| Premium sporty/performance car; Built in England |
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| Good condition price range: $4,800 – $25,500* |
1997 Jaguar XK8 coupe
1998 Jaguar XK8 coupe
1997 Jaguar XK8 interior
1998 Jaguar XK8 convertible
2000 Jaguar XKR convertible
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As their fans know full well, these two offer refined performance in an elegant, luxurious package that should stand the test of time for visual appeal. All things considered, the XK8 is an attractively priced automobile, despite the high numbers shown in the chart.
Overview
Styling of the new XK8 luxury coupe and convertible was clearly inspired by Jaguar’s famous old XK-E (E-Type) sports car of the 1960s. Unveiled for 1997, the rear-drive sport Jaguars replaced the XJS design that had been around for 21 years. In fact, the new models also bore some kinship to the XJS, using part of its rear-drive platform and the same basic suspension, and riding a nearly identical wheelbase. Jaguar claimed a 25 percent increase in body stiffness over the XJS. Jaguar’s first V8 engine went under the hood, a 4.0-liter aluminum unit with twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Also new was the 5-speed automatic transmission, from the German ZF company. In its novel console-mounted “J-gate,” a 2-plane shift quadrant permitted manual gear selection when the lever was moved to the left-side slot. Dual front airbags and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes were standard, along with speed-sensitive power steering. The 17-inch wheels held Z-rated tires.The convertible has a fully lined power soft top with glass window and electric defroster. Both models had Automatic Stability Control, which throttled back engine power to maintain traction during low-grip conditions. Full traction control, which also applied brakes as needed, was part of an optional All-Weather Package that included heated seats and headlamp washers. The only other options were a trunk-mounted 6-disc CD player, premium 240-watt Harman-Kardon audio system, custom paint, and chrome wheels. Rivals included the Cadillac Eldorado, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, and Lexus SC 300/400.
Yearly Updates
| 1998 XK8 Jaguar’s sport-luxury duo added a few features this season, including automatic on/off headlamps and a security system with engine immobilizer to prevent “hot wiring.” Steering-wheel controls operated the cruise, audio, and optional telephone functions, and a more ergonomic audio unit had an integrated phone keypad. |
| 1999 XK8 No changes were evident for 1999. |
| 2000 XK8 Jaguar added something new for 2000: a supercharged XKR model with a 370-horsepower engine, plus functional hood louvers and a rear spoiler. An XK8 could now be equipped with optional 18-inch wheels, and a satellite navigation system became available. This year, traction control used the previously optional design that modulated throttle and brakes, not the former throttle-only system. |
| 2001 XK8 New for 2001 were a Silverstone coupe and convertible with larger wheels and brakes and unique cosmetic touches. All models got revised styling and seats, plus Jaguar’s Reverse Park Control that warned of obstacles when backing up. XK8s now included heated front seats and premium audio with CD changer like the XKRs. XKRs also made an in-dash navigation system standard. |
| 2002 XK Series The XK Series gained a limited-edition anniversary model for 2002. Commemorating the 1902 birth of Jaguar founder William Lyons, the new XKR 100 came with 20-inch wheels, Brembro-brand brakes, Recaro-brand seats, and exclusive interior and exterior trim. |
| 2003 XK Series The 4.0-liter V8 was replaced with a 4.2-liter V8 with slightly more power: 294 horsepower for the XK8, 390 for the supercharged XKR. Both mate to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Late in the model year Jaguar added adaptive cruise control to the options list. |
| 2004 XK Series Jaguar produced 200 XKR convertibles in Portfolio trim with 20-inch wheels, Recaro-brand seats, and unique wood interior trim for 2004. |
| 2005 XK Series Appearance changes to the grille, wheels, and tailpipes mark the 2005 alterations to Jaguar’s XK Series. |
| 2006 XK Series New for ’06 is a pair of Victory Limited Edition packages for coupes. The XK8’s Victory package includes upgraded leather upholstery, carbon-fiber cabin accents, a wireless connection to cell phones, special exterior trim, and 19-inch chrome wheels. The XKR Victory package adds 20-inch wheels and uprated brakes. |
