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Few cars turn heads and raise pulses like the Jaguar XK – and now there is a new-generation of this sumptuous yet thrilling luxury sports car, enhanced by major powertrain improvements and a host of new features, which goes on sale in Australia in October.

When the XK8 was introduced in 1996, it set new standards in the luxury sports car market. Two years later, the supercharged XKR lined up alongside, raising levels of driving excitement, style and performance still further.

Now, for the 2003 model year, comes an extensively revised successor to the beautiful coupe and convertible XKs that over the past six years have so delighted owners and bystanders alike.

The classic XK style does not change with this new-generation, the revised styling details inside and out providing a subtle variation on the theme rather than a new look. That can come as no surprise with a car that is universally regarded as an example of automotive beauty, and to many eyes has matured to become even more attractive than it was when launched.

But under the skin it is a very different story. Larger, more powerful 4.2-litreV8 engines significantly increase the performance of the XK. A world-leading six-speed automatic transmission ensures that drivers are able to make the most of the power when they choose, yet be equally at ease in urban traffic. And a portfolio of enhanced electronic and other equipment options – focusing on safety, comfort and drivability – make the new XK even better to drive than the original.

"The engineering changes made to the XK for 2003 are substantial and significant. The extensively revised, with the new, larger capacity 4.2-litre engines and six-speed automatic transmission, contributes to an improvement in every aspect of the driving experience."

Russ Varney, Chief Programme Engineer

At the heart of the revised XK range are two new 4.2-litre V8 engines, one naturally aspirated, the other supercharged. An evolution of the now-familiar 4.0-litre AJ-V8 engine that was introduced in the first XK8, the larger capacity and subsequent increase in power and torque makes the performance of the XK even more scintillating. Coupled with the more muscular engine is the state-of-the-art, electronically-controlled, six-speed automatic transmission that made its Jaguar debut in the new S-TYPE R. Built by ZF, it is the first example of a ‘stepped’ (as opposed to CVT) six-speed automatic transmission.

Every variant – naturally aspirated XK8 or supercharged XKR, coupe or convertible – delivers even more effortless performance, greater refinement and craftsmanship, improved functionality and enhanced drivability, reaffirming the unique balance that makes the XK the perfect combination of true sports car and luxurious grand tourer.

A familiar personality, with major developments

The 2003 model year XK benefits from a broad programme of improvements – there are some 900 part number changes – underlining the fact that while its appeal may be timeless, development of this sporting Jaguar has certainly not stood still. Now with 300bhp (DIN) in the normally aspirated XK8, or a full 400bhp (DIN) in the supercharged XKR, the XK is even more impressive than the car that has earned the model its reputation. In fact, the 400bhp XKR shares with the latest S-TYPE R sports saloon the distinction of having the most powerful series production engine in Jaguar’s history.

The package of advances over the previous generation XK also encompasses the latest electronic driving aids. Covering areas from handling and braking to ‘intelligent’ cruise control, these include Dynamic Stability Control and Emergency Brake Assist as standard across the XK range, and Jaguar’s innovative, traffic-sensing ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) as an option.

And while performance is unashamedly a core value of the XK, safety also remains at the heart of the equation. The XK continues to offer industry leading features across the entire range, including Jaguar’s A.R.T.S. Adaptive Restraint Technology System (with the world’s first ultrasonic occupant sensing to control airbag deployment), and the option of ACC now enhanced with Forward Alert, an additional feature that audibly warns drivers of slowing traffic ahead.

"One of the core values of the new-generation XK is the purposeful use of relevant electronic technology to significantly enhance driving enjoyment and safety."

Dick Elsy, Director Product Development

Subtle styling changes for a sophisticated market

Externally, the changes to the XK are subtle, which is no surprise given its acknowledged sensuous beauty. The styling has always been about more than fashion and those powerful, assertive curves are still one of the XK’s strongest selling points. Jaguar research shows that customers see the car as stylish, beautiful and totally individual, with a character quite distinct from any rival.

Where the XK has visually changed, the actions have been taken to ‘freshen’ rather than reinvent. The cars sport new badging, and there is a choice of four new exterior colours, a range of new interior trim combinations and three new wheel designs. The introduction of Xenon headlights – as standard on the XKR and optional on the XK8 – gives the front of the car a distinctive new look.

The latest R Performance range of options (available on both XK8 and XKR) includes unique Recaro seats, high performance Brembo brakes (now standard on the XKR) and a package of interior details with sporty aluminium or leather finishes. A handling package that uprates suspension and steering is available on coupe models only.

"More than ever, the XK represents the art of performance and remains the epitome of Jaguar luxury sports car values."

The New-Generation Jaguar XK: At A Glance

• Subtle exterior styling changes only – including new Xenon headlights and new badging – but an extensive programme of major mechanical revisions.
• Two new AJ-V8 engines in naturally aspirated and supercharged guises, now with larger 4.2-litre capacity (previously 4.0-litre).
• More power and more torque – 224kW and 420Nm for the XK8, a mighty 298kW and 553Nm in the case of the supercharged XKR.

The XKR coupe reaches 100kph from standstill in 5.4 seconds, and the XK8 in 6.4. Maximum speed on all XK models remains electronically limited to 250kmh.Greater mid-range punch and effortless acceleration, aided by state-of-the-art six-speed ZF automatic transmission.

• Jaguar’s classic J-Gate shift retained, offering automatic or manual control modes, with improved feel and function.
• Race-bred Brembo brakes now standard on XKR, optional on other models.
• ‘Intelligent’ use of advanced technology, designed to enhance the driving experience, not just the equipment list. This includes adoption as standard across the range of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Cruise Control. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an option, and now feature Forward Alert, an audible driver warning system that senses and responds to slowing traffic ahead.
• Features Jaguar’s world-leading Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S), with world’s first Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensing function.
• Automatic headlights-on and rain-sensitive wiper functions; Xenon headlights with automatic self-levelling standard on XKR and a cost option on the XK8.Electrically adjustable steering column with entry/exit mode now standard on all models (memory optional). New equipment options include upgraded DVD-based navigation system and electrochromatic mirror with compass.
• Range of new alloy wheel designs available as options.
• Four new exterior colours: Jaguar Racing Green, Ebony, Midnight and Adriatic Blue.
• New interior trim options include ‘contrast’ finishes that feature Warm Charcoal contrasted with Heritage Tan or Cranberry on sports style seats.
• R Performance options offer top levels of sporting luxury.
• The fastest selling sports car in Jaguar's history – sales have exceeded 70,000 cars worldwide since its launch in 1996.