Test drive Jaguar XK8 2002 - 2006 compartment

"Return of the legend." Jaguar XK car review, 2006

Japan is one of the leading automobile powers, but, curious, it is considered, like in Russia, to ride foreign cars prestigious. But not on any, but on the coolest - those that Japan itself simply does not produce. These, of course, include expensive sportsmen - Corvette, Lamborghini, Maserati and others. What do the Japanese think about such cars that are sophisticated in cars? We present to your attention this report about the latest Jaguar XK model.

The lineup XK main stages of development.
I wonder what associations arise in an ordinary buyer when he has to hear the phrase of the Jaguar brand machine? It seems to me that the vast majority, if not everyone, should be associated with a luxurious salon or with a pronounced sports car. As a matter of fact, it really is. On the one hand, Jaguar is known as a manufacturer of chic cars, and on the other hand, in its fleet there are a number of a purely sports in its technical data of a purely sports nature. To understand what a luxurious Jaguar salon is, just be driving a car from the Jaguar XJ series. The latest model from this series has been in production for a long time, starting in 2003, so that at the moment it is safe to say that it has been brought to a high degree of perfection. At the same time, this year, the debut of the new machine row machine was held, which is designated by the letters XK and which can be accurately recommended as a typical representative of the second, sports detachment of Jaguar brand cars.
In order to understand what this lineup is, and how its development goes, you should make a small excursion into history. So, Jaguar gained fame after in 1922 with the light hand of its founder William Lions, who offered to engage in the development and assembly of side Car bodies (Side Car), released its first Swallow Side Car car. For this machine, there were a peculiar style, incredibly small weight and an acceptable price. These three features, namely, a catchy appearance, low weight and a relatively small price at equal technical characteristics with competitors, have become a kind of business card of all subsequent developments that were conceived and embodied in the life of Jaguar. It is clear that the cars of William Lyons have gained very much popularity. And it was these three trump cards that ultimately allowed the company he created to rise to such a high place in the world automobile hierarchy.
Now let's turn to the facts to trace what way Jaguar has turned into an authoritative manufacturer of sports cars. The first stage of this large path dates from 1948 and is associated with the conduct of the London automobile salon. To this event, Jaguar timed the show of its new brainchild of the XK120 sports model, with which, in fact, the XK sports series began. The next major achievement in this direction was the Jaguar E-Type model, which was first demonstrated in 1961 in Geneva. It should be listed here what exactly this sports car struck contemporaries. So, in the Jaguar E-Type car, for the first time in the history of sports automotive, a frameless bearing monocock body was used. Secondly, all 4 wheels were attached to the body independently of one from the other (independent type of suspension). Further, all 4 wheels were equipped with disc brakes. As for the engine, it was from the same series as the motor, which was developed even under the XK120 model, but only more perfect: 6-cylinder, with a vertical-row location of the cylinders, the working volume of which was 3.8 liters. It was combined with a mechanical 4-speed gearbox. It is unnecessary to say that in this car, as it should be in a sports car, the rear bridge was leading. And finally, with regard to the type of body, at that time the buyer was offered two varieties of the car: a convertible with a removable roof and a car type car with the number of places 2 plus 2.
It should be noted that the silhouettes of both machines, which, as they say, Vilim Lyons loomed personally, were distinguished by the amazing smoothness of the lines. What can I say, the cars were just beautiful. But by that time, namely, by the mid-60s of the last century, the Jaguar E-Type model was no longer the only sports orientation machine that had excellent technical data. It is enough to just remember the Mercedes 300SL or Aston Martin DB4. Or the same Ferrari 250GT, - in a word, the driver who preferred an active driving manner had what to choose from. But the fact is that, having the main characteristics similar to competitors, the Jaguar E-Type model was sold at a significantly lower price. So, as you can see, the rule that was one of the components of success in the era of the release of motorcycles of the Side Car type, Jaguar sought to follow, no matter what model was taken to release. This rule is to take cheapness. The last Jaguar XK model did not become this exception.
New New XK car: everything is very serious.
What happened in a sports field later when the Jaguar E-Type model became part of the glorious, but still the past? Then there was a protracted period, which can conditionally be divided into two large stages: the stage when the XJS model and the stage were produced when the XK8 car was launched, and the production of machines with an engine like Supercharger (XKR model) was launched after it. And now the end of this second stage was marked by the publication of a completely different Jaguar car, which, on the one hand, becomes a logical continuation of the XK model range, but on the other hand, is so much different from its predecessor that other than New XK (XK, not the same !) You can’t call him. But there is something in him that he is related to him with a direct ancestor-the E-Type model, which, as already mentioned, greatly influenced the course of the development of sports automotive in the first half of the 60s of the last century. After all, no one argues that the E-Type car was very for its time, I would say, advanced in technical terms. But is it impossible to say the same thing about the Jaguar XK car of a new model? This is exactly what they are related: both the old and this one, both of them, are similar to the fact that they are a kind of reference cars, which are easiest to understand what the intentions and promising plans of Jaguar, and what, in fact, follows from to expect her in the near future.
