Dealer and Tuning Specialist based models
A-Type 1999 - Arden
Tempest and Typhoon 2005 - Paramount
Merlin 4.2S
Stratstone Limited Edition 2006
*The only true Jaguar model variant is the XKR Silverstone which used unique suspension parts not fitted to other models in the range. The other Jaguar-produced Specials were trim-based variants
XK/XKR (2007–2014) The X-150
The newly designed XK was unveiled in 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. Jaguar's chief designer Ian Callum (who was also responsible for working on the Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish coupés) claimed that the inspiration for the shape of the new XK came from his admiration for British actress Kate Winslet's curves. The X150's grille was also inspired from the famous 1961 Jaguar E-Type.
The standard XK model has an unlimited top speed of 158 mph whilst the XKR an unlimited top speed of 174 mph. An even faster variant, the XKR-S model was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012. The XKR-S gained an additional 40 horsepower over the XKR bringing the 0-60 mph time down to only 4.4 seconds and the top speed up to 300 km/h (186 mph) - making it the fastest Jaguar yet after the Jaguar XJ220. A convertible version of the XKR-S was released in 2012.
X-150 Timeline and Specials
XK60 2008
XKR Briggs-Cunningham 2010
XKRS (1st Edition) 2009
XKR 75 2010
XK Portfolio 2010
XKRS (2nd Edition) 2012
XK Artisan-SE 2012
XK Signature 2013
XKRS GT 2015
XKR Dynamic-R 2015
The March issue of Jaguar World features the 25th Anniversary of the XK8. Order on-line from Kelsey Publishing, buy at your newsagent or wait till someone gives you a copy they've finished with....
X-150 XK Launch in South Africa
CAR HISTORIES
The Jaguar X-100 and X-150 Series
The Jaguar XK series (XK, XK8 and XKR) is a series of grand tourer cars produced by British car maker Jaguar Cars since 1996. The series was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 1996, and the last car came off the production line on 23 July 2014.
The first generation of the series, the XK8, replaced the XJS, and was available as a coupé and convertible. The XK8 was the first 8-cylinder vehicle produced by Jaguar since the Daimler 250, introducing the Jaguar AJ-V8 engine.
The second generation XK was launched in 2006 (as a model year 2007). The new XK introduced an aluminiummonocoque bodyshell, and is available both as a two-door coupé and two-door cabriolet/convertible, with just the engine and associated mechanicals being carried forward.
XK8/XKR (1996–2006) The X-100
The XK8 was launched in 1996 to replace the XJ-S. Two body styles were produced - a coupé and a convertible. The car was the first in the Jaguar line-up to use Jaguar's newly developed V8 engine - the AJ-V8. In 1998 the supercharged XKR was added to the range. However, both the XK8 and XKR are limited to a maximum top speed of 155.4 mph (250.1 km/h).
The XK8 came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, while 18-inch (Standard on the XKR), 19-inch, and 20-inch wheels were available for the XK8 at an additional cost. Jaguar's Adaptive Cruise Control is an optional feature available on both models. Both models came with all-leather interior, burl walnut trim, and side airbags.
X-100 Timeline and Specials
Jaguar-Produced
XK8 1996-2005
XKR 1998-2005
XKR Silverstone* 2000-2001
XKR 100 2002
XKR 400 2003-2004
Carbon Fibre 2004
XKR Black Knight (Japan only) 2005
XKR 4.2S Victory (USA only) 2005
Portfolio (USA only) 2005
XK8/R 4.2S 2005