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  • Jaguar XK8 X100 (1996-2006)
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Britain
1990s 2000s

Jaguar XK8 X100

 1996 to 2006
Jaguar XK X100 (1996-2006)
Overview
ManufacturerJaguar Cars
Production1996–2006
AssemblyCoventry, England
DesignerGeoff Lawson(1992)
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer
Body style2-door coupé 2-door convertible
LayoutFR
PlatformX100
RelatedAston Martin DB7
Powertrain
Engine4.0 L AJ26/27 V8 4.0 L AJ26S SC V8 4.2 L AJ34 V8 4.2 L AJ34S SC V8
Transmission5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic ZF 5HP24 (NA models) 1997-2002 Mercedes-Benz W5A580 5G-Tronic (Supercharged models only) 1998-2002 ZF 6HP26 2002-2005
Dimensions
Wheelbase101.9 inches (2,590 mm)
Length1997–2004: 187.4 inches (4,760 mm) 2005-06: 4,775 mm (188.0 in)
Width1997–2004: 1,830 mm (72.0 in) 2005–2006: 1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height1997–1998 Coupe & 1999–2006 XK8 Convertible: 1,295 mm (51.0 in) 1997–98 Convertible: 1,305 mm (51.4 in) XKR Convertible: 1,288 mm (50.7 in) 1999–2006 XK8 Coupe: 1,283 mm (50.5 in) XKR Coupe: 1,278 mm (50.3 in)
Chronology
PredecessorJaguar XJS
SuccessorJaguar XK (X150)
 

The Jaguar XK8 (project code X100) is a grand tourer car that was launched by Jaguar Cars in 1996, and was the first generation of a new XK series. The XK8 was available in coupé or convertible body styles and with the new 4.0-litre Jaguar AJ-V8 engine. In 1998 the XKR was introduced with a supercharged version of the engine. 2003 the engines were replaced by the 4.2-litre AJ34 engines in both the normally aspirated and supercharged versions.

XK8 V8  One of the most elegant cars to be introduced in the 1990s Fitted With a new V-8 Sharing no parts in common with any previous Jaguar engines the 4.0-liter engine made 290 hp and no parts from Ford except the crankshaft "woodruff' key. Built as coupe and convertible.This car signaled to the world that Jaguar had returned to a position
of prominence Since that of the E-Type in the world market the thoroughly modern version of the 'sixties sporting icon.Initial work started on Project X 100 in
anuary 1992, the green light came in October the new car was unveiled at the Geneva Show March 1996.Although the official launch was scheduled for NEC in 1996, Geneva was chosen for a previewbecause that was where the E-type had made its very first appearance 35 years earlier. Just a month after the Geneva coupé launch, Jaguar displayed the convertible at the New York.As X 100. However Aston Martin had been given the six-cylinder option, albeit supercharged, so Jaguar's version needed a new engine; exhaust emissions, fuel thirst and were against the V-12, so the choice fell on a new, modern V-8 designed specifically for Jaguar and not just another version of an American quad-cam engine. 

  • ENGINE (Base V-8 (XK8): Dual-overhead-cam "vee- type eight cylinder (32-Va1ve).
    Alunum block and heads.
    Displacement: 243 cid (3980 cc).
    Bore & Stroke: 3,39 x 3.39 in. x 86 mm).
    Compression Ratio: 10.75:1.
    Brake Horsepower: 290 at 6100 rpm.
  • Layout: front-engine, rear-drive. Transmission: four-speed automatic; speed automatic in XK8. Steering: rack and pinion. Brakes: front disc/rear disc.
  • PERFORMANCE:
    Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.5 sec. Conv.6.7 sec.
    Acceleration (quarter mile): (XK8 Coupe) 152 sec.
    EPA Fuel Economy City/Highway miles per gallon: (XJR) 15/20,


Despite being a brand-new car for 1997, the XK8 received new updates for 1998 the XK8 offered two new colors, Phoenix (signal red) and Alpine (light green) for the convertible only. A beige top was offered for the first time on the XK8 convertible. . These included automatic headlights, an engine immobilizer an audio system with an integrated telephone keypad, and steering wheel audio controls modified to accommodate the integrated telephone .The 4.0-liter V-8 engine received a number of internal changes including; dual-tipped platinum plugs, air-assist fuel injectors, and a revised electronic throttle and engine management system.

