Although the Jaguar XK8 of 1996 could be said to basically be broadly based on the chassis and platform engineering of the long-running XJ6, the earlier car's looks always precluded it from being seen as an "out and out" classic motorcar. The original XJS coupe of 1975 had evolved from the shortened platform of the XJ6 saloon and in a 21 year "career" of production from home factory it had definitely evolved, even meandered, through differing power plant families, a restyle, and two different convertible versions, yet no doubt by the early 1990's the line was "long in the tooth" and definitely needed a major make-over. It was a known secret among Jaguar aficionados and knowledgeable luxury enthusiasts and experts that in the 1980's that there had already been one "false start" (project XJ41). In addition four -wheel drive had been mooted, but after a lot of work and costs expended, yet this too was abandoned yielding little but some technical, marketing and auto styling expertise gained along the pathways.
Fortunately for Jaguar, the Ford Motor Company had taken over direct control in 1989, the funds, resources and motivations being available for a brand new stab at the project. Styling and mechanical engineering and in particular a totally brand-new V-8 motor were both designed and available. Thus a new vehicle emerged and evolved to be called the "XK8" was previewed to a select few in March 1996. Initial assessments and comments were that the car had both good looks and high quality.
Compared with the old XJS, the XK8 used the same basic (though much refined 102 inch/ 259 cm wheelbase platform and suspension systems. Yet on closer and fuller examination it was not a rehash of the old - but rather in actuality a completely brand new front end components and mechanical setups. Yet again fortuitously the new 4-cam, four liter V8 engine was not in testing stages - but had been fully tested and perfected. On top of that the engine would be used in XJ8 saloons as well and there was a choice of full convertible body styles as well as the choice of the coupe model styling.
Where the XJS had been craggy, the XKB was sleek and rounded. There was a "low nose' with a "wide-mouth" oval grille, specially sculptured headlamps and lines which rose gently, but persistently toward the rounded tail. There was a space in the cabin for "2 + 2 "seating - or to be honest, for generous two-seater accommodation with very occasional rear seats for willing children or perhaps midget adults.
The equipment was as carefully detailed as expected,
with road safety airbags ahead of both front-seats as well as a full display of instruments and controls laid out well in the Jaguar traditional walnut dash-board. Every vehicle in the lineup had installed a ZF high-speed automatic transmission. As expected in a luxury auto of its class and pricing ABS brakes were standard equipment, electronic traction control, and a power operated convertible soft top retraction.
The new 290 bhp ( boiler horse power units) V8 engine powered seamlessly, without restraint or hesitation jump starting the car in an instant down the road with no hesitation what so ever and guaranteeing a top speed in the ranges of 155 miles per hour. On top of that the driver and passenger rode in both quiet cabin noise levels and yet a most well controlled and civilized ride down the road or highway. Previous 1950's and 1960's era Jaguar owners and riders would have been in quite a culture shock indeed all said.
As if this was not enough for an impressed automotive market place (especially and particularly in North America - that is the United States and Canada, where after all the lions share of worldwide sales of Jaguar fine motor cars were being sold and marketed via the Ford Motor Company marketing and sales networks direct assistance and expertise), Jaguar itself set out to develop, produce and ultimately market, an even more colossally performing version - that being the "XKR" designation. This XKR setup finally made its debut onto the automotive scene in the year of 1998.
The already "lusty" V8 was treated to an "Eaton-type supercharger". Purists will note and insist on the distinction that an "Eaton type supercharger" is technically, to purists, not and not the same as a gasoline powered engine "turbocharger". Al told though what matters is that with this accessory device that power from the power-plant was fully pushed way up to a majestic 370 bhp.
Although this vehicle's top speed was unfortunately "limited" to the 155 miles per hour (roughly equivalent to 249.45 km per hour speed), it was a more than exhilarating drive with exceptionally rapid acceleration. Those who knew the handling characteristics and speeds of the long serving XJ6 model line, which it fully replaced, were more than impressed overall.
As all in all as these cars came out of Jaguar production lines, by the end of the 1990's, the XK8 was selling faster than its predecessor, or predecessors had ever done. What a champion and winner.
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Source: http://www.articlesbd.com/articles/261565/1/Jaguar-XK8-And-XKR-Luxury-Classic-Sports-Cars/Page1.html
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