Η Jaguar πήγε στη Νέα Υόρκη και την ανανεωμένη XK. Με σχεδιαστικές επιρροές από την XKR-S, η XK Facelift διαθέτει νέα φωτιστικά σώματα με LED φώτα ημέρας, μεγαλύτερη γρίλια, επανασχεδιασμένους αεραγωγούς στα φτερά, νέους προφυλακτήρες και νέο σηματάκι της Jaguar. Το εσωτερικό πλέον διαθέτει μπλε κρυφό φωτισμό, νέα διακοσμητικά και νέους χρωματικούς συνδυασμούς. Στον επιπλέον εξοπλισμό είναι διαθέσιμα δερμάτινα sport καθίσματα και κάμερα οπισθοπορείας.
Μηχανικά δεν υπάρχουν αλλαγές πέραν του ότι οι κινητήρες πλέον θα είναι διαθέσιμοι και με ένα 6-τάχυτο αυτόματο κιβώτιο. Τον λόγο που δεν έβαλαν και εδώ οι άνθρωποι της Jaguar το ολοκαίνουργιο 8-τάχυτο αυτόματο κιβώτιο της ZF που φορά η ανανεωμένη XF, είναι κάτι που μόνο οι Άγγλοι το γνωρίζουν.
[Πηγή: Jaguar]
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The 2012 Jaguar XK Coupe and Convertible
At-A-Glance
• Dramatic front and rear styling gives the XK a dynamic new appearance.
• New LED technology incorporated into slimmer headlamps with a distinctive ‘J-Blade’ signature.
• New XKR-S model is the ultimate expression of Jaguar’s GT duality: intelligent performance with everyday drivability; the 550 horsepower XKR-S achieves 186mph (300km/h) and 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds.
• Strong, lightweight advanced aluminum body architecture to maximize performance, agility and efficiency.
• Revised interior enhances the contemporary luxury feel of the cabin.
• Performance sports seat option offers 16-way power adjustability, with heating and memory functions.
• New XKR Dynamic Pack for enhanced driving characteristics.
• Expanded range of option packages allows a greater degree of personalization.
• New paint colors pay homage to Jaguar’s racing heritage.
• XKR receives styling upgrades that further differentiates it from other XK models
XK Design
The XK was the first car created entirely under the aegis of Design Director Ian Callum. Dramatic and purposeful, yet as sensuous as only a Jaguar can be, the XK now receives a number of revisions that reinforce its contemporary, assertive character.
The latest lighting technology has allowed the front headlamps to be made slimmer and at the same time incorporate LED turn signal functions and running lights with a distinctive ‘J-Blade’ signature. Combined with a larger grille and new bumper design, this gives the XK instant recognition. Unmistakably a Jaguar, each model in the range gains unique styling attributes that distinguish it from its siblings. Chrome mesh grilles on the XK are replaced with black detailing on the XKR while the XKR-S receives a unique front fascia with carbon fiber details.
The power vent on the front fender has been altered from a vertical to horizontal design with a mesh insert. The rear decklid has been revised with a slimmer chrome trim, which allows the car to be graced by the famous Jaguar ‘leaper’.
Complementing the design changes are 16 paint colors, four of which are new. A range of 10 alloy wheel designs, from 19 to 20 inches, is available. The ‘Black Pack’ remains an option on the XKR. This package replaces exterior chrome with a gloss black finish, complemented by 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels. On the XKR, the package also includes body colored aerodynamic enhancements.
XK Powertrain and Dynamics
Jaguar sports cars have a reputation for blending athletic high-performance with effortless cruising comfort. Nothing exemplifies this dual character more clearly than the 5.0-litre AJ-V8 engine in the XK.
Now in its third generation, this offers not only tremendous power but also great efficiency by incorporating the very latest technology including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT). Like the car itself, the engine is constructed from high-grade, lightweight aluminum. The cylinder heads are made with recycled aluminum to reduce the environmental impact of manufacture.
All XK models use a six-speed ZF® automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles to control the Jaguar Sequential Shift function. In the XKR-S, the transmission has been revised in line with the increased power and torque to optimize shifts and allow for the increased top speed.