Well, but what, then, in the new XK car is so remarkable? I think that the most characteristic phenomenon was the use of a jaguar of a foul -risk -loading monocock body, and not a simple, but entirely made of aluminum alloys. Of course, the benefits of an aluminum body are known to everyone such a car is much easier than their steel fellow. It is no secret that aluminum was used in the automotive industry earlier, though the scope of its use was limited only to single vehicles designed to participate in sports races, and even sports cars, which, for one reason or another, had to be made super -light. In recent years, however, Audi sometimes uses a completely aluminum body in some A8 range machines. However, at the same time, the body design provides for the presence in it called spatial frame (Space Frame). A feature of the jaguar cars is that in its manufacture, the connection of individual parts is widely used using adhesive substances by adhesion. Well, from the manufacturer’s company, which, starting from the 60s of the last century, successfully uses the body of such a design in its machines, even if steel served as material for him, we could expect anything, including the appearance in its arsenal Such a specific product as a completely aluminum monocock. Moreover, pay attention, among other things, Jaguar produces cars of a luxurious series, that is, the XJ modeling sedan. Nevertheless, the completely aluminum supporting body was developed specifically for the sports variety Jaguar, - the XK car. Does this circumstance not characterize the company from the most positive side, giving out a manufacturer in it, which cares carefully about its reputation? Although, if you look at things wider, then all English technology is traditionally aimed at making the body as easier as possible at any cost. This is a kind of axiom that the body should be easy - whether it is a plane or a racing car, a certain unwritten rule that is not even subject to discussion.
Modern interpretation of the Jaguar sports coupe.
It's no secret that, starting from the era, which can be conditionally designated as an e-ape era, or not even from earlier times, when the company has just begun to unfold its motor-coolas like Side Car, the Jaguar brand meant external sophistication, or, otherwise, individual style. This is undoubtedly one of the most important features of Jaguar products. But it was a long time ago. What now? How can you evaluate the car of the NEW XK lineup? If we talk about silhouette, then in terms of proportions, especially in the XK with a body compartment, its similarity with the E-Type Coupe machine is very noticeable. After all, as possible in two words to describe what the former Jaguar was? Imagine an ordinary fastback (double -hobby with a smoothly descending roof line), but only with a folding cover of the rear trunk. Thus, we can confidently say that the new XK car is nothing more than the modern version of the former e-type coupe. By the way, the front parts of the cars are very similar: both there and here the hood ends with a grate of the radiator, which looks like a ajar mouth through which the car swallows air. That's just the shape of their eyebrows above the front, slightly slanting eyes of the headlights, the new car gives itself slightly. But maybe this difference is not so significant, maybe I am alone who paid attention to this.
As for the interior decoration of the machine, since there is an opinion that a typically British salon should be trimmed with wood and skin, the new Jaguar interior should not cause sharp displeasure, even vice versa. But the design of the dashboard of the front panel, including the central console, can be called a successful designer find or not, I do not know. After all, what you see in the salon of a new model is significantly different from the front panel, which was traditionally present in all previous Jaguar models. I mean the fact that earlier the front panel extended from the left to the right door, and throughout its length no extraneous details that could serve as the visual separator of its left and right parts. Although this metamorphosis is understandable: before, everything related to the design was supervised by Jeff Lawson, but after his death, as you know, his whole economy went under the control of Yana Kalam, who was also once engaged in the design of Aston brand machines. It is easy to guess that after that, in the designer style of Jaguar, some progress began to occur, which, if you look objectively, often turn out to be not devoid of meaning.
Some can assume that the rear seats in the Jaguar XK salon of a new model could be a little wider, since two adult passengers together will be somewhat cramped there. But at the same time, what do you want from a sports coupe, the number of seats in which is determined by formula 2 plus 2? Yes, indeed, seriously say that the rear seats are designed for two seats and can take two passengers is hardly possible. But then the car has a fairly wide rear trunk with a leap lid. Does this not make it a fairly suitable remedy for everyday trips? And is it for those who are not sitting from behind, but on the front chairs, the salon may seem too close? I don’t know who, but it seems to me that as a sports coupe, the new Jaguar XK car, as they say, took place, and in many ways it is due to the impeccable work of the design group. Or take a car option with an opening top. Look, in order to remove or return the roof back, only some 18 seconds of the electric drive are required. But even in open form, when part of the rear trunk is an occupied cleaned roof, there is still enough free space in it. Thus, on the one hand, the technical equipment and spaciousness of the salon or trunk does not cause any complaints. And in a closed form, the car, moreover, looks very fit, which, in theory, should really like those drivers who are going to use this machine, including for business daily trips. So here the designers got to the point. Well, that means another successful shot!
