The updated versions of Jaguar XK and XKR coupe and convertible made its official debut today at the Detroit Auto Show. This represents some small adjustments to the interior and exterior and a big adjustment in the engine bay.

Just like the XFR that's also debuting in Detroit, This update marks the appearance of Jaguar's enlarged 5.0-liter V8 engine. In the standard XK this means an 85 hp bump to 385 hp. The supercharged XKR gets an 83 hp bump for a total of 503 hp. and 461 lbs-ft of torque. Jag claims the new XKR should be good for 0 to 60 mph sprints in 4.6 seconds (0.3 second improvement). Jaguar still mates the engine to an electronically controlled, six-speed ZF automatic transmission, and top speed is still electronically limited to 155 mph.

Now that we know the engine, here come the rest. The biggest visual changes to the outside of the car are two new vertical slats just below the headlights and XF-inspired LED rear lights. Inside the car, the J-Gate shifter has finished its slow death, and is replaced with the rising knob from the XF. The XKR also gets two new exclusive colors called the Salsa and Kyanite Blue.

The new cat should be in U.S. showrooms by this summer.

Press release after the jump.

2010 Jaguar XK and XKR

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 Jaguar XK and XKR
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

“Built in tradition of great and tourers, with state-of-the-art engineering, aerospace-inspired construction and outstanding driving dynamics, the new XK is the latest in a long line of legendary performance Jaguars.” Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars.

The Jaguar sports car experience moves on to a new level in 2009 with the introduction of a new generation of the XK Coupe and Convertible.
   
With all-new engines, even more dramatic looks, a new interior, an advanced lightweight aluminum body structure and a wider range of models, the new XK builds on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar.

Designated 2010 model year but available summer 2009, the new XK range not only stands out from the crowd, it stands apart. The combined efforts of Jaguar's designers and engineers have produced a car that utilizes advanced technologies at a higher level than ever before.

The benefits of the XK's lightweight but incredibly stiff and strong chassis are already acknowledged. Not only does this architecture bring dynamic benefits thanks to its torsional rigidity, it also offers excellent safety and crash repair features – and provides the ideal base to optimize performance across the board, including fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

"The philosophy at Jaguar is for our designers and engineers to work together with all areas of the Jaguar business to develop elegant, inspired solutions to complex technical challenges. The result is great products – and the new XK is a perfect example." Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engines are the most efficient Jaguar has ever produced. They deliver significantly more power and torque than the previous generation of engines: 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque in the new supercharged XKR and 385bhp and 380lb-ft in the XK Portfolio.

With the introduction of these all-new 5.0-liter direct-injection V8 engines comes a new level of performance for the XK, with improved acceleration from standstill and stunning in-gear acceleration times. All models are electronically limited to a maximum speed of 155mph, but the 0-60mph sprint for naturally aspirated coupe models falls from 5.9 to 5.2 seconds, while for the supercharged XKR Coupe, 0-60mph is reduced from 4.9 to 4.6 seconds.

And yet thanks to a combination of excellent powertrain efficiency and the XK's advanced lightweight body architecture, all XKs offer strong fuel economy and impressive CO2 emissions ratings. Fuel economy is comparable to the previous generation of XK – despite the significant increases in performance – and CO2 emissions from each engine are better than the out-going versions, with the naturally aspirated version improving on that of the 4.2-liter V8 by two percent, while the supercharged engine produces one percent less CO2 than its predecessor. Indeed, the new generation XK is among the very best in both fuel economy and emissions for any V8-engined sports car.

"With an all-new, supercharged AJ-V8 engine and dramatic new looks, the new XKR has all the performance, power and panache that you expect in the ultimate sporting Jaguar." Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

Allowing the engines to optimize their power is one of the most sophisticated transmissions available. Jaguar’s acclaimed electronically controlled, six-speed ZF 6HP28 transmission offers an unparalleled combination of driver control matched to virtually undetectable gearshifts. With control either from steering wheel-mounted paddles or full automatic mode via the JaguarDrive SelectorTM, which is new for the 10 Model Year XK, the transmission is now paired with an advanced electronic differential on the XKR model to ensure it accelerates even faster, handles more precisely and sets new standards of dynamic control and excellence.