Options: Equipment included on some trim levels
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • CD
  • Cloth seat trim
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric passenger`s seat
  • Headlight washers
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Isofix child seat anchor points
  • Lumbar support
  • Parking sensors
  • Partial leather seat trim
  • Sat Nav
  • Side airbags
  • Sports seats
  • Steering wheel reach adjustment
  • Telephone

The first-generation XK series shares its platform with the Aston Martin DB7. Both cars are derived from the Jaguar XJS, though the platform has been extensively changed. One of the revisions is the use of the second generation of Jaguar's independent rear suspension unit, taken from the XJ40. Development began in 1992, with design work starting earlier in late 1991. By October 1992 a design was chosen and later frozen for production in 1993. Prototypes were built from December 1993 after the X100 was given formal approval and design patents were filed in June 1994. Development concluded in 1996.

Jaguar AJ-V8 Engine from 1996

Jaguar AJ-V8 Engine from 1996

Power and performance

Both the XK8 and XKR are electronically limited to a maximum of 155.4 mph (250.1 km/h). The XK8 came standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, while 18-inch (Standard on the XKR), 19-inch, and 20-inch wheels are available for additional cost. A navigation system and self-leveling xenon headlamps come standard with the XKR and as options for the XK8. Jaguar's Adaptive Cruise Control is an optional feature available on both models. Both come with all-leather interior, burl walnut trim, and side airbags. Jeremy Clarkson, during a Top Gear test-drive, likened the interior of the original XK8 to sitting inside Blenheim Palace. In 2004, the grille design of the XKR was refreshed.

Initially the ZF ZF 5HP24 five-speed automatic transmission was coupled to the conventionally aspirated 4.0-litre model and a Mercedes W5A580 five-speed transmission to the Supercharged version, but in 2002 the new ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic transmission was fitted in both versions of the 4.2-litre model.

Limited editions

XKR Silverstone

Power370 bhp
Top Speed155 mph
0-60 mph5.2 secs
Torque525 Nm, 387 ft-lb
CO2 Emissions293 g/km
Euro Emissions Standard2
Miles Per Tank379 miles

Only 100 Silverstone models were made in Phase I and II (model year 2000 - 01, 50 Coupé, 50 Convertible original and 75 Coupé and 175 Convertible models in more), in celebration of Jaguar's return to F1 racing in 2001. It featured high gloss paint finish, specific badges and tread plates,a high-performance package (with the same engine as the standard XKR, but improved transmission, steering, suspension and brakes), 20-inch Silver BBS wheels and a custom interior (red-stitched black leather and birds-eye maple wood) . All possible factory options were included, to the exception of the telephone and the navigation system, which had to be ordered separately.

XKR 100

Built to celebrate the centenary of Jaguar's founder, 500 'XKR 100' coupes and convertibles combined total were made in 2002. The XKR 100 featured an Anthracite paint finish, Recaro seats, 20-inch BBS alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, and custom interior.

XKR Portfolio

The convertible-only Portfolio models featured either red paint with matching Recaro sports seats and interior, or blue paintwork and interiors.

XKR 4.2-S

Power400 bhp
Top Speed155 mph
0-60 mph5.2 secs
Torque553 Nm, 408 ft-lb
CO2 Emissions304 g/km
Euro Emissions Standard4
Miles Per Tank363 miles

In Europe the 4.2-S was unveiled at Geneva on 1 March 2005. This was the last XK to be rolled out that was based upon the original 1996 design. Features for the 4.2-S included new exterior and interior colours and two distinct veneer options for the instrument panel, polished door treadplates with chequered-flag emblems and embossed, leather-edged floor mats. The revised white Jaguar badge on the bonnet also feature chequered accents. New 19-inch Atlas wheels plus cross-drilled Brembo brake discs, red wheel badges and red brake callipers were also fitted.