19-inch wheels? Easily!
The JAGUAR of the NEW XK model range is equipped with an previously tested 8-cylinder V-shaped engine with a working volume of 4.2 liters. It is able to develop a power of 304 horsepower and issue a torque of at least 42.9 kg/m. This is a traction the force is transmitted through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the rear drive wheels. But most importantly, these are the weight characteristics of the new car. So, due to the fact that the body, firstly, is frameless, and secondly, it is made entirely of aluminum alloys, the weight of the machine is only 1690 kg, if it is a sports compartment, and 1730 kg if it is a convertible top. Agree that for its class the car was surprisingly easy. It is easy to assume what running qualities a car is able to demonstrate in which such a super -powerful engine is combined with such a slight mass. We look at the data characterizing the dynamics of the car. So, in order to reach a speed of 100 km/h, the machine requires no more than 6.2 seconds. The nominal speed is limited to 250 kilometers per hour. So, if you try to determine that it is in the new XK car that it reliably indicates its belonging to the glorious Jaguar family, then I would call, first of all, its high speed potential.
The engine behavior is noteworthy when he has to work in medium speed mode. Firstly, the smoothness of the rotation of the crankshaft is striking, although what, in fact, is surprised if all 8 cylinders, located V-shaped! Secondly, when he has to increase the speed to develop great power, he does not give out his tension with a single sound, preferring to avoid increased tones. In many ways, this is facilitated by a successfully selected 6-speed automatic gearbox, which acts smoothly and, most importantly, agreed with the engine. And this, in turn, allows the driver to easily choose the pace of movement that he is currently most acceptable. And be sure - the engine will calmly and without visible effort will perform what is required of it. But what did I pay attention to? Yes, indeed, the motor it works without visible, or, more precisely, without audible tension. But at the same time, if you gasp to the fullest, then the characteristic sound of exhausted gases bursting from the silencer will not be the same as it usually happens in British machines. It is more reminiscent of the roar of an American car, which invariably acts on the driver excitingly. In this regard, I can imagine how those lovers of Jaguar brand cars will be unpleasantly amazed, who are used to feeling silence and peace while driving. What a jaguar is it if he growls like that! - Such a reaction is quite expected. What to object to them? Perhaps only that when developing this model, which we conditionally called Jaguar New XK, the designers faced a difficult task to make our jaguar by a real sports car, and make it so that it really differs in novelty. And the novelty is always unusual. In any case, such sound accompaniment is not a shortage, it is a conscious step planned in advance.
Now we turn to such parameters as the handling and stability of the Jaguar new development. Due to the fact that the body is frameless, that it is made of aluminum, the steering mechanism demonstrates amazing immediacy, just class! In fact, if the weight of the car is relatively small, then the first thing this is affected by its readiness to easily change its position. This is exactly what happens to the new Jaguar XK car: it changes the trajectory of its movement so well, say, when it goes along a winding road, that it does not fit with its, in general, rather large dimensions. What else causes satisfaction is that along with low weight, the hardness of the body is amazing. Perhaps it is the combination of lightweight and a relatively strong body design that determines the main advantage of the frameless supporting monocock made entirely of aluminum. And where there is a hard body, there is a relatively high level of comfort. At least the hardness of the body is one of the prerequisites, without which the driver can hardly feel in complete comfort. But if such rigidity is achieved, then put at least 19-inch, at least at least 20-inch wheels, that is, tires with the largest diameter, which are currently used in cars machines, this will not be of significant importance. In other words, the increased mass of the wheels will not lead to increased shocks and blows perceived by the body. True, to be completely frank, then with 20-inch wheels the situation is not so well, since I noticed that from time to time when they are too noticeable irregularities, the body still gets and he ranges up and down. However, you just have to switch to 19-inch tires, as these fluctuations practically disappear. Therefore, it can be concluded that the design of the suspension (in the new XK car and the front and behind, the suspension on double transverse parallel levers is used), and the electronic system control system Cats (this means computer Active Technology System all this allows the machine to provide a high level of comfort. Of course, if you proceed from the previous idea of \u200b\u200bthe comfort of Jaguar, which, as you know, is figuratively compared with soft cat paws, then the new model will not be so perfect. In particular, you can negatively evaluate the fact that the car now demonstrates a rather hard move when moving at low speed. I would recommend not to limit myself to small critics, but to reach the operational space and gain speed is more disastrous. And then, I’m sure they can immediately evaluate the ability of the new XK car without visible shocks to overcome, for example, road sections covered in the road covered small ripples. And then to solve it completely, this is a real Jaguar, or not. And I would like to look at the one who will say no!
