Jaguar XK

Overview

When the first Jaguar XK8 (project X100) was introduced back in 1996, it brought about brand new standards to the luxury sports car market. 

Available as either a coupe or convertible it far exceeded its sales expectations and rapidly became the fastest selling sports car in Jaguars history and in doing so won numerous awards around the world.

In 1998, an even more dramatic XK model was unveiled – the supercharged XKR. With more impressive performance and further improved luxury, the XKR added a new dimension to the XK story.

From 2001 onwards Jaguar continued to unveil a number of Limited / Special  Editions XKs to their range and by 2006 (when this shape model finally ceased production with the 4.2-S model) they had sold more than 91,406 cars worldwide.

In 2006 a brand new “Next Generation” of XK and XK-Rs (project X150) were launched by Jaguar. This time they completely changed the shape of the model (now in aluminium form) and brought together a new looking performance car that would compete against the likes of its sports car counterparts. The production of the XK sadly ended in July 2014.

1st Gen XK - The X100

On March 5, 1996, Jaguar unveiled a brand-new sports car at the Geneva Motor Show, dubbed the XK8 (project X100), marking the beginning of a new era for the brand.

Subsequent unveilings took place at prestigious events: the Royal Society of Art in London on March 11, the New York Auto Show on April 4, and later in Vancouver, British Columbia, in September 1996. Released to the public in October 1996, the XK8 quickly became one of Jaguar's best-selling models ever. Created under the direction of Geoff Lawson and his team, the vehicle featured an aluminum V8 engine and was met with widespread acclaim.

Building on the XK8's success, Jaguar introduced the more potent XKR on May 6, 1998. This supercharged iteration of the XK8 boasted enhanced performance, though it retained a similar aesthetic. It was a joy to drive, with more than enough poke for the era.

In April 2000, Jaguar celebrated its return to Formula One with the launch of the "Silverstone" edition of the XKR, named after the iconic British race circuit, and limited its production to 100 units (50 coupes and 50 convertibles), all in Platinum Silver in both coupe and convertible, which quickly sold out.

Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations later announced the R-version, an even more advanced XKR, costing £5,900 more than the standard model. The XKR100, unveiled in 2001, commemorated the centenary of Sir William Lyons, Jaguar’s founder, featuring the exclusive “R” package.

The series of special editions continued with the introduction of the XKR 400 in 2003, an enhanced performance variant, followed by the XKR Portfolio in 2004, and the Victory edition in 2005, both exclusive to North America and celebrating Jaguar's racing achievements, with the Victory marking the XK's triumphs in the American Trans-Am series.

The final iteration based on the original 1996 design, the 4.2-S, was revealed in Geneva on March 1, 2005. On May 27, 2005, the last X100 rolled off the Brown's Lane production line, with over 91,406 units produced, heralding a significant milestone in Jaguar’s legacy.

The narrative continued on September 26, 2005, with the introduction of a completely redesigned 2006 XK (project X150), featuring an aluminum body and enhanced interior and performance, signaling the evolution of Jaguar’s storied sports car lineage.

1st Gen XK - The X150

The debut of the XK in 1996 marked a transformative chapter in Jaguar’s sports car saga, culminating in an impressive 91,406 units produced at the Browns Lane facility, signaling its resounding success. A new XK generation was launched in 2006, spearheaded by Jaguar's Design Director, Ian Callum. During the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005, Jaguar Cars' Managing Director Bibiana Boerio described the new model as embodying the essence of a quintessential Jaguar sports car. Ian Callum echoed this sentiment, emphasizing its embodiment of Jaguar’s hallmark traits of power and allure.

The XK (project X150) brought significant updates, but how did they stand up to the anticipation, and how did it fare against its predecessor? The interior of the XK underwent a comprehensive overhaul, featuring sumptuous leather and modern, high-tech finishes. Its dimensions were expanded, offering a more imposing presence in both the Coupe and Convertible variants.

A pivotal update was the shift to an all-aluminum monocoque chassis, a technique previously applied to the XJ, enhancing structural rigidity while reducing weight. The 4.2-liter V8 engine delivered a top speed capped at 155 mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, closely rivaling the performance of the earlier supercharged XKR model. Replacing the traditional ‘J’ gate, a new Sequential Shift gearbox was introduced, enabling paddle-shift controls on the steering wheel, reminiscent of Formula 1 vehicles. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels were included, with options to upgrade to 19 or 20-inch versions, alongside high-end audio systems and integrated Bluetooth connectivity, with a choice of three veneer finishes: Aluminium, Burr Walnut, or a contemporary wood selection.

An innovative feature introduced was the “Pedestrian deployable bonnet,” designed to mitigate injury risks in pedestrian collisions by creating additional space between the bonnet and the engine upon impact.

Over the ensuing years, the XK series saw various updates, with production ultimately ceasing in 2014, closing the chapter on this iconic Jaguar model.

Jaguar XK (X100)

Regular Variants

• Jaguar XK8 (1996–2002)

• Jaguar XKR (1997–2002)

• Jaguar XK8 4.2 (2002–2005)

Special Editions

• XJ41/XJ42 concept (1986)

• Jaguar XKR Silverstone (2000)

• Jaguar XKR 100 (2002)

• Jaguar XKR 400 (2003)

• Jaguar XKR Portfolio

• Jaguar XKR 4.2 S (2005)

• Jaguar XKR-R Concept (2001)

• Jaguar XKR Carbon Fiber (2004)

• Jaguar XK8 Victory (2006)

• Jaguar XK8 Neiman Marcus (1997)

• Jaguar XKR Stirling Moss (2005)

Jaguar XK (X150)

Rgular Variants

• Jaguar XK (2006–2008)

• Jaguar XKR (2007–2008)

• Jaguar XK (2009–2011)(Facelift)

• Jaguar XKR (2009–2011)(Facelift)

• Jaguar XKR-S (2012–2014)

• Jaguar XK (2012–2014)(Facelift)

• Jaguar XKR (2012–2014)(Facelift)

Special Editions

• Advance Lightweight Coupe (2005)

• Jaguar XKR Portfolio (2008)

• Jaguar XK-60 (2008)

• Jaguar XKR-S (2009)

• Jaguar XKR 'Goodwood' (2009)

• Jaguar XKR 75 Goodwood (2010)

• Jaguar XKR 175 (2010)

• Jaguar XK E-Type 50th Anniversary (2011)

• Jaguar XK Poltrona Frau (2011)

• Jaguar XKR Poltrona Frau (2011)

• Jaguar XKR Artisan SE (2012)

• Jaguar XKR-S GT (2013)

• Jaguar XKR Final Fifty (2014)

• Jaguar XKR Dynamic R (2014)

• Jaguar XKR Signature (2014)