2008 Jaguar XK and XKR

JAGUAR REVEALS ENHANCED XK AND X-TYPE MODEL RANGES AT MOTOREXPO, CANARY WHARF 2007
Today at the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, Jaguar revealed a series of enhancements on both the XK and the X-TYPE range for 2008 Model Year.
JAGUAR XK RANGE: UNRIVALLED LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE
The Jaguar XK and XKR have both been strengthened further with a range of subtle visual enhancements that deliver customers an unrivalled blend of performance and luxury. With XK sales up almost 20% year-to-date versus 2006, the revisions will build on this strong sales performance when the car goes on sale from July.
The XK epitomises the Jaguar tradition of beautiful, powerful, ground-breaking sports cars, but behind its stunning looks, it bristles with practical, intuitive, modern technology, clearly focussed on enhancing the driving experience.
When the XK was unveiled in the autumn of 2005 and introduced in March 2006, it pushed back the boundaries of GT sports car motoring. The launch of the supercharged XKR at the end of 2006 extended those boundaries even further. The most potent of all Jaguar’s beautiful, fast cars effortlessly straddles the gap between out-and-out performance supercars that struggle to cope with everyday use and more sedate grand tourers that are hampered by excess weight.
Geoff Cousins, UK Managing Director at Jaguar said: “Demand for XK and XKR has remained very strong since the car was launched in the UK last year. The XK has already proven its credentials by winning various awards in the UK since its launch, including the coveted ‘Car of the Year Award’ from both Top Gear magazine and Auto Express magazine during 2006. With these specification enhancements, our customers can now benefit from a better equipped XK and an even stronger value-for-money proposition.”
Jaguar XK
Enhancements on XK for 2008 Model Year are visual only. One of the more significant changes is the replacement of the telescopic Ariel antenna, which is now subtly concealed in the rear boot spoiler. Other notable improvements adding to the overall quality of the interior are the revised door switch packs with a choice of aluminium or wood inserts, enhanced column stalks with chrome rings and the Piano Black veneer surrounding the instrument control panel and the ‘L’ gate surround.
These improvements have been achieved on XK without generating a price increase. The XK is priced at £60,097 for the coupe and £66,097 for the convertible.
Jaguar XKR
The Jaguar XKR is an impressive sporting GT all-rounder in its class featuring a 4.2-litre, supercharged V8 engine developing 420bhp and 560Nm of torque. Due to the high offtake of specific features on the XKR since it went on sale in the UK, customers can now benefit from an even better value-for-money proposition with additional features standard on both the coupe and convertible.
All models now include 20-inch double five-spoke Senta alloy wheels, Jaguar Premium Surround Sound, heated front windscreen and bright finish alloy pedals as standard.
The revised price of the XKR coupe is now £70,097 while the convertible is now £76,097.
“Made for Me” – XKR Portfolio bespoke options on XK and XKR
Jaguar customers can now personalise their XK or XKR by adding luxurious options found only on the XKR Portfolio Special Edition (SE).
The Jaguar XKR Portfolio Special Edition – the flagship of the XK range – offers even greater technology and luxury to customers seeking the ultimate sports coupe.
For the first time, the following enhancements featured on the Portfolio (SE) edition are available on the XK and XKR, allowing customers to increase the individuality of their vehicles: Polished five-spoke 20-inch Cremona alloy wheels (available to order from September 2007); luxury sport interior theme with contrast stitching; alloy ‘L-Gate’ surround and gear-knob (with Piano Black insert), Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound system at 525 watts and Alcon High Performance Braking System.
Standard on the XKR Portfolio (SE) are five-spoke 20-inch polished Cremona alloy wheels, polished aluminium side vents and Celestial Black paint. The interior furthers the luxurious look and feel of the XKR Portfolio. A new Engine-Spun aluminium veneer is standard along with a new alloy and leather gearshift selector, soft-grab door handles, contrast stitching throughout the cabin and soft grain leather with warm charcoal or ivory seats .
The XKR Portfolio also features a new high-performance braking system with 400mm front discs and 350mm rear discs – the largest ever fitted to a production Jaguar.
The XKR Portfolio demonstrates another first for Jaguar as it is the first production example of a new partnership with renowned audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins. This world-leading loudspeaker manufacturer worked alongside Jaguar to create a stunning speaker system for the recent C-XF concept car, but the XKR Portfolio is the first production Jaguar to benefit from the relationship.
The 4.2-litre supercharged sports coupe will be sold worldwide while just 60 units will be sold in the UK for £75,597, a premium of just £5,500 over the 2008 Model Year XKR coupe.
The XKR Portfolio Special Edition is available to order now with deliveries expected in late summer.
PRICING
MODEL
* XK Coupe £60,097
* XK Convertible £66,097
* XKR Coupe £70,097
* XKR Convertible £76,097
* XKR Portfolio Special Edition £75,597
Jaguar XK key points
* All-new Coupe and Convertible Jaguar XK, each designed as a 2+2 sports car
* First of a new generation of beautiful, fast Jaguars
* The most technologically advanced Jaguar ever
* Succeeds the Jaguar XK range introduced in 1996
* All-aluminium construction assists best-in-class torsional rigidity in Coupe form. In Convertible form, there is a 50 percent improvement in stiffness over the previous XK Convertible
* All-new XK is lighter than its predecessor and key rivals, with Coupe at 1595kg kerb weight and Convertible at 1635kg
* In Convertible form the body-in-white weight, at just 287kg, is 20 percent lighter than the previous XK Convertible
* Lightweight body offers a 10 percent improvement in power to weight ratio
* Delivers a balance of superb performance, driving dynamics and Jaguar sophistication
* Intuitive controls and driver-focussed technologies – such as Keyless Entry, Keyless Start and Active Front Lighting – enhance driver enjoyment
* Spacious, elegant sports car cabin exemplifies Jaguar craftsmanship, luxury and quality
* Launched with latest generation naturally aspirated 4.2 litre Jaguar AJ-V8 engine, developing 300bhp (224kW) SAE / 298PS (219kW) EEC
* AJ-V8 engine developed to satisfy Euro 4 emissions requirements and features exhaust gas recirculation
* New Jaguar Sequential Shift 6-speed automatic transmission system incorporates steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear changes
* XK Coupe reaches 60mph from standstill in 5.9 seconds and completes quarter mile sprint in 14.4 seconds – less than half a second off the pace of the previous 400bhp supercharged model
* XK Convertible takes just 6.0 seconds to reach 60mph – 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model
* XK Coupe accelerates from 50-70mph in just 3.1 seconds – 0.2 seconds quicker than the previous model (Convertible XK also 0.2 seconds quicker from 50-70mph at 3.2 seconds).