There are two core models in the new XK range: the highly equipped XK Portfolio and the XKR, each with its own sporting character. In addition to the many changes under the skin, the new XKs are visually different to the previous generation. Each still looks just like a Jaguar should look – seductive, powerful and elegant – but all models, coupe and convertible, introduce revised exterior styling that underlines Jaguar’s contemporary thinking on design.

Inside, quality levels are raised even further with new interior trim and finishes that demonstrate Jaguar’s renowned craftsmanship, plus even more comprehensive specification. The driver is the center of attention, with exciting new ideas, including the acclaimed JaguarDrive Selector™, Adaptive Dynamics with Active Differential Control and comfort features such as heated and cooled seats – taking the driving experience of the new XK range to even higher levels of luxury alongside the improved performance.
“The new XK delivers more power, more performance and more technology – without compromise. It moves the Jaguar sports car experience on to a whole new level.” Mick Mohan, Director, Jaguar Programmes

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THE NEW XK RANGE IN DETAIL


The new XK is a sophisticated grand tourer with the heart of a true sports car, combining effortless high-performance and state-of-the-art V8 powertrains with a new layer of advanced technologies, intuitive control, and Jaguar’s superbly crafted, new-fashioned luxury interiors. The range will continue to include both naturally aspirated XK and supercharged XKR, available in 2+2 coupe or convertible body styles.

All-new AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter direct-injection engines bring significant improvements in power and torque and they do so with no compromise in terms of fuel economy and emissions. In both respects, every car in the new XK range, in spite of such large performance and flexibility gains, is comparable to their predecessors.

The impressive fuel economy is directly attributable to the combination of the XK range’s lowest-in-class weight and the all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engines. As well as the intrinsic advantages of the engines’ exceptionally light weight and compact dimensions, these technically advanced all-aluminum four-cam power units offer a number of features that deliver power with very high efficiency, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI), which improves performance and economy, and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT), which benefits performance and economy and also reduces emissions.

The simplified and logical model range for the new XK essentially comprises just two clear choices – XK Portfolio and XKR. Each has its own specific choices of trim, color and fine detail, but every one has the same underlying sporting character and clear emphasis on efficient performance, luxury and craftsmanship. Beyond that, the XK vehicle personalization program also offers an extensive range of accessories that allow the customer to add further bespoke touches – inside and out.

Stunning performance increases


In naturally aspirated form, the new AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter engine delivers 385bhp and 380lb-ft of torque – respectively 26 and 23 percent more than its 4.2-liter predecessor. The XKR’s supercharged 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III R delivers a mighty 510bhp and 461lb-ft of torque – improvements of 23 and 12 percent respectively over the supercharged 4.2-liter engine.

On the road, while maximum speed remains under electronic control at 155mph, these power and torque gains allied to the lightweight aluminum body architecture of the XK dramatically reduce acceleration times. For the naturally aspirated XK Portfolio, 0-60mph is reduced from 5.9 to 5.2 seconds; for the supercharged XKR, 0-60mph is reduced from 4.9 to 4.6 seconds.

The supercharged XKR is also impressively efficient, with an average consumption of 23.0mpg and a CO2 rating of 292g/km – an improvement over the previous XKR – and a remarkable 16 and 17 percent better, respectively, than the equivalent figures for the BMW M6.

Crucially, however, the XK also continues to better its closest rivals on economy and CO2 ratings, with an average consumption of 25.2mpg and a CO2 figure of 264g/km – a seven percent improvement on the equivalent figures for the Mercedes-Benz SL500.

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The Looks

Exterior styling


Visible changes on the new XK Portfolio and XKR reflect the significant changes under the skin. Carefully revised exteriors take the seductive, powerful, elegant lines that define Jaguar’s new design language and interpret them for a dramatically beautiful 2+2 sports car whose shape is even more taut, powerful and athletic. Evoking the essence of performance long before it moves, the new XK family shape is unmistakably ‘new-school’ sporting Jaguar: wholly contemporary, finely sculpted, efficiently packaged and precisely detailed.