At the same time, if the body began to possess increased strength, then what could the engineers prevent the engineers more freely choose a scheme for attaching parts of the suspension to the body and the permissible parameters of this suspension? Thus, possessing freedom of choice, the designers were able to work more tightly on the most important manageability. And the result was not long in coming. I want to say that on a road that is replete with turns and turns, when, nevertheless, you do not want to at a given pace and you don’t want to reduce speed, the current XK car behaves much more obediently and demonstrates better handling than the Jaguar of the previous generation (that is, , models XKR). And this is no doubt!
Not so much for sports driving as for walking with a lady of the heart.
Well, well, imagine that the XK car of a new model really has become another step towards excellence. But whether the new Jaguar acquired the best sports form from this - this is the question! As I understand it, the process of technical improvement and the increase in sports merits is not the same thing at all. So in this case, the new jaguar was clearly not able to sharply raise their authority as a sports car.
I dare to assume that, despite the wonderful running qualities that the new Jaguar XK demonstrates both on a high -speed highway and on ordinary roads - it is not perceived as a machine created solely in order to get pleasure from driving in a sports manner. Yes, you can’t refuse to drive this car in comfort. But at the same time, when driving this seemingly sports car, the driver can afford to think that it does not matter to the management process. In other words, although, of course, my assessment is subjective in nature, the very driving of the new XK car occupies the thought of a driver at 40 percent, no more. And all the rest is the Duma about how tomorrow's working day will pass, how to spend another summer vacation, how to win the heart of a beautiful companion sitting nearby, etc. Relatively speaking, the readiness of the car completely and without a trace to captivate the driver by driving, I estimate at 40 percent.
Meanwhile, having analyzed in this way its emotional state driving the Porsche 911 brand machine, let's say the Carera or Carera S model, I come to the conclusion that the level of sports training of these cars ranges from 50 to 60 percent, depending on what The car has a transmission. We go further. I recall how I felt when I also controlled Mazeratti Gran Sport, like a sports car. With her, I must say, you need to be very careful, paying attention to any little things in behavior. The fact is that her engine is constantly trying to get out of control to show how powerful it is. The steering mechanism does not lag behind the motor - that’s what and look, it will start the car in the wrong way. Thus, driving this car requires an increased concentration of attention to the car itself, to how it behaves and to what you do with it. I believe that the level of sports training of the Mazeratti Gran Sport can be estimated at all 70 percent. Now again I will allow myself to return to the Jaguar XK car of the new model, which, according to my system, can capture the driver's attention by only 40 percent. And then the moment of truth comes. I understand that the desire to have a powerful and fast car is a completely natural desire. However, in order to decide to purchase a new Jaguar, you need to have an annual income of at least 30 million yen. That is, this car is affordable only to a well -ensured, solid person. I came to the conclusion that if a person is looking for anything hotter, then the new Jaguar XK with his conditional 40 percent of sports training is not the most successful option. Only style and handling remain. But will a serious, respected person want to drive a sports -looking car every day, then to go to work? And for the sake of this to be ready to lay out a bunch of money? I believe that something is wrong here, something does not converge.
As you can see, it is quite easy to criticize the new Jaguar and not to leave stone on the stone from its sports. And this, despite the fact that, in fact, this car is a typical representative of the Jaguar sports area. So, Jaguar brand lovers with such high requirements, I would recommend only one not to rush and not despair. It is possible that it is not today and tomorrow that the company will begin to release in, in addition to the existing basic model Jaguar XK, another, with the same 8-cylinder V-shaped engine, but only a doucated supercharger. Maybe then, to the howl of a working supercharger, in conditions when it is worth doing something wrong, and the car with a dizzying speed gets out of control, maybe then we, lovers of acute sensations, will decide that the car is now quite sports. And that the car conquered the missing to complete happiness another 20 percent of our attention. I believe that this scenario is quite real.
Technical characteristics of the Jaguar XK model:
Length 4790 mm x width 1895 mm x height 1320 mm.
Wheel base: 2750 mm.
Machine weight: 1690 kg.
Drive: on the rear wheels
Engine: 4.2-liter, 8-cylinder with a V-shaped cylinder location, gas distribution mechanism of the DOCH type, maximum developed power 224 KW (304 hp) at 6000 rpm, the largest torque of 421 NM (42.9 kg (42.9 kg /m) at 4100 rpm.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic gearbox
Machine price: 11 million 800 thousand yen (approximately 102,000 $ US)
 
 

Source: CarView.co.jp