* Top speed of 155mph (electronically limited)
* Convertible roof operates electrically in less than 18 seconds to be stowed below lightweight aluminium tonneau cover
* In the event of a pedestrian impact, pyrotechnic deployable bonnet (Jaguar Pedestrian Contact Sensing) automatically deploys in the blink of an eye to create a cushioning effect between the bonnet and the engine
Jaguar XKR Key points
* New supercharged Jaguar XKR sports car, available as a Coupe or Convertible
* All the attractions and attributes of the XK – but amplified in the ‘R’ to complement the extra power and performance
* 4.2-litre, supercharged V8 engine developing 420bhp and 560Nm of torque
* Coupe is capable of 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds, 50-70mph in just 2.5 seconds and has an (electronically limited) top speed of 155mph
* All-aluminium body construction delivers a lighter, stiffer car, with excellent agility. At 1665kg, the Coupe is 70kg lighter than its predecessor, while the 1715kg Convertible is 100kg lighter than the previous convertible XKR
* Uprated springs and dampers and recalibrated Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) provide enhanced ride and handling
* Class-leading six-speed automatic transmission for ultra-quick manual gear shifts in milliseconds using steering-wheel-mounted ‘paddles’
* Active Exhaust System ensures refinement at cruising speed but purposeful V8 roar under hard acceleration
* Subtle XKR exterior styling enhancements include a sportier grille and front bumper design, louvred bonnet and aluminium-finish side power vents and 20-inch wheel.
* Enhanced interior includes unique aluminium ‘weave’ design on the fascia (other veneers such as polished burr walnut are available at no extra cost) and XKR sports seats
* Blend of supercharged performance, outstanding dynamic abilities and keen pricing gives the new XKR significant advantages overall against both lesser – and considerably more – expensive rivals
X-TYPE: JAGUAR X-TYPE NOW OFFERS CUSTOMERS EVEN GREATER VALUE
Revealed today at the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, Jaguar has revised and simplified its X-TYPE model line-up offering customers outstanding value-for-money across the range. By consolidating the current line-up, the new model now benefits from a breadth of feature additions and changes to exterior styling without generating a price increase.
Built at Halewood, Jaguar’s award-winning manufacturing facility in Liverpool, the X-TYPE combines a fresh performance spirit, handling agility and innovative technology with the luxury, craftsmanship and refinement for which Jaguar is renowned.
The latest changes to the X-TYPE model line-up will see the ‘Classic’ and ‘Sport’ derivative dropped, leaving the ‘S’, ‘SE’, ‘Sport Premium’ and ‘Sovereign’ to form the heart of the range.
The refreshed model will retain its four engines – the 2.0 and 2.2-litre diesels, the 2.5-litre V6 petrol and the 3.0-litre V6 petrol all-wheel drive (AWD). The 3.0-litre V6 petrol AWD will only be available to buy in the estate version.
A Fresh Face
The X-TYPE has been given Jaguar’s signature look with a new Bright Mesh Grille. Additionally, two new colours will be available from September production. Porcelain White replaces White Onyx and Blue Prism is a completely new colour for the X-TYPE range.
Outstanding Value
X-TYPE customers can now benefit from outstanding value-for-money with the following popular features now standard across the range:
* Bluetooth connectivity
* 17″ Alloy wheels
* Bright mesh grille
* Leather or leather / cloth seats
* Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
* Multi-function steering wheel
* Three rear head restraints
* Trip computer with message centre
* Folding 70/30 split rear seats (estate and saloon)
* Cruise control
* Auto Clear View Pack (includes rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and interior rear-view mirror with auto-dimming)
Enhancements to the X-TYPE product range in the UK simplify the line-up to four trim levels, while pricing is more straightforward with exactly £1,000 difference between the 2.0-litre diesel, the 2.2-litre diesel and the 2.5-litre V6 petrol on all specifications:
X-TYPE S (2.0-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.2-litre diesel saloon and estate and 2.5 V6 petrol saloon and estate)
The entry level to the range will be the 2.0-litre diesel S with no price change at £21,500 for the saloon. In addition to the other features being added to the whole range, the X-TYPE S now features upgraded seat functionality to 4 way driver / 4 way passenger and a front centre console with sliding arm rest. The 2.2-litre diesel is priced at £22,500, while the 2.5-litre V6 petrol will be £23,500. The estate costs £1,400 more than the saloon on all engine derivatives.
A new optional ‘S Sport’ pack is available to order on the X-TYPE S and is priced at £800 for the saloon and £700 for the estate. This includes: Aruba 18″ alloy wheels; sports suspension; boot lid spoiler (saloon only) and body coloured grille surround.
X-TYPE SE (2.0-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.2-litre diesel saloon and estate and 2.5 V6 petrol saloon and estate)
The X-TYPE SE adds to the S range with power-folding exterior mirrors, parking aid with front and rear sensors, chrome bumper blades and side window surrounds and 6 way driver / 6 way passenger seat functionality with lumbar support. Pricing has again remained unchanged for the 2.0-litre diesel estate SE, priced at £25,500 and the 2.2-litre diesel at £26,500. The 2.5-litre V6 petrol is now priced at £27,500. The estate costs £1,400 more than the saloon on all engine derivatives.
X-TYPE Sport Premium (2.0-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.2-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.5 V6 petrol saloon and estate and 3.0-litre petrol estate)
The X-TYPE Sport Premium adds to the SE range in the form of an option pack and is priced at £1,000 above the SE price for each engine derivative. Additional features include sport perforated leather 4-spoke steering wheel, sport style seats with perforated leather seat facings, 10 way driver / 10 way passenger seat adjustment with 3 position memory function for driver, 18″ Proteus alloy wheels, sports suspension, rear spoiler (saloon only), carbon fibre veneer, body coloured bumpers and grille surround and satin black side window surrounds. The 3.0-litre petrol estate is priced at £30,300.
X-TYPE Sovereign (2.0-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.2-litre diesel saloon and estate, 2.5 V6 petrol saloon and estate and 3.0-litre petrol estate)
The-TYPE Sovereign adds to the SE range in the form of an option pack and is priced at £2,500 more than the X-TYPE SE for each engine derivative. The Sovereign option pack features a 6-disc luggage compartment CD changer, classic style seats with leather seat facings and contrast piping, 10 way driver / 10 way passenger seat adjustment and 3 position memory function for driver, metallic paint, Jaguar Premium Surround Sound system and Jaguar Voice. Customers choosing the Sovereign pack will also have a leather steering wheel and Burr Walnut veneer with door inserts.
On sale from July this year, the X-TYPE 2008 Model Year provides a series of specification enhancements across the range that deliver an excellent value-for-money proposition for customers.
Source: Jaguar

