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2009 Aussie pretty packaging: Jaguar XK-S

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Posted on 03.17.2009 10:00 by Myles Kornblatt
Filed under: Jaguar | coupe | sports cars | Jaguar XK | Australia

aussie pretty packaging jaguar xk-s picture

Jaguar seems to be clearing out the last of the 2009 XKs in Australia with a special edition. It’s called the XK-S, and its nothing like the XKR-S of last summer. Where the Europe-only XKR-S was a supercharged Jag with a great handling package, the XK-S for Australia is basically an appearance package.

This Jag comes with 20-inch Senta alloy wheels, luxury sports interior, brushed aluminum gear knob, bright finish pedals, as well as a few more exterior enhancements. It also gets the standard 2009 XK engine, which is the 4.2-liter V8 that makes about 300 hp. Not a bad engine, but we’ll probably wait for the upgraded 385 hp 5.0-liter V8 that is already announced for the 2010 model.

The production will only be limited to nine units, which means this car will at least be exclusive. This is a good thing considering eachexample has an asking price of about $138,000 U.S. ($209,400 in Aussie cash).

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Jaguar has made an impressive start to 2009, with new vehicle sales up by 22% on a year on year basis. Jaguar is one of only a few automotive brands to record sales growth in 2009, and to capitalise on this achievement, a new XK limited edition model, the Jaguar XK-S, will be launched this month.

Like every Jaguar to carry the XK badge, the XK-S is all about performance with style - plus a large helping of individuality. The Jaguar XK-S offers its own spin on the 4.2 liter V8 XK in coupe form.

The car offers a host of additional extras beyond the XK’s already impressive specification at no extra cost. In true Jaguar tradition, every XK-S will be a highly desirable car with an impressively accessible price tag.

The Jaguar XK-S customer will benefit from dramatic 20-inch Senta alloy wheels, luxury sports interior (including soft grain leather and 16 x 16 way seats), a sporty brushed aluminum gear knob and bright finish pedals plus distinctive body enhancements: new front and rear valence panels, chrome-finished side vents and bright finish upper and lower front mesh grilles, special tailpipe finishers and appliqués on both sides of the car. All vehicles will carry exclusive "S" badging. These additional features have a retail value of approx. $25,000 at no additional charge to the customer.

To emphasise the exclusive nature of the XK-S model, there will only be 9 cars in total produced for the Australian market. Chris Lidis, General Manager, Jaguar Australia, commented: "We are very pleased to be able to offer Jaguar customers the Jaguar XK-S. The specification is quite unique, and very exclusive. It combines outstanding performance and dramatic beauty with individual touches of craftsmanship and equipment that lift it to another level".

Jaguar’s advanced all aluminum construction makes the XK and XK-S the lightest yet strongest car in it’s class; CATS Computer Active Technology Suspension underpins it’s perfect balance of control and agility with comfort and refinement; it’s six speed automatic transmission is recognized as one of the world’s best, and it is powered by an acclaimed engine - the 219kW 4.2-litre AJ-V8.

Available to order now, the Jaguar XK-S is available in 3 colors - Indigo blue, Ultimate Black, Liquid Silver, and with a choice of Caramel or Warm Charcoal interior. The XK-S will carry a recommended retail price of $209,400.