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Jaguar XK (X100)

Jaguar XK8
Jaguar XKR
Jaguar X100 front 20080313.jpg
Jaguar XK8 coupé
Overview
Manufacturer Jaguar Cars
Production 1996–2006
Assembly Coventry, England
Designer Geoff Lawson (1992)
Body and chassis
Class Grand tourer (S)
Body style 2-door coupé
2-door convertible
Layout FR
Platform X100
Related Aston Martin DB7
Powertrain
Engine 4.0 L AJ26/27 V8
4.0 L AJ26S SC V8
4.2 L AJ34 V8
4.2 L AJ34S SC V8
Transmission 5-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
ZF 5HP24 (NA models) 1997-2002
Mercedes-Benz W5A580 5G-Tronic (Supercharged models only) 1998-2002
ZF 6HP26 2002-2005
Dimensions
Wheelbase 101.9 inches (2,590 mm)
Length 1997–2004: 187.4 inches (4,760 mm)
2005-06: 4,775 mm (188.0 in)
Width 1997–2004: 1,830 mm (72.0 in)
2005–2006: 1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height 1997–1998 Coupe & 1999–2006 XK8 Convertible: 1,295 mm (51.0 in)
1997–98 Convertible: 1,305 mm (51.4 in)
XKR Convertible: 1,288 mm (50.7 in)
1999–2006 XK8 Coupe: 1,283 mm (50.5 in)
XKR Coupe: 1,278 mm (50.3 in)
Chronology
Predecessor Jaguar XJS
Successor Jaguar XK (X150)

The Jaguar XK8 (project code X100) is a grand tourer car that was launched by Jaguar Cars in 1996, and was the first generation of a new XK series. The XK8 was available in coupé or convertible body styles and with the new 4.0-litre Jaguar AJ-V8 engine. In 1998 the XKR was introduced with a supercharged version of the engine. In 2003 the engines were replaced by the 4.2-litre AJ34 engines in both the normally aspirated and supercharged versions. The first-generation XK series shares its Jaguar XJS-derived platform with the Aston Martin DB7, both cars tracing their history back to an abandoned Jaguar development study in the mid-1980s known as XJ41/XJ42, which had been mooted to be known as the F-Type.

One of the revisions is the use of the second generation of Jaguar's independent rear suspension unit, taken from the XJ40. Development began in 1992, with design work starting earlier in late 1991. By October 1992 a design was chosen and later frozen for production in 1993. Prototypes were built from December 1993 after the X100 was given formal approval and design patents were filed in June 1994. Development concluded in 1996.

Both the XK8 and XKR are electronically limited to a maximum 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 are available for additional cost. Jaguar's Adaptive Cruise Control is an optional feature available on both models. Both come with all-leather interior, burl walnut trim, and side airbags. Jeremy Clarkson, during a Top Gear test-drive, likened the interior of the original XK8 to sitting inside Blenheim Palace. In 2004, the grille design of the XKR was refreshed.

Initially the ZF 5HP24 five-speed automatic transmission was coupled to the conventionally aspirated 4.0-litre model and a Mercedes W5A580 five-speed transmission to the Supercharged version, but in 2002 the new ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic transmission was fitted in both versions of the 4.2-litre model.


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