuel-economy, as Jaguar says. 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.

 

Engines & Performance

Since the first XK was launched in 1948, generations of powerful yet refined engines have played a crucial role in establishing the unique character and pedigree of Jaguar cars. Now, the new 5.0-liter direct-injection engines continue that tradition, delivering increased power and torque with reduced emissions and impressive fuel economy.

In naturally aspirated form, the new AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter engine delivers 385 bhp and 380 lb-ft of torque – respectively 26 and 23 percent more than its 4.2-liter predecessor. Average fuel consumption is rated at 25.2 mpg, an improvement of seven percent over the predecessor.

The XKR’s supercharged 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III R delivers a mighty 510 bhp and 461 lb-ft of torque – improvements of 23 and 12 percent respectively over the supercharged 4.2-liter engine of the 2009 model year. Average fuel consumption is rated at 23 mpg, an improvement of 16 percent over the previous, less powerful 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 the XK dramatically reduce acceleration times. For the naturally aspirated XK Portfolio, 0-60 mph is reduced from 5.9 to 5.2 seconds; for the supercharged XKR, 0-60 mph is reduced from 4.9 to 4.6 seconds, according to Jaguar.

The new V8 engines are built around a stiff, all-new, aluminum block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. For the first time at Jaguar the blocks are high pressure die-cast, providing a superior finish and greater dimensional accuracy. The engines use aluminum heads, with four valves per cylinder and strong, spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and forged steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads for the first time are specified with a secondary (recycled) aluminum alloy thus reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.

The new 5.0-liter direct injection engines are more compact than their predecessors. Overall engine length has been reduced by 0.94-in. by relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture.

A sixth-generation, twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger is fitted to the XKR’s 510bhp engine. It is a compact Roots-type unit, feeding air through twin intercoolers, which in turn are water-cooled by their own discreet cooling circuit. The high helix rotor design improves the supercharger thermodynamic efficiency by 16 percent over its predecessor.

One of the key features of the new engines is an industry-first, centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar directly to the cylinder. This substantially contributes to improved low-speed, dynamic response. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the center of the combustion chamber, maximizing air-fuel mixing, and improving combustion control. Fuel is delivered via twin, high-pressure fuel pumps that are driven via auxiliary shaft in the all-new engine block.

The charge cooling effects of the direct-injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio of the naturally aspirated engine to be raised to 11.5:1, further improving the engine economy. The supercharged engine also benefits from an increase from 9.0:1 in the previous 4.2-liter to 9.5:1.

A new type of variable camshaft timing system (VCT) introduces another new technology. The four VCT units are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead of by oil pressure. This has allowed the engine oil pump to be reduced in size, saving energy and reducing fuel consumption. VCT units work independently on all four camshafts with 62 degrees of authority on the inlet cams and 50 degrees of authority on the exhaust cams. Timing is optimized by the engine control unit for torque, power, and economy at every point in the engine’s speed range. The new VCT units are capable of a response rate up to three times faster than before, with actuation rates in excess of 150 degrees per second. This delivers a more immediate engine response to the driver’s demand.

The naturally aspirated engine is also equipped with camshaft profile switching (CPS) on the inlet camshaft. Depending on the engine’s running conditions and the demands of the driver, the CPS will switch between a profile that is ideal for low-speed driving and another which gives increased valve lift for high performance.

A new variable inlet manifold (VIM) can vary the length of its eight inlet tracts to optimize power and torque throughout the rev range on the naturally aspirated engine. Vacuum-operated actuators open valves to select a longer, 27-in., inlet tract at low revs, increasing the rate of both the airflow and the engine torque. As the revs climb beyond 4,700 rpm, the actuators select a shorter, 14-in. path allowing a greater volume of air into the engine to optimize engine power. The actuator position is optimized by the engine control unit for improved torque throughout the engine speed range.

 

Transmission and Driveline

Any transmission is a major factor in delivering the performance that drivers’ desire, while integrating with the engine to optimize emissions and fuel consumption. 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, the new XK range delivers exhilarating performance.

The supercharged V8 engine with 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque transmits power through an uprated version of the ZF 6HP28, additional clutch plates and an uprated torque converter having been added to the transmission to accommodate the extra power.

The transmission has a fully-adaptive shift system which delivers seamless gearshifts and optimizes performance and economy at all times. It also continually adapts to suit driving style, which can vary from sporting to more economical. The ‘mechatronic’ control module incorporated inside the transmission includes the software for the semi-automatic Jaguar Sequential Shift function, selected when the driver operates either of the two steering-wheel paddles.

Another first for Jaguar is the new Active Differential Control (ADC), the final stage of the supercharged V8 driveline, which is designed to give improved traction and dynamic stability. The electronically controlled differential continuously adapts to both the driver’s demands and the amount of grip available at each individual wheel. Operated by an internal electric motor and ‘ball-and-ramp’ mechanism, the differential contains a multi-plate clutch which transmits or ‘vectors’ torque to the wheel with most grip and therefore maximizes the car’s traction. The multi-plate clutch assembly is designed to prevent excessive differential slip, but differs fundamentally from a conventional traction control system, which uses the brakes to counteract differential slip, after it has occurred.

For the first time, the new XK range introduces the innovative JaguarDrive Selector™ as its transmission control interface. First seen on the Jaguar XF sedan, the JaguarDrive Selector™ features a rotary shift control which rises into the driver’s hand as the car is started, to give intuitive, ergonomically efficient transmission control from an extremely neat, space-efficient interface.

