Thursday 15th September 2005

Jaguar shows XK convertible

Sleek boulevard cruiser looks set to wow

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Jaguar XK Convertible

We were promised a convertible version of the new Jaguar XK, and here it is.

Using the same aluminium bodyshell technology as the coupé, the Ian Callum-designed smooth-mobile weighs 1,635Kg -- an improvement on its predecessor which weighs 1,775Kg.

Performance is said to be six seconds to 60mph from the familiar 300bhp 4.2-litre V8, only 0.1 seconds behind the hard-top, driving into a sequential shift 'box operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Like its good-looking coupé sibling, it'll include technologies such as keyless entry, push button start and active lighting. The roof is made of triple-lined fabric and stows out of sight under a tonneau.

Jaguar reckoned that the boulevard cruiser will be available early next year, and that prices will arrive before that. We also wouldn't be at all surprised to hear news of a supercharged version heading our way in the not-too-distant future.

For more detail, check out our story on the coupé (link below).

• The coupé launches

[groomi]

Now that looks much more like it :thumbup:

Does anybody else see quite a strong resemblance to the original (and not surpinsingly, canned) F-Type concept from the early nineties? (Not the one which was doing the rounds at shows a few years back).I'll see if I can find the spy-shots in an old Autocar.

I'll have an XKR convertible please.

[Nostrils]

I like this new one. Jaguar have finally sorted the backend out....the old one just never looked finished IMO

[dift]

Love it! Looks a little like the spyker at the front, without the questionable rear. Very Very nice indeed!

[beast]

love the reg plate

[anonymous-user]

beast said:

love the reg plate

LMAO That is fantastic!

[JagLover]

Wow!!

I am waiting to see the Coupe in the flesh before making a final judgement, but I have my doubts.

But the convertible looks superb, no question.

[triple7]

Not a fan I'm afraid.

[ubergreg]

Oooooh, not bad.

I wasn’t at all keen on the coupe, but without its roof, and in a darker colour, it looks more cohesive somehow... and more sophisticated.

And where most cars start to look awkward and lardy without the roof, this one seems to come together nicely, IMO.

Sweet.

[pennoir]

Nice - did anyone notice the reg plate on the rear shot - WHY 645 - a cheeky dig at the BMW option maybe.....?

[amg merc]

Yep, that's more like it - a nice looking drop top!

[apache]

That is drop head gorgeous! best looking ragtop with the roof up easily

[jazzyjeff]

Great looking car... but surely the new XK was supposed to be a proper sports car!?

Typical they have to pander to the bl***y Americans!!

[800]

Good enough to

I'll have an XKR convertible please, black and ivory.

[800]

triple7 said:

Not a fan I'm afraid.

Only because you've moved on to 'better' things.

[Merefield]

Is this REALLY worth ~40k more than an MX-5???

[triple7]

800 said:

triple7 said: Not a fan I'm afraid. Only because you've moved on to 'better' things.

It is nice I must admit, but its not strikingly Jaguar-esque, that's why I am not a massive fan. When they bring out the Supercharged sleek-mobile, I'll be a true convert

G

[800]

Go on then, what have you 'moved up to'?
My money is on an AM V8?

[triple7]

800 said:

Go on then, what have you 'moved up to'? My money is on an AM V8?

Nah, not that flash!

Still haven't scratched my XK-itch enough. Click on my name for a pic.

G


>> Edited by triple7 on Thursday 15th September 15:17

[800]

Yum, seriously gorgeous Triple7

And I thought you'd left the fold......

How does it compare to the previous one?

[FestivAli]

For some reason the roof shape reminds me of an old Camaro's vinyl hood - the one that you were supposed to option to pretend you'd bought a convertible.

As for the rest of the car, it's Ok I suppose. Am I correct in spotting the 'J-gate' shifter? A part of jaguars design heritage (well, since 1985 anyway) that's come under criticism, not for the way it looks, but rather for ergonomics. All I have to say really.

Ali