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OVERVIEW
Introduction
Jaguar has again raised the standard for luxury cars with a new generation of the XJ sedan. The flagship of the Jaguar range benefits from visual changes, technological advances and additional features on all 2008 model year cars. Already renowned for its all-aluminum body construction, state-of-the-art technologies and outstanding craftsmanship and build quality, the new Jaguar XJ is now even more desirable.
The key developments for every new Jaguar XJ model include a more contemporary, assertive and sporting exterior look and significant improvements to the renowned interiors, as well as the latest intuitive in-car technology.
An all-new, distinctive design for the XJ’s front gives the 2008 model an unmistakably purposeful appearance, a look complemented by the new side power vents, lower body sills and a subtle rear aero spoiler.
Inside the 2008 Model Year Jaguar XJ cabin an all-new seat design offers major benefits in comfort and support, while customers will also have the option of adding an advanced air-cooling system to their heated front seats.
Jaguar’s stated aim of introducing technology that enhances rather than impairs the driving experience is underlined by the addition of a new Digital Radio system that offer superb sound quality and enhanced functionality. A substantially improved Bluetooth ® system also allows passengers to pair up to five approved mobile phones with the in-car telephone, which automatically stores and synchronizes phonebooks and ‘last number dialed’ lists every time a phone is connected.

