Jaguar->ke39 is already preparing the next generation XK sports coupe->ke1153 and convertible, but before that the company has given the current generation a final touch with a new facelift version of the XK. The refreshed model comes with dramatic design enhancements and new option packages emphasizing luxury and sporting personality. The face-lifted XK and the 550 HP XKR-S made their North American debut at the 2011 New york Auto Show.

For 2012, the XK has received unique styling attributes, including a larger grille and new bumper design, a revised rear with slimmer chrome trim, a new set of wheels, and new exterior colors. For the interior, Jaguar is offering new trim materials including ebony soft-feel paint for the switches, gloss black finish for the center console, phosphor blue halo illumination and ambient lighting.

No changes were made under the hood so we are still looking at the same 5.0-liter AJ-V8 engine as the current XK model.

Updated 05/04/2011: Jaguar has unveiled an official video of the new 2012 XKR sports car. Enjoy.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Jaguar XK.

jaguar-xk

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: jaguar-xk
Pros
Cons

2012 Jaguar XK

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Jaguar XK
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 385
  • Torque: 380
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

For 2012, the Jaguar XK has received new front headlamps with incorporated LED turn signal function and running lights with a distinctive "J-Blade" signature. The facelift also includes a larger grille and a new front bumper. For the XK-R version, the chrome mesh grille has been replaced with black details.

The front fenders have been moved from vertical to horizontal, while the rear decklid has been revised with a slimmer chrome trim. All of the exterior elements will be offered with four new exterior colors and a new range of alloy wheels, size 19" to 20".

The XK-R version has also received a "Black Pack" option that replaces the exterior chrome with a gloss black finish. This is then complemented by 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels and body colored aerodynamic enhancements.

Interior

For the interior, Jaguar is offering new trim materials including ebony soft-feel paint for the switches, gloss black finish for the center console, and phosphor blue halo illumination and ambient lighting. Customers will also receive new color combinations and new headliner options.

Engine

Just like with the 2012 Jaguar XF, the 2012 XK will come with a pair of engine options for both the coupe and convertible versions of the sports car.

The first offering is a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 385 horsepower and 380 lb/ft of torque with a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Then there's the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine that delivers 510 horsepower and 461 lb/ft of torque. This particular engine trim will net you a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Prices

Despite carrying the same two powertrain options for the coupe and convertible versions of the XK, the latter was priced a little higher because of obvious reasons.

For the 5.0-liter V8 version, the price for the coupe hits starts £65,000 ($105,000) while the convertible carries a £71,000 ($114,600) sticker.

As for the 5.0-liter supercharged version, the XK Coupe comes with a price of £78,550 ($127,000) while the XK Convertible will cost you a more expensive £84,550 ($136,500).

Competition

Customers interested in the new Jaguar XK should also check out the Aston Martin V8 Vantage->ke347 or the Audi R8->ke1440 sports coupe. The V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7 Liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 420 HP. This power will sprint the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 180 MPH. The Audi R8 is powered by a 4.2 Liter FSI V8 engine that delivers a total of 420 HP and 320 lb-ft of torque. It can hit a top speed of 187 mph and sprint the Audi from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.