2007-2008 Jaguar XK Series: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Jaguar redesigned its long-lived rear-drive sport coupe and convertible for 2007, with new styling and aluminum-intensive construction. The XKs retained V8 power and a four-seat cabin. They weighed some 300 pounds less than the steel-bodied 1997-2006 versions-despite being 7 inches longer in wheelbase, 4 inches wider, and 1-inch longer overall. Coupes adopted a hatchback design with a hinged rear roof section, eliminating the prior trunk. Convertibles again used a power soft top with a heated glass rear window. The XK series kept its 4.2-liter V8, but base models now produced 300 horsepower-up from 294. Supercharged XKRs had a 420-hp engine, versus the prior 390-hp V8. Both retained a six-speed automatic transmission, but now with steering-wheel paddles for manual operation when desired. Antilock braking, traction/antiskid control, and automatic-adjusting suspension were standard. The XKR had sport suspension tuning. All models had front side airbags that provided torso and head protection. Convertibles contained rear rollover bars, designed to deploy in an impending tipover. All XKs had a navigation system, wireless cell phone link, keyless entry and starting, and bi-xenon headlights. Adaptive cruise control was available. Rivals to the XK group included the BMW 6-Series, Cadillac XLR, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, and Porsche 911.