New 2008 Model Year XJ At a Glance
•New contemporary exterior styling for more assertive and sporting appearance - including revised front-end design, new side power vents, rear aero spoiler, full width chrome ’signature blade’ and new rear bumper.
•Revised interior with all-new seat design for improved comfort and support. Heated front seats standard across the range with optional air-cooling also available.
•Increased rear leg and foot room thanks to redesigned front seat backs, which also allow easier access to the back seats.
•New 19-inch Polaris, Vela and Carelia alloy wheels introduced (depending on market and model).
•Three new exterior paint colors adds to customer choice.
•Jaguar XJ range offers a choice of V8 engines including the 300bhp naturally-aspirated and 400bhp 4.2-liter supercharged V8.
•All-aluminum body construction ensures sports-car handling, supreme comfort and significant fuel savings over equivalent steel-bodied cars.
•Every Jaguar XJ comes with sophisticated safety features such as Computer Active Technology Suspension, Advanced Restraint Technology System, Automatic Speed Limiter and optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
•Latest Bluetooth ® connectivity allows up to five approved phones to be paired to the in-car telephone system.

JAGUAR XJ: A FINE PEDIGREE
When Jaguar’s ground-breaking all-aluminum XJ luxury saloon range was launched in 2004, its remarkable lightweight body helped the car to set new standards in handling, precision and refinement. The aluminum monocoque design is 60% stiffer and 40% lighter than the model it replaced and these major improvements translate into real customer benefits.
Its advanced construction means that even a long-wheelbase Jaguar XJ model is lighter than many of its key competitors’ standard wheelbase platforms. Thanks to that reduced weight the car can accelerate faster, stop more quickly and turn more purposefully. And, it achieves all this without compromising in other areas, for the new Jaguar XJ range also benefits from superb fuel economy and range, improved rigidity and safety, as well as exceptional ride and comfort.
Since its 2004 introduction the XJ range has been further improved with a long wheelbase version, a 4.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, and advanced technologies such as acoustic laminated glass, active engine mounts and Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS).
CATS is used to ensure outstanding body control, refinement and handling. The system constantly monitors the XJ’s lightweight suspension and air springs to offer complete comfort when cruising, and total control and responsiveness when called for by automatically lowering and leveling the suspension. The result is awesome high-speed stability and improved aerodynamic efficiency whenever the Jaguar XJ is called upon to perform.
A couple of technologically advanced engines power the 2008 Jaguar XJ range. The mighty 300bhp 4.2-liter V8 and its 400bhp supercharged equivalent provide the seamless drive and torque you would expect from any top-of-the-range Jaguar capable of reaching 60mph in as short a time as five seconds flat.
A six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and sensationally quick gear changes, and even helps with further weight loss thanks to its compact design. Its ability to handle the high torque outputs of the Jaguar XJ engine range also allows the gearbox to use higher gears more effectively, helping to lower fuel consumption further.
Class-leading technological advances such as Integrated Acoustic Dampening (IAD) guarantee exceptional levels of refinement and a blissfully quiet cabin environment. IAD uses special acoustic absorbing materials and airtight seals between the hood and engine compartment to dramatically reduce engine noise. Acoustic laminated glass then further minimizes noise intrusion.
Thanks to ground-breaking technologies such as these, the 2008 Jaguar XJ range defies the conventional wisdom that says a saloon can be dynamic or luxurious, but never both. It is, in contrast, a highly refined, sporting luxury car for people who love to drive.

