Jaguar XK8 Convertible

Source: Exec Digital USA

Date :9/9/2008 12:30:20 PM

It may not be the newest kid on the block but Jaguar’s sleek and sexy XK8 Convertible is still turning heads...

By Paul Pearce-Couch

With only three models in its range, the launch of an all-new Jaguar is inevitably preceded by an avalanche of teasers, hype and general rubbing together of hands. In fact, the lead up to the unveiling of the XK was protracted enough to leave some wondering if any car could possibly match up to the slavering expectation of those waiting for it.

Well, sorry to spoil the ending for you within the first 100 words, but the truth is that the XK, whether fixed roof or cabriole, is a dreamy piece of hardware. It had to be, given its importance to Jaguar but also the amount of time and effort put into its design.

The key is the aluminum construction, first used on the big XJ saloon. That makes it significantly lighter and stronger than the old version – 50 percent stiffer than the old convertible, which is great news in so many ways. With the convertible version planned right from the get-go, it also made it much easier to incorporate the folding mechanism without intruding on trunk space or spoiling the lines.

What lines they are too: muscular like the best Jaguars are, but with grace. It should age very well indeed, which says a lot about the design team moving away from overtly retro designs. Wheel choice is important too – our tip is to plump for the 18 inch alloys, which balance a good ride with sufficient girth to look the part.

Once you’ve managed to tear yourself away from the outside, you can slot into the cozy cabin. It sticks to the traditional 2+2 layout, though Jaguar maintains that buyers want the rear seats, even though they are better suited to carry non-human items. The front is a great place to be, however. The seats are comfortable and supportive, while the layout of the cabin is refreshingly simple and attractive. A touchscreen takes care of most of the functions, while the steering wheel and gear shift are leather covered and nice to grip.

Under the hood is the 4.2-litre V8 that appears in other Jaguars and also powered the old XK but, with less weight to pull and an overhauled transmission, it is even more engaging. Pull away in auto mode and it is effortless, yet you get the impression that this is down to light weight just as much as the powerful engine. The gearbox slurs the changes very well, but won’t leave you floundering in too high a gear.

Switch to sport mode and the revs will soar under a heavy right foot, blasting forward with real urgency and an engaging exhaust note.

Better still is the manual mode, however. A pair of paddles mounted behind the steering wheel allow full control, and the shifts are carried out with no perceptible delay: all the performance can be exploited without removing hands from the steering wheel. Yet select auto mode again and it reverts back to an unhurried cruiser.

The suspension performs a similar juggling act, seemingly able to balance a cosseting ride with a lack of roll or pitch when driven with bad boy enthusiasm.

The steering is very light but full of feel and sharp too, inspiring enormous confidence in the chassis and its benign nature.

Days spent pounding round test tracks in the pursuit of perfection have paid off: the XK is the most competent all-rounder in the segment. It can’t match the ultimate focus of the Porsche 911, but it comes pretty close while offering a level of comfort and relaxed motoring that the German car can’t, never mind other rivals.

The gripes are minor. Those rear seats are understandably small, though the trunk is quite shallow, which is more of an issue. There are one or two chunks of plastic in the cabin that feel a little out of place in a car of this class and expense, but that is it. It is arguably the best luxury convertible car in the market, and even more satisfying is the fact that it wears a Jaguar badge - no excuses necessary.