Dearborn  [Fri. 24th February, 2006]
In only a few short months, the redesigned Jaguar XK has scored a direct hit with auto writers and the general public alike.
For example, take this quote from Marty Padgett writing in TheCarConnection.com.

"At Jaguar, the keyword of the day, as you might know from some fluffy high-gloss ads, is 'gorgeous.' But underlying that airy, accurate notion is something more substantial, and nearly as light: aluminum. Aluminum construction has changed the XJ sedan from a slight, ponderous sedan into a strong, sleek animal."

The aluminum construction Padgett is praising is an extension of Jaguar's Lightweight Vehicle Technology. It is unique in the industry as a complete aluminum monocoque body structure as distinct from an aluminum spaceframe with separate aluminum exterior panels. The result is a strong but very light structure.

The 2007 XK takes the idea a step further with lightweight aluminum castings and extrusions as well as pressed aluminum panels.

"With the XK and the promises of a revamped XJ and S-Type, it's evident that Dearborn has done right by Jaguar by investing in good design and world-class technology to endow the brand with real meaning," Padgett wrote.

The Jaguar's lightweight body produces speed from less horsepower, a point noted by the editors at Edmunds.com. "This car's incredible lightness of being means it needs less power and uses less fuel," according to Edmunds.com. "And it's ULEV II rated. OK, you can get 300 horsepower in a Subaru WRX these days, but in the 3,671-pound coupe (the convertible is just 88 pounds more), the high-revving, 4.2-liter four-cam V8 with Variable Camshaft Phasing (VCP) feels like a lot more motor.

"In the meantime, the newest XK iteration is bloody fast, with variable valve timing, 310 pound-feet of torque, perfectly weighted steering, and new race-inspired ventilated disc brakes with ABS and EBD."

While the XK's performance had been hailed, it's the car's good looks that critics rave about.

"Styling is subjective, but we think Jaguar's design chief, Ian Callum, (who penned the Aston Martin DB7 and the Vantage V12), has drawn a modern Jaguar 2+2 that's worthy of the marque's heritage," wrote the editors at Edmunds.com. "Outside, the new model's curvaceous exterior evokes that of the revered E-Type, but the '07 is clearly contemporary, mature and undeniably sexy."

Along with auto writers, some of the general public have been bowled over by the XK. When readers of the United Kingdom's What Car? Magazine were asked to name the most exciting car of 2006, they chose the XK.

"This clearly demonstrates the affection that the British public still has for the brand and the excitement when a new Jaguar sports car is around the corner," said Steve Fowler, What Car? group editor. "We're looking forward to giving our own verdict on the car in the coming weeks and maybe this is a good indication for the 'What Car? Car of the Year in 2007."

Bibiana Boerio, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, added, "We are delighted with the very positive reaction the XK is creating already in advance of it's launch. We've already had plenty of advanced orders and we're now looking forward to building on this when the XK goes on sale in the Spring."




Source : http://media.ford.com/
Reporter : Mr. Ajay Sharma