Design Director Ian Callum outlines the new design features on the XK range:

“The current XK was the first car to signify a new generation of Jaguars – cars that have honed our image every bit as successfully as the original XK120 or E-type. Now the new XK range reinforces that message. The cars’ visual agility and beautiful lines have been enhanced with a distinctive new front end, rear lights and revised body styling that gives every model even more presence.”

The exterior changes for both the naturally aspirated XK Portfolio and the supercharged XKR are highlighted by a distinctive and purposeful new front bumper design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear bumper spoiler. New LED rear light clusters incorporating fog lamps plus twin reversing lamps (rather than the previous single units) give every car in the new XK range a unique ‘night time signature’, while LED technology is also included in the integrated side repeater and approach lamps in the new exterior mirrors. Every car in the new XK range also features new engine covers and revised, body-colored side power vents.

Beyond the shared changes, subtle differences in detail distinguish each of the three models in the new XK range. Both the naturally aspirated XK Portfolio and the supercharged XKR display purposeful front bumper features with stylish, chrome-detailed inserts and further chrome detailing to the upper mesh grille. The XKR is set apart by also featuring chrome on its lower mesh grille - which is finished in black on the XK Portfolio model. All models now feature chrome detailing on window surrounds and rear signature blade, and in addition the XKR comes with a new rear bumper spoiler that is finished in body color and a revised tailpipe design further emphasizing its sporting performance.

The Looks – interior styling


Contemporary, sporting luxury, exceptional quality of craftsmanship and Jaguar’s renowned attention to detail are the keynotes of the new XK range’s enhanced interiors. The cabin is clean, elegant, spacious and remains entirely in harmony with the sporty character of the revised exterior.

The luxury character of the new XK range, however, is guaranteed, regardless of the customer’s choice of body style – hard-topped coupe or fabric-roofed convertible. Both benefit from the inherent strength of Jaguar’s lightweight aluminum architecture, which means that as well as being the lightest body structure in its class, the XK Portfolio and XKR’s shells also have the highest torsional strength. And that exceptional rigidity, with or without a fixed roof, means creak and rattle-free refinement on virtually any surface, however unforgiving.

Beyond that, the convertible’s triple-lined fabric roof gives a level of fit and stability even at very high speeds that minimizes wind noise and other road noise and includes a luxurious interior finish almost indistinguishable from a fixed roof. In addition, XK Portfolio and XKR models feature luxurious Jaguar Suedecloth headlining as standard.

It can, however, be powered up or down at the touch of a button in less than 18 seconds. And when it is lowered, the convertible’s flush-folding roof retracts completely into the bodywork behind the rear seats, under a smooth cover that retains the elegant, sporty lines of the car.

Nor does the convertible compromise the new XK range’s safety, for its roll-over protection system, which remains hidden unless it is needed, deploys instantaneously as necessary to provide occupants with the highest levels of protection.

For both coupe and convertible, the latest trim and feature enhancements are highlighted by the JaguarDrive Selector™, which is very neatly and elegantly packaged in the center console. The welcome to the car is also enhanced by new, bright treadplate inserts. Many of the other changes emphasize very high levels of Jaguar craftsmanship with new jewel-like touches. The three-spoke steering wheel now has a leather-wrapped lower spoke and Jaguar’s striking ‘growler’ badge. The new XKR’s instruments now further emphasize its performance character with red pointers, while all models adopt a new white illumination for their instruments.

New heated and cooled front seats are standard equipment on the new XK Portfolio and available on XKR with the optional R Performance interior. The XKR features 10-way seat adjustability for both driver and passenger seats, with heating and memory functions as standard and unique R seat style. The XK Portfolio and XKR with the optional R Performance interior have 16-way adjustable seats with heating and memory functions, adjustable side bolsters and new cooled seats as standard.