XKR-R concept

Jaguar also produced a concept car called the XKR-R which was very similar to the production XKR, but boasting a more powerful 450 bhp (340 kW) engine, a manual gearbox, a limited-slip differential and improved handling.

Jaguar-1996-XK8 x-ray

Victory Edition

Introduced at the 2005 Los Angeles International Auto Show, the Victory Edition was offered in model year 2006, to "celebrate Jaguar's four championship wins in the North American Trans-Am road racing series and add to a successful lineage of special and limited edition XKs introduced since its launch," according to Jaguar's press statement. The statement went on to explain that "All four XK models – XK8 Coupe and Convertible and supercharged XKR Coupe and Convertible – will be offered as ‘Victory’ editions when the line-up goes on sale next summer. The new exterior styling changes introduced for the 2005 models continue to give the car a bolder, more aggressive and more muscular look." The Victory Edition was offered in all standard XK colours, plus four unique Victory Edition colours: Black Copper Metallic, Frost Blue Metallic, Bay Blue Metallic and Satin Silver Metallic. Victory Editions offered carbon fibre interior trim on XKR models, and a new Elm wood veneer on the XK8 models. Victory Editions also received special badging and accents. The "growler" badge on the hood (bonnet) had a unique checkered-flag background, and door sill plates featured checkered-flag emblems.Production of Victory Edition models was 1,050 cars.

 Die Another Day Jaguar XKR 007

Die Another Day Jaguar XKR Zao Equipped with front grille machine guns, door panel missiles, rear mounted gattling gun and boot mounted mortars. This vehicle is on display at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

 1999 Jaguar XK8-X100 in Wheeler Dealers

1999 Jaguar XK8-X100 in Wheeler Dealers series 9
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Britain 2000s | Britain 1990s | Vehicles launched in 1996 | Die Another Day | Jaguar XK | British Sports cars | 2000s Film Cars | Grand tourer | Wheeler Dealers cars | James Bond | Sports Cars

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Technical

Technical
  • Jaguar XK8 X100 Technical details and specifications (1996-2006)

    ENGINE: 4.0 32V - 294 hp

    Engine: (DIN), 8 cyl. on V 90°
    Electronic fuel injection.
    Engine capacity: 3996
    compression ratio: 10.75:1
    Engine (construction): 4-valve V-28°
    2x2 overhead camshafts (chains); cu-
    light-alloy head and cyl block
    crankshaft- 5-bearing
    oil 6.5 L
    Water capac. 10.1 L.

    ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT:
    72 Ah battery
    90 A alternator

    TRANSMISSION DRIVE LINE:
    rear wheel drive
    automatic gearbox , Automatic controls, Box ZF
    Ratios:I. 3.75; II. 2.2; III. 1.51; IV. 1; V. 0.8 R 4.1
    Axel 3.06.

    CHASSIS:
    Chässis: self-supporting body with Front and rear chassis
    Double, rear transverse lever.Half Shaft OSC. Front/Rear
    Anti-tilt bar, coil springs, shock absorbers.

    BRAKES:
    four disc brakes (Ventilated), front discs 30.5 cm, rear 30.5 cm, ABS, parking brake on rear wheels

    WHEELS TYRES
    Tyres 245/50 ZR 17, AV 245/45 ZR 18, AR 255/45 ZR 18,
    Wheels 8 J or front wheels, rear 9 J rims.

    DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT:
    wheelbase 259 cm
    track 150.5/150 cm
    trunk 325 dm3 Convertible: Trunk 305 dm3.
    length 476 cm
    width 183 cm,
    Height 129 cm.
    Fuel tanks. 75 L

    Basic equipment

    The basic equipment across all versions of the Jaguar XK8 

    • ABS
    • Alarm
    • Alloy wheels
    • Audio remote
    • CD Multichanger
    • Climate control
    • Cruise control
    • Driver`s airbag
    • Electric mirrors
    • Front electric windows
    • Front fog lights
    • Heated mirrors
    • Heated seats
    • Leather seat trim
    • Metallic Paint
    • PAS
    • Passenger`s airbag
    • Rear electric windows
    • Remote locking
    • Space saver spare wheel
    • Steering wheel rake adjustment
    • Traction control

    © Motor car History

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