Official: 2012 Jaguar XK and XKR Special Edition

Jaguar has released their new lineup of XK and XKR Special Edition models with their new hand-crafted ‘Artisan’ interiors.

Jaguar XK Special Edition

Available in both coupe and convertible form, the Special Edition model’s Artisan interior features the use of tactile ‘scraffito’ finished leather to the front seats, instrument binnacle, door and rear quarter casings. These options are combined with Poltrona Frau leather headlinings, two new veneer finishes – Shadow Walnut and Dark Figured Aluminium – and standard features including a 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, 16 by 16 way adjustable heated Performance seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry/start, each Special Edition model.

Jaguar XK Special Edition

To compliment the new interior trim, Jaguar’s design team specified two exclusive Artisan interior colourways for the Special Edition models; Navy with Jet headlining and Truffle with Canvas headlining. Convertible hood colours include Black, Blue, Grey and Brown. Special Edition treadplates and stainless steel pedals are additional enhancements.

An exterior paint palette of six colours includes the Special Edition colour of Celestial Black, with Crystal Blue, Lunar Grey, Polaris White, Rhodium Silver and Ultimate Black being the alternative options. Two new 20 inch alloy wheel designs complete the exterior changes; Venom wheels are diamond turned with a dark grey finish, the Orona style having a polished finish.

Jaguar XKR Convertible Special Edition

For the 2013 model year all standard XKR convertible and coupe models are now available with the optional Dynamic Pack (previously offered on the XKR coupe only). The Dynamic Pack raises top speed to 174mph, and includes the addition of side sill extensions with new rear diffuser, 10mm lower ride height, revised adaptive dynamics, spring and damper rates, plus a new front steering knuckle for optimised precision.

The Jaguar XK(R) Special Edition program will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 in March and will not be available in the North American market.

Jaguar XK Special Edition

Jaguar XKR Special Edition

Source: GT Spirit

Details about 2015 Jaguar XK coming out

Bigger, faster and more luxurious, Jaguar reveals future of its next-generation XK

Thoughts at Jaguar HQ are turning to replacement for XK, Auto Express has learned.

Following the hugely successful response to the new CX-16, the firm is now beginning work on redesigning its top selling flagship coupe – and is believed to be on track to launch the car sometime late in 2015.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one company insider told Auto Express that the launch of the £97,000 XKR-S shows the likely direction the development team will take with the new car.

In an effort to lift it clear of the CX-16 – with which the model will share its aluminium construction and chassis design – the rear-wheel-drive XK will be bigger than the current model, offering larger rear seats and a more practical cabin.

“If the CX-16 is the sports car, the new XK will be the GT” said our source.

There’s still no word on the engine likely to power the car. However, with performance of the near-200mph XKR-S setting a benchmark, it’s unlikely that the car will be fitted with the hybrid V6 engine showcased by the CX-16.



Instead, the model could use either a development of the four-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged engine first shown in the CX-75 concept, or a new V8 hybrid that the firm is developing from its new V6.

Source: AutoExpress

Jaguar XK face-lift review :What Car?

Jaguar XKR-S Face-lift

What is it?
Jaguar's high-performance XK coupe has been given a mid-life update that brings a series of styling revisions.

The headlights are slimmer than before, and now use intelligent LED technology. They sit atop a larger grille and a redesigned bumper. The changes, although minimal, improve the looks noticeably, giving the XK a flatter and more aggressive front-end.

The rear lights have also been tweaked, albeit more subtly, and there are new sets of alloy wheels to choose from. Owners will be able to further set their car apart from pre-face-lift models with a choice of five new colours.

Inside, a new set of seats offers increased support.

What's it like to drive? 
The engine and suspension remain unchanged on the standard XK, so you get the same mix of blistering performance and surprising comfort.

Even the entry-level car we drove is rapid, with 60mph coming in just 5.2 seconds. The 380bhp 5.0-litre V8 also snarls gloriously after even the smallest of throttle blips.

The only let-down on the performance front is the six-speed gearbox, which is smooth and unobtrusive on upshifts, but a bit jerkier on downchanges than is preferable. Paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel allow for more engagement if desired.

Elsewhere, the firm but well-damped ride and responsive and nicely weighted steering make for an engaging and enjoyable experience that doesn't compromise comfort at lower speeds.



What's it like inside? 
There is a glorious feel of quality to elements of the XK's cabin, with the leather steering wheel and the suede-like material of the headlining in our test car the particular highlights.

Sadly, the navigation and entertainment system, and the feel of some of the plastics are not quite of the same standard.

The rear seats are also pointless for anything other than a jacket or small bags as they have next-to-no head- and legroom and are strangely bucket-like in shape. However, treat the XK as a two-seater and there is plenty of room for adults up front.

Should I buy one? 
The XK does almost everything you could expect of a sporting coupe, and the visual alterations help it looks more like one as well.

With a high purchase price and poor running costs, the XK is not cheap to run, but it will not disappoint if you can stretch to it.

Rivals
BMW 6 Series Coupe
Porsche 911

What Car? gives * * * * *

Source: What Car?