The door casings are even more luxuriously crafted than before, with saddle-stitched lines and a new interlayer to give a softer touch to the top shoulder of the casing. The leather door pulls also introduce twin-needle stitching and a soft-feel interlayer. In each door, the modified seat switch pack now includes single-piece chrome ‘highlight’ switches.

There is a wide choice of interior color options, including a new combination of Ivory seating with Oyster upper cabin trim and Oyster carpets. Soft-grain leather with contrast stitching is standard in the new XK Portfolio and in the new R Performance XKR.

Real wood veneers remain an important part of Jaguar craftsmanship and now include a new Rich Oak veneer option for the XK alongside the classic Burr Walnut for both models. The new XK range also offers the choice of Ebony uniquely for the new XK Portfolio, while the new XKR offers its own unique alternative in Dark Oak. A Knurled Aluminum veneer is also available on XK Portfolio, while Dark Mesh Aluminum is available on XKR.

Body architecture


Globally recognized as one of the key elements in Jaguar’s intelligent use of advanced technology, the XK’s industry-leading lightweight architecture constructs the entire body shell (the internal chassis structure and external body panels) from a combination of pressed, cast and extruded aluminum alloy components. These are riveted and bonded together using techniques originally developed in the aerospace industry and adapted for automotive use by Jaguar.

The result is a body shell with a depth of quality that is rooted in the highest structural integrity. It is also the lightest shell in its class by a significant margin and the most torsionally stiff. That all-round strength, remarkable rigidity and exceptional lightness underpin many aspects of the XK’s excellence, from fuel-efficient performance to its inherent safety, durability and refinement – and, of course, its precise chassis dynamics.

Mike Cross, Vehicle Integrity Chief Engineer, explains the benefits of this advanced body architecture:

“Lightness benefits agility, and agility with high performance defines the exhilarating yet refined nature of the Jaguar XK. It accelerates harder, stops more quickly and handles with true precision – setting new standards of dynamic excellence.”

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All-new XK Powertrain Technology

 

  • New AJ-V8 Gen III engines are more compact, more efficient and much more powerful
  • 85bhp, 380lb-ft, 264g/km CO2, 25.2mpg combined fuel economy (naturally aspirated)
  • 510bhp, 461lb-ft, 292g/km CO2, 23.0mpg combined fuel economy (supercharged – the Gen III R)
  • Conforms to US ULEV II emissions regulations
  • High efficiency, sixth-generation twin vortex supercharger on Gen III R engine
  • Central spray-guided direct-injection increases efficiency and torque
  • Torque-actuated variable camshaft timing on all four camshafts for improved response and efficiency
  • Cam profile switching in naturally aspirated engine
  • Variable-geometry inlet manifold on naturally aspirated engine further increases low and high-end torque
  • Low-friction design optimizes fuel consumption
  • 15,000-mile service intervals compared to 10,000-mile intervals on 4.2-liter models


Since the first XK was launched in 1948, generations of powerful yet refined engines have played a crucial role in establishing the unique character and pedigree of Jaguar cars. Now, the new 5.0-liter direct-injection engines continue that tradition, delivering increased power and torque with reduced emissions and impressive fuel economy. Available in two versions, the 510bhp supercharged V8 and the naturally aspirated 385bhp version, the new AJ-V8 Gen III engines exemplify Jaguar’s reputation for innovation and engineering excellence.

Commenting on the new engine range, Ron Lee, Powertrain Group Chief Engineer, said:

“We set ourselves the challenge of developing an all-new V8 engine series that improved on the performance and the refinement of the excellent 4.2-liter, with comparable fuel economy and improved emissions. We have achieved that with the AJ-V8 Gen III – a superbly responsive power unit of unsurpassed efficiency.”

Jaguar’s all-new V8s have been designed in-house, using the expertise of powertrain engineers at Jaguar’s advanced research and development centre at Whitley, Coventry, UK.

Malcolm Sandford, Engine Group Chief Engineer, explains the concept behind the project:

“The emphasis was on delivering efficiency, superior dynamic response and highly accessible low-end torque suited to real-world driving, without compromising power at higher engine speeds.”