LOOKS TO MATCH THE PERFORMANCE
The main evolution for the 2008 Model Year XJ is its new exterior design. Changes to the front, sides and rear of every model give the Jaguar XJ a sportier, more muscular stance and clearly signal the advanced technology that lies at its core.
A new front bumper with revised mesh grilles is unmistakeably assertive, leaving no doubts as to the performance credentials of the new Jaguar XJ. Jaguar Car’s Director of Design, Ian Callum, explains the inspiration behind the new look:
“Every Jaguar must have a distinctive face, something that you cannot mistake if you catch a glimpse of it in your rear-view mirror as it powers up behind you. The new 2008 Jaguar XJ range meets that challenge thanks to a new grille and bold new bumper style.”
Set into the front bumper are new upper and lower mesh radiator grilles with chromed detailing that accentuates the car’s major air intakes. Behind the front wheels two power vents (in aluminum finish on the supercharged XJR) match those introduced on the beautiful new Jaguar XK sports car. Over the vents new door mirrors carry integrated indicator lights.
A fully reworked rear end displays a newly reshaped bumper, subtle aero spoiler and revised tailpipe finishers.
The 2008 Model Year XJ also enjoys significant improvements to its interior thanks to new heated front seats (with optional air cooling) which have been extensively redesigned to offer even more comfort and support.
Vehicle cabin air is drawn into the cushion and seat back heat exchanger units. The air is then heated or cooled and pumped to the top surface via channels formed within the seat. The perforated seat covers allow the conditioned air to pass through to the passenger.
Heated front seats will still be fitted as standard with the cooling element being available as an option (market and model dependent).
All Jaguar XJ seats will have a new relaxed leather trim and rear-seat passengers will appreciate greater leg and foot room following revisions to the backs and lower cushions of the front seats.

TECHNOLOGY IN HARMONY
Jaguar’s intuitive technology has been designed to empower not overpower the driver. Features such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth TM and new digital radio systems are supported and controlled by a 7-inch Touch-screen or JaguarVoice control.
The 2008 Model Year XJ benefits from further user-friendly technology such as the latest Bluetooth ® connectivity system that allows users to connect up to five approved mobile phones to the car’s own in-car telephone system. The car will then recognize and store the phonebooks, last number dialed lists and call stacks for every device it is paired with.
Passengers will also enjoy the latest, highest quality Digital Radio with the addition of new audio systems that give superb sound and enhanced functionality. The system will operate with both Satellite Digital Audio Receiver System (SDARS) and In Band On Channel (IBOC High line) more commonly known as ‘HD Radio‘. All XJ audio systems will retain the capability to receive analogue radio broadcasts as before.
•The entire Jaguar XJ range carries further intuitive technologies that enhance the driving experience. Many of the car’s main features can be controlled through Jaguar Voice, a simple but highly effective voice command function.
•Other driver aids include Adaptive Cruise Control which uses microwave radar technology to detect slower cars ahead and adjusts the cruise control speed to maintain a constant distance from the vehicle in front.
•Advanced, state-of the-art safety features, such as Adaptive Restraint Technology System use ultrasonic technology to calculate appropriate airbag deployment and force, based on passenger weight and position. Side-curtain airbags, front seat thorax airbags and energy-absorbent front seat backrests ensure a safe driving experience for all occupants.

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PRESS RELEASE:
2008 JAGUAR XKR PORTFOLIO

• Jaguar XKR Portfolio New special edition XKR Portfolio offers even greater technology and luxury to customers seeking the ultimate sports coupe or convertible.
• Unique exterior styling revisions include 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels, polished aluminium side power vents and Celestial Black paint.
• Advanced aluminium construction, 420bhp supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine and six-speed Jaguar sequential shift transmission with paddleshift for superb dynamic performance.
• New high-performance braking system with 400mm front discs and 350mm rear discs – the largest ever fitted to a production Jaguar.
• Choice of new interior veneer - Engine-Spun Alloy – or elegant Satin American Walnut.
• First production Jaguar to use new Bowers & Wilkins speaker system exclusively crafted for XKR Premium Sound system.

Jaguar Cars is adding even more appeal to the ‘must have’ XKR with the unveiling of the all-new special edition Portfolio model. The 4.2-litre supercharged sports car will be sold worldwide and each one will feature notable additions to the already strong specification of the XKR, which is capable of hitting an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph and can accelerate to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the convertible).

