Test drive Jaguar XK8 2002 - 2006 compartment

We test the classics of tourism

All GT cars can be called sporty to one degree or another, but not all sports cars are applicable to the abbreviation GT. The difference in the nuances. A serious sports car is sharpened under a skilled driver. Behind the wheel, a constant, complete concentration is required, that is, you will not relax in the process of driving.

The concept of GT cars involves a vacation at the wheel. And, if you have a desire and the opportunity to purchase an expensive toy, carefully weigh your needs and driver's abilities, and then decide that you need hard sport or convenient, aristocratic Jaguar XK, a typical representative of the GT clan.

The design of the new Jaguar XK was developed by Sandy Boyes, and if the author of the previous model Jeff Lawson was alive, he would definitely tell him a couple of affectionate for the resemblance to the Hyundai Coupe! The progenitor of the current XK, like all previous models, is the legendary Jaguar XK-E, who first saw the light of 1961.

But, despite the branded oval fish mouth, and the low, flying silhouette of the current generation has lost a little classic sweeping forms, Jaguar XK began to look more compact. In fact, it is even larger a little wider and a little longer. A wheelbase increased by a few centimeters. The chief engineer of the company Mike Cross calls the new Jaguar XK the most advanced jaguar from a technical point of view in the entire history of the brand. From the conceptual machine, the serial compartment inherited not only the design, but also the carrier aluminum body, it is easier than the previous steel one by 63 kg, and its rigidity for twisting is 31%higher.

A lightweight aluminum body gives a new Jaguar XK excellent specific energy supply even with a 300-horsepower engine 187 hp. per ton for compartment and 182 hp per ton for convertible. For comparison (Mercedes SL500 162 hp, BMW 650 Ci 213 hp/t for compartment and 191 hp for convertible). And this is despite the fact that the engines are still old. Now only a version with an eight AJ-V8 with a volume of 4.2 liters is available, and with a capacity of 300 hp, the maximum speed is 250 km/h (limited by electronics). Acceleration to hundreds of 6.2 s. Later, a 400-horsepower Jaguar XKR with a compressor will appear.

The gearboxes are also the previous six -speed ZF machines. True, now the programs can be switched by petals on the steering wheel for the first time on Jaguar cars. Moreover, the Yaguarovites argue that according to their own measurements, a reconfigured machine gun on the new Jaguar HC switches in general faster than robotic mechanics (SMG on BMW) or a box with two clutches (DSG VW/Audi DSG)! It is no coincidence that Jaguar chose the same way to improve the usual machine gun as Mercedes.

But from the point of view of aerodynamics, Jaguar XK is far from perfect. The relatively large importance of the frontal resistance coefficient (CX \u003d 0.4) is explained by the non -optimal organization of air flows under the bottom, the air clings to undisguised units. The lifting force is also great, but the distribution of this force along the axles does not cause complaints. The suspension is also the same, but with electronically controlled shock absorbers, and, despite softness, it is enough energy intensive. And on small irregularities, and even having hit a good hole, the suspension will not work on a breakdown.

The car has noticeably wiser in terms of electronics. The non -contact access system with the transponder key is impressive! The key does not need to be taken out of your pocket and it is impossible to slam it in the trunk (three antennas, two door and one behind). The engine starts and dies with pressing the large red button on the dashboard. An interactive color display looks very worthy. Rogue bixenon headlights, telephone Bluetooth, radar cruise control. Super! But this is difficult to surprise, since competitors have all this in a particular combination.

And the safe hood, PDBS (Pedestrian Deployable Bonnet System), which, when a person arrives on a person with pyroptatons, jumps 130 mm is, of course, an advanced technology! Although, in addition to the new HC, it is already used on the Honda Legend sedan.

I really liked the stylish three -spoke steering wheel. Moreover, in addition to the buttons proper, four rotary wheels are placed on the knitting needles, which can adjust the sound volume of the audio system or scroll through the on -board computer menu.

Nevertheless, the new HC is simply obliged to have some kind of feature that would highlight it against the background of the main competitors such as Mercedes SL500 or BMW 650Ci
And such a feature is a sound. The British seriously engaged in the acoustic setting of the exhaust. The active exhaust system has special valves that change the sound of the exhaust from quiet and soft at idle to a powerful rumble with a completely open throttle. The engine mounts are acoustic optimized so that only those vibrations that the engineers consider worthy of the owner’s ear are transmitted to the salon. And, finally, a special auditory tube, which is laid from the motor compartment to the salon, so that the noise of the inlet is better heard! Moreover, a membrane is built into the tube, which does not let smells, but transfers sounds especially at a frequency of about 700 Hz, which, according to the Jaguar speakers, emphasize the high -speed nature of the motor.

At height, active and passive safety: inflatable pillows and curtains, active head restraints, an advanced stabilization system.

But in order to fully understand Jaguar, you need to ride it!
Literally from the first meters, he bribes cat smoothness, which fully justifies his belonging to the GT category. This is of course not limousine, but the car is very comfortable. A ride on it is a real rest. After several hours of driving, fatigue is felt in a sports car, and in the jaguar there is a complete feeling that you can sit at the wheel of 10 hours and remain very cheerful and ready for adventure!

Tips Maxim Travin:

1. In no case do not operate the car in the winter. This is the same as kneading Moscow porridge of snow and reagent in expensive summer shoes with thin leather soles.

2. When choosing a color, take a company, green without hesitation. Green jaguar with light salon looks truly expensive and aristocratic.

3. In no case do not get behind the wheel of such a car in a tracksuit.
I once saw a man on a red jaguar in such a sissy, I almost vomited.

4. Do not put rubber rugs in the salon. It will be very similar to a long -forgotten scoop reception, to seize a remote control from a Japanese TV in a cellophane bag.

5. The fifth, and the last. Sitting Yaguar, behave on the road, like a real English aristocrat!
 

Source: Auto.mail.ru