The results are clear to see. Performance has been increased by 29 percent and 23 percent (87 and 94bhp) on both naturally aspirated and supercharged engines yet both the naturally aspirated and supercharged engines meet US ULEV II emissions regulations. Despite the significant increases in power, CO2 emissions of the naturally aspirated engine improve on that of the outgoing 4.2-liter V8, while the supercharged engine also produces less CO2 than its predecessor.

Top of the class in more ways than one


Both new AJ-V8 Gen III engines are state-of-the-art in every sense. The technical features have been engineered to deliver unparalleled efficiency, refinement, power and torque for which Jaguar is famous, combined with the lowest possible emissions. Low-speed torque characteristics and throttle response is world-class, while the supercharged version is the most economical 510bhp engine in the market to date.

Summarizing this achievement, Jaguar Programme Director, Mick Mohan, said:

“These engines have been designed by our Powertrain team of over 800 people for the next generation of Jaguar cars. They deliver fantastic straight-line performance and response which is second to none. The combination of power, refinement and driveability is what our customers expect of Jaguar. They are smooth around town, but when you want to drive quickly, the engines are hugely responsive and deliver that classic, Jaguar sound quality.”

Light, robust and very strong


The new V8 engines are built around a stiff, all-new, aluminum block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. For the first time at Jaguar the blocks are high pressure die-cast, providing a superior finish and greater dimensional accuracy. The engines use aluminum heads, with four valves per cylinder and strong, spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts and forged steel connecting rods. The cylinder heads for the first time are specified with a secondary (recycled) aluminum alloy thus reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing the new engine.

The new 5.0-liter direct injection engines are more compact than their predecessors. Overall engine length has been reduced by 0.94-in. by relocation of the oil pump within the engine architecture. This length reduction improves engine bay packaging in support of enhanced safety cell performance while ensuring overall engine weight is virtually unchanged.

New supercharger – more for less


A sixth-generation, twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger is fitted to the XKR’s 510bhp engine. It is a compact Roots-type unit, feeding air through twin intercoolers, which in turn are water-cooled by their own discreet cooling circuit. The high helix rotor design improves the supercharger thermodynamic efficiency by more than 20 percent over its predecessor. It also improves noise quality to the point where the unit is now virtually inaudible (making supercharger whine a thing of the past). The intercoolers reduce the temperature of the pressurized intake-air and so optimize power and efficiency.

The new air intake has been radically redesigned compared to the previous V8. The intake air path is a direct feed to the supercharger inlet from the centrally mounted front throttle body. Air is delivered through twin air boxes, which reduce flow loss and further increase efficiency.

Mechanically, the new supercharger and its intercoolers are efficiently packaged in the ‘V‘ of the engine to deliver a low overall engine height in support of pedestrian safety requirements.
 

Industry-first direct injection - power with economy


One of the key features of the new engines is an industry-first, centrally-mounted, six-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system, delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 150bar directly to the cylinder. This substantially contributes to improved low-speed, dynamic response. The positioning of the injectors ensures fuel is precisely delivered to the center of the combustion chamber, maximizing air-fuel mixing, and improving combustion control. Fuel is delivered via twin, high-pressure fuel pumps that are driven via auxiliary shaft in the all-new engine block.

The charge cooling effects of the direct-injection fuel system have allowed the compression ratio of the naturally aspirated engine to be raised to 11.5:1, further improving the engine economy. The supercharged engine also benefits from an increase from 9.1:1 in the previous 4.2-liter to 9.5:1.

During the engine warm-up phase, the combustion system employs multiple injection mode strategies to deliver 50 percent more heat for fast catalyst warm-up and substantially reduced emissions.

Torque-actuated variable-camshaft timing improves efficiency


A new type of variable camshaft timing system (VCT) introduces another new technology. The four VCT units are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves, instead of by oil pressure. This has allowed the engine oil pump to be reduced in size, saving energy and reducing fuel consumption.
VCT units work independently on all four camshafts with 62 degrees of authority on the inlet cams and 50 degrees of authority on the exhaust cams. Timing is optimized by the engine control unit for torque, power and economy at every point in the engine’s speed range.