The XKR’s already powerful sporting styling cues – an enhanced front bumper, bonnet louvres and aluminium-finish grilles and side power vents – will remain and exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint and 20-inch polished Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels add to the overall presence.

The XKR’s interior represents a truly sophisticated yet driver-focussed environment thanks to class-leading ergonomics, user-friendly in-car technology and simple, clear information displays in the instrument panel and main dashboard area.

The XKR Portfolio will combine this acclaimed design and performance with Jaguar’s engineering and craftsmanship skills to take the XKR to an even higher level. Every XKR benefits from its class-leading, advanced aluminium construction, which ensures that its power is matched by a dynamic, lightweight chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.
Now, to offer even greater braking ability, Jaguar’s Special Vehicles team has worked alongside leading brake manufacturer Alcon to create the largest, most powerful brakes a production Jaguar has ever carried. After extensive testing by experts at Jaguar’s specialist engineering centre (which is based next to the legendary Nürburgring race circuit in Germany), the new XKR Portfolio braking system was conceived.

400mm front brake discs – an increase of 45mm over the standard XKR – are retarded by powerful six-piston callipers, while at the rear four-piston calipers operate on 350mm discs. Innovative race-developed crescent-shaped grooves cut into the surface of the discs prevent a build-up of deposits on the brake pads and improve braking performance under extreme use.

By allowing the heat created within the system to dissipate quickly and efficiently the XKR Portfolio’s brakes produce fade-free performance whilst maintaining Jaguar renowned blend of refinement and stopping power. Unique ‘R’ branding on the front brake calipers reveals the six-piston set-up beneath.

Surrounding the XKR Portfolio’s brakes are polished 20-inch five-spoke Cremona wheels, while behind the front wheels sit all-new Power Vents which are hewn from polished aluminium and incorporate the indicator side repeater and Jaguar signature ‘ingot’. An exclusive Celestial Black exterior paint will also serve to differentiate the XKR Portfolio edition. (UK and Switzerland have a Liquid Silver paint option as well.)

A host of new additions to the interior further the luxurious look and feel of the XKR Portfolio. A unique, and quite beautiful, Engine-Spun aluminium veneer is standard on the Portfolio, while customers will also have the option of an elegant Satin American Walnut veneer. A new alloy and leather gearshift selector, soft-grab door handles, contrast stitching throughout the cabin, leather-edged mats with a Jaguar logo and distinctive Portfolio treadplates on the doorsills complete the effect.

The XKR Portfolio also marks another first for Jaguar: the first production example of its new partnership with renowned audio entertainment specialists Bowers & Wilkins. This world-leading loudspeaker manufacturer worked alongside Jaguar to create a stunning speaker system for the recent C-XF concept car, but the XKR Portfolio is the first production Jaguar to benefit from the relationship.

Taking Jaguar’s 525W Premium Audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound as a starting point, Bowers & Wilkins have crafted a signature speaker system specifically for the XKR’s cabin. High-output, low-distortion Kevlar mid-range speakers and specially designed aluminium-dome tweeters deliver superb mid-range and extended high-frequency responses.

The new Jaguar XKR Portfolio special edition is available to order from the end of March 2007.

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The biggest change is at the front end, where a new grille features an enlarged version of the Jaguar “growler” badge – the roaring Jaguar face. The grille extends into the lower half of the bumper. This is not the grille that will be used on the Jaguar XF, the S-type replacement, however. That car will get a brand new grille that will feature on all new Jaguar saloons.
Other exterior changes include the wing-mounted vents, similar to the Jaguar XK’s, lower sill covers and a reworked rear end incorporating new bumper designs and a subtle lip spoiler on the boot lid. New door mirrors now carry an integrated indicator.
Inside, the Jaguar XJ’s rear legroom has been increased by redesigning the seat backs and cushions, and heated front seats are now standard across the range. The front seats themselves have been reworked as well.
However, reports that the Jaguar XJ will share its future engine lineup with the upcoming Jaguar XF sedan. We’ve learned already that the Jaguar XF will feature an intriguing engine lineup that includes a base 4.2L V8, a supercharged 4.2L V8 producing 420 hp and a supercharged 5.0L V8 producing around 500 hp in the range-topping R-badged models.
Prices go up for the 2008 model year – the range starts at £43,540 for the 3.0-litre petrol Executive, an increase of £500. The range-topping XJR goes up by £600 to £60,150.

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