From there, automatic transmission functions are selected simply by turning the control with the fingertips. As an example, Drive to Drive Sport selection is accomplished with a simple push and turn action. Returning from S to D, the rotary control operates with spring-assistance, which eliminates the need to pull the Selector. And when the engine is stopped, the JaguarDrive Selector™ returns automatically to its Park position.

 

Exterior

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 model 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.

 

Interior

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. 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.

 

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 bodyshell (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 the lightest shell in its class by a significant margin and the most torsionally stiff.

 

Driving Dynamics

The latest generation of Adaptive Dynamics replaces Jaguar’s proven Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) with an even more sophisticated solution. Active damper tuning systems remove many of the compromises of a passive damping system - which must make a single choice between softer damping for a comfortable ride and firmer damping for more tautly controlled handling. CATS overcame that compromise with automatically switchable damping modes, adapting to the road and how the car was driven. But where CATS only offered two settings: 'soft' and 'firm', the new Adaptive Damping System in effect provides a continuously variable damping strategy between wide extremes, benefitting ride comfort, ultimate control handling, and grip.

Its three primary functions are to control body vertical movement, roll rate, and pitch rate. One hundred times a second, Adaptive Damping analyzes induced body motions and sets each damper to an appropriate level in order to maintain a constant and level body attitude – optimizing control without compromising ride. Also one hundred times a second, it predicts the roll rate due to steering inputs and selectively increases damping forces to reduce the roll rate – improving handling feel and driver confidence. And one hundred times a second, Adaptive Damping analyzes fore and aft pitch rate due to throttle and braking inputs and again varies damping forces to reduce pitch – further improving comfort and control.

Additionally, Adaptive Dynamics improves ride quality by monitoring wheel position five hundred times a second and automatically increasing damping rate as the suspension approaches the limits of its travel. Similarly it controls wheel hop on uneven roads by varying damping to move any wheel out of its natural bouncing frequency.

From the cabin, the JaguarDrive Control™ interface allows the driver to interact with Adaptive Dynamics by selecting modes for different driving conditions and moods. In Dynamic Mode, Adaptive Dynamics increases body control for a sportier feel. Dynamic Mode also interacts with the management electronics to give a more responsive accelerator pedal reaction and quicker gearshift responses.

Winter Mode was introduced on the XF and makes its first appearance in the XK range here, adding another element of dynamic subtlety. Where Dynamic Mode offers a more sporty feel, Winter Mode offers a more damped accelerator pedal response for progressive control in slippery conditions, with bespoke shift settings that delay and soften gearshifts, again for better control with low grip. In keeping with its additional power and performance, the new XKR offers the most sophisticated dynamic control of all, with Active Differential Control and Adaptive Dynamics operating in tandem to offer JaguarDrive Optimization™. This fully integrates the functions of JaguarDrive Control™ and Adaptive Dynamics with the new Active Differential Control (ADC) – an electronically controlled alternative to the traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, with far more subtle control strategies.

ADC is fully automatic and can vary its locking torque (and therefore the proportion of torque sent to each driven wheel) depending on surface conditions and power applied. Its subtle control strategies optimize traction at each wheel, improving acceleration on low-grip surfaces but also potentially improving stability when required.

Working with other systems such as traction control and the ABS braking function, ADC can significantly improve overall vehicle performance, and provide more precise driving feel.

While the less powerful XK Portfolio does not adopt the Active Differential Control of the XKR, it still utilizes a new upgraded mechanical differential.

The Dynamic Stability Control system for the new XK range has bespoke tuning and offers four driver-selectable modes, Normal, Winter, Trac DSC, and DSC OFF, for all models. Normal mode is ideal for everyday driving and is the default setting activated automatically on starting. The Winter mode – introduced for the first time on the XK range – is designed to improve drivability and confidence in more slippery conditions. Trac DSC mode is a sportier setting allowing the experienced driver to fully exploit the car’s performance and enjoy greater involvement in controlling it. DSC OFF allows the driver (where circumstances are appropriate) to switch the system’s electronic protection off completely, by pushing the DSC control button for ten seconds.

 

Equipment & Safety

Among the new XK range’s practical features are intelligent front lighting incorporating bi-xenon automatic headlamps with power wash; dynamic headlamp leveling; corner lights that are activated by the direction indicators to improve visibility while cornering; and the option of Active Front Lighting. Standard equipment across the new XK range also includes air sensors to optimize cabin air quality through the climate control system, keyless start, cruise control, electro-chromatic fold-back exterior mirrors, and front and rear Park Assist.

The audio system options for the new XK range include available HD Radio, single-slot or multi-disc CD changers and either Jaguar Premium Sound or the ultimate, high-end Bowers & Wilkins system. The Bowers & Wilkins option is a 525-watt system with Dolby® ProLogic®II Surround Sound, three-channel stereo with unique amplifier, Kevlar mid-range speakers with high output and low distortion and specially designed aluminum tweeters.

Jaguar’s Emergency Brake Assist is standard on the new XK and Advanced Emergency Brake Assist is fitted to all models with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Advanced Emergency Brake Assist uses the ACC radar to calculate distance from and speed of approach to the vehicle ahead and pre-charges the brake-line pressure to minimize impact speed, if a collision is predicted – with an audible warning to the driver.

For the occupant, every car in the new XK range includes front, side and thorax airbags, incorporating new technology which reduces the load on the occupant’s body if the front airbag is deployed. Jaguar’s Adaptive Restraint Technology System checks for seat occupation, seatbelt use, seat position, and the direction and severity of any impact, and uses all that information to determine the appropriate level of airbag deployment in any incident. Additionally, Jaguar’s Protec front head restraint system protects against whiplash in the event of a rear impact.