New XKR-S – 550 HP, 186mph
The XKR-S has an engine based on the supercharged unit in the XKR. Revised fuel mapping and an active exhaust have boosted power and torque to 550 horsepower and 502 lb/ft respectively, creating the most powerful Jaguar road car ever. This allows the car to reach 60mph in 4.2 seconds and join the exclusive ‘300km/h’ club with a limited top speed of 186mph.
Luxury and performance duality
The XK model’s exhilarating driving dynamics are the result of the latest generation of Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics technology that provides a continuous and seamlessly variable damping strategy to negate the traditional trade-off between ride comfort and handling.
Adaptive Dynamics performs three main functions: controlling vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates. One hundred times every second, Adaptive Dynamics analyzes the thousands of inputs and variables which determine ride and handling characteristics. By also monitoring wheel position 500 times every second, the system is able to achieve the famous Jaguar duality between comfort and sporting appeal. Should the driver wish to alter these characteristics, there is the option of Dynamic Mode, which increases body control, sharpens throttle response and reduces gearshift times.
The two supercharged variants of the XK also benefit from Jaguar’s Active Differential Control technology. This uses a multi-plate clutch to vector torque to the driven wheel with the most grip. Allied to the ABS and stability control, this allows for the ultimate in traction and precision both mid-corner and upon exiting the apex. Non-supercharged models use a mechanical differential, which delivers outstanding levels of grip and stability under power.
All models benefit from the Dynamic Stability Control system which offers four modes: normal, Winter, TracDSC and DSC Off, allowing the enthusiastic driver to choose the level of intervention dependent on road conditions.
The Jaguar XKR-S enhances both these electronic systems and the inherent stiffness of the lightweight aluminum architecture.
Upgraded suspension in the XKR-S
The double wishbone front suspension has been comprehensively revised with a new fully-machined steering knuckle. This significantly increases camber and caster stiffness to transform the accuracy and weighting of the steering for greater levels of feedback and precision. Rear suspension geometry has been revised with rear wheel steer optimized for maximum agility. Spring rates have been increased by 28 percent at all four corners.
The Active Differential has been programmed to reduce steering sensitivity at the very high speeds of which the car is capable. Bespoke software for Jaguar’s Adaptive Damping has been written for the XKR-S, ensuring both total body control and maximum traction and grip. Changes to the TracDSC mode alter intervention levels to allow the experienced driver to explore the outer edges of the performance envelope, rewarded by the motorsport inspired soundtrack from the exhaust, which features an active pneumatic valve.
The suspension changes are also available as part of the Dynamic Pack option for the XKR model.
“The XKR-S encompasses everything a performance Jaguar should be; as capable, precise and thrilling on your drive home as it is at the Nürburgring. Every response delay has been minimized in order to give the car a more connected feel in the manner in which it steers, handles, stops and goes.”
– Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity
XK Interior
The dual nature of the XK is apparent from the moment the driver enters the cabin. Luxurious and cocooning, the sporting potential is apparent from the moment the Start button pulses red. Pressing it fires the engine into life with a deep, musical reverberation and the JaguarDrive Selector rises from the center console as a point of first contact to begin the process of bonding driver with machine.
In the latest XK, the cabin has been refreshed with new trim materials including ebony soft-feel paint for the switches, gloss black finish to the center console and phosphor blue halo illumination and ambient lighting. New veneers, color combinations and headliner options allow owners to create a cabin ambience precisely matching their requirements.
A new leather-wrapped, multi-function heated steering wheel has also been added, providing a tactile interface between car and driver, complemented on the XKR-S by ‘Jaguar’ embossed stainless steel pedals, which are optional on other models.
New performance interiors
Standard on the XKR-S and optional on XKR models are new Performance front seats. Featuring integrated head restraints and increased support, the new seats hold driver and passenger securely and comfortably in place. The 16-way power adjustable seat is supplemented by memory and heating functions. The XKR-S has a Carbon patterned and soft-grain leather interior with contrasting micro-piping and stitching. The Jet Poltrona Frau Italian leather headlining is standard on the XKR-S, and is offered as an option on other models.
The central seven-inch Touch-screen provides an intuitive interface for the technology that is seamlessly incorporated into the XK, including iPod® and USB connectivity and satellite navigation with DVD mapping. The central screen also projects the image from the new reverse parking camera.
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