The 2005 XKs get some very mild cosmetic surgery. The already-confirmed changes involve a revamped nose with a deeper lower fascia and larger air intake, a new rear bumper, redesigned wheels, and more prominent lower-body side sills.

This freshening will carry the XK to early 2006 and a full redesign. The new coupe and convertible are being developed as Project X150 with the same sort of bonded-and-riveted aluminum construction as Jaguar's latest XJ flagship sedan, though the structure itself is said to be unique. Wheelbase reportedly stays the same, but switching from steel to aluminum construction should pare some 200 pounds from curb weight. Suspension hardware and electronic systems will be shared with the XJ. Ditto powertrains, but horsepower is expected to reach around 320 on the base V8 and 450 on the supercharged XKR version. High-power XKR-R models with upwards of 500 hp are being rumored for 2008. Styling is said to be familiar XK after a modest dose of steroids, marked by huskier contours, a more steeply raked windshield, slightly elevated ride height, and larger wheels moved further out to the corners. Length, width and maybe height should see modest increases, mainly to make the back seat something more than a token gesture. The convertible's fabric top will power beneath a metal cover instead of riding on the body.