Thursday 2nd July 2015
Jaguar XK/XKR (X150): PH Buying Guide
Always good value, the outgoing XK is even more tempting used.
Always good value, the outgoing XK is even more tempting used. Here's what you need to know
Yes, this concept really was 10 years ago
On sale in 2006, the XK (X150) Coupe and Convertible followed the the X350 XJ by using an aluminium bonded and riveted monocoque with aluminium body panels. There are only two welds in the entire car, one either side of the roof. This made the X150 90kg lighter than the previousand it's stiffer too, with the second generation Coupe and Convertible 50 per cent and 31 per cent more rigid than their predecessors respectively.At launch, Jaguar retained the 300hp 4.2-litre V8 from the previous car in naturally aspirated form. The XKR arrived shortly afterward with a supercharged variant of that engine, though there was also a new fuel injection system to help with emissions, plus variable valve timing and a twin air-intake system. Both cars used a six-speed automatic gearbox. The 300hp XK covered 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and the 420hp XKR needed only 4.9 seconds.
For 2008, Jaguar introduced the XKR-S as a limited run of 200 cars. Top speed was raised from a limited 155mph to 174mph, the aerodynamics were improved and larger Alcon brake discs were also added.
R-S upped the XKR to 550hp. Also very blue
In 2009 Jaguar facelifted the XK. Aside from LED rear lights and subtle tweaks to the front end styling, the biggest change was to the drivetrain. Out went the 4.2 V8s and in came a 385hp 5.0-litre V8 with rotary gear selector like that of the XF. It lowered the 0-62mph time to 5.2 seconds, while the 510hp XKR managed 0-62mph in 4.8 secondsVarious special edition XKs followed, including the 530hp XKR 75, but the icing on the XK cake wasthat came with a 550hp supercharged V8. This model gave rise to the XKR-S GT , which was 40kg lighter and sported brakes from the F-type. The GT offered 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds to be the quickest and most extreme XK, before production came to a halt mid-2014.
Rapid as the XK R-S models are, most buyers look to the XK as more of a grand tourer, which is a role it's ideally suited to. This all-round ability is now available from £11,000 for an early high miles Coupe or £18,000 for a Convertible, all the way up to £75,000 for a late XK R-S.
PHers view :
"I always knew I would regret buying anything but the Jaguar. Have since joined the JEC and XKEC. You only come to appreciate the heritage of the marque the longer you own one. A couple of trips down to Le Mans bring the car into its own - eats the miles and in such comfort and style."
Nev James
Buying Guide Contents :
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior
Search for Jaguar XKs in the PH classifieds