The new VCT units are capable of a response rate up to three times faster than before, with actuation rates in excess of 150 degrees per second. This delivers a more immediate engine response to the driver’s demand.

The naturally aspirated engine is also equipped with camshaft profile switching (CPS) on the inlet camshaft. Depending on the engine’s running conditions and the demands of the driver, the CPS will switch between a profile that is ideal for low-speed driving and another which gives increased valve lift for high performance.

Hydraulically-actuated two-piece tappets switch between profiles on the tri-lobe camshaft altering both the lift and duration. The cam lobe profile selected for lower engine speeds has a duration of 214° and lifts the valves 0.22-in. This optimizes gas velocity for improved low-speed torque and reduces valvetrain friction for improved fuel economy. For high-speed driving, CPS switches to a cam lobe with a duration of 250° and valve-lift of 0.41-in., allowing greater air flow into the engine for high power. Switching is activated at 2800rpm at high load, ranging to 4500rpm at light load conditions.

Variable Inlet Manifold optimizes torque through the rev range


A new variable inlet manifold (VIM) can vary the length of its eight inlet tracts to optimize power and torque throughout the rev range on the naturally aspirated engine. Vacuum-operated actuators open valves to select a longer, 27-in., inlet tract at low revs, increasing the rate of both the airflow and the engine torque. As the revs climb beyond 4700rpm, the actuators select a shorter, 14-in. path allowing a greater volume of air into the engine to optimize engine power. The actuator position is optimized by the engine control unit for improved torque throughout the engine speed range.

Reverse cooling turns up the heat


Every component in both V8 engines has been optimized for efficiency, performance, low-end torque and reliability. An innovative reverse-flow cooling system design has been employed to deliver thermodynamic and friction improvements. The reverse-flow cooling system pumps coolant through the cylinder heads before flowing through the block and returning to the radiator. The resulting cooler cylinder heads allow more optimum, knock-free, ignition timings to be used to improve efficiency.

In addition, the 22kW oil-to-water heat exchanger, packaged at the core of the engine, transfers heat from the coolant to the lubricating oil during warm up, bringing the oil up to operating temperature 14 percent faster than the previous cooling system. This improves fuel consumption in the crucial engine warm-up period by approximately 1%.

Reducing friction – something for nothing


Minimizing internal friction is key to improving fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and as such was a key aim when it came to the design of the engines. As a result, the new Jaguar AJ-V8 Gen III engines achieve another best in class, setting a new industry benchmark for cranktrain efficiency.

All engine bearings were the subject of an extensive optimization program, reducing friction without compromising reliability. Diamond-Like Carbon Coating (DLC) has been used to reduce friction on the fuel pump tappets and a solid film lubricant has been used to coat the piston skirts. New engine oil has a lower viscosity, contributing to an extension in service intervals from 10,000 miles to 15,000 miles or 12 months. Both V8 engines are now fitted with an electronic dipstick feature for added peace of mind.

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Unique, Jaguar sound quality


Sound quality is a key characteristic of all Jaguars and is one particular aspect that customers relish. With that in mind, Jaguar engineers have accentuated the acoustic feedback into the cabin in order to further enhance the driving pleasure.
 
The XK's exhaust sound track has been enhanced to provide a deeper and more powerful character that matches the increase in torque at low revs from the new engine. At higher engine speeds the intake acoustic feedback system combines with the exhaust system to provide more of that unique Jaguar sound quality character.
 
In addition to the fully active exhaust system in which valves open to provide a more rewarding note, the new XKR has been engineered to provide an intake feedback system to enhance the V8 sound character commonly absent on supercharged engines. Intake manifold pressure pulsations are fed into an acoustic filter at the rear of the engine that is tuned to provide an edgy sports car crescendo at high revs. The filter is controlled by the engine management system, which only allows the sound to enter the cabin under the appropriate driving conditions.
 
The new intake feedback system combined with the fully active exhaust system provides the most exhilarating sound track yet delivered on a Jaguar.

New, integrated transmission completes the package