Now a portfolio of subtle but significant upgrades has been applied to the 2005 Jaguar XK giving the XK range even greater appeal.

The XK’s iconic looks have been given a more contemporary feel with the addition of a revised nose and rear section, complemented by new side sills, wheels and trim. The XKR also gets a new mesh grille, supplemented by a lower ‘mouth profile’ in the front bumper.

A new Automatic Speed Limiter is added to the wide range of electronic systems already standard across the XK range to further enhance the driver’s ease.

From its launch in 1996, the XK8 rapidly became the fastest-selling sports car in Jaguar’s history. It soon forged a place as one of the world’s most desirable cars, thanks to stunning looks and thrilling performance.

A programme of enhanced electronics and other equipment options that focused on safety, comfort and ease at the wheel was implemented in 2001. All XK models were fitted with the Jaguar A.R.T.S. Adaptive Restraint Technology System (which senses the severity of a crash, the position of the driver and front-seat passenger and the usage of seatbelts to determine the most appropriate airbag deployment energy levels during a frontal crash) and Adaptive Cruise Control was an added optional extra.

In 2003 a major update to XK powertrains saw the introduction of larger, more powerful 4.2-litre V8 engines (in 224kW normally aspirated form and a 298kW super-charged version), a class-leading six-speed automatic transmission and further key features including Emergency Brake Assist (which increases brake force in an emergency) and Dynamic Stability Control.

This new range is the ultimate expression of the current XK8, as Jaguar Chairman and CEO, Joe Greenwell, explains:

“The changes that were made in 2003 to the powertrains really ensured that the XK8 and XKR remained thoroughly competitive from a technology standpoint. Now contemporary refinements to the XK’s design have allowed us to retain the basic character of the car but make it feel more modern than ever.”

This latest incarnation of the XK goes on sale in Australia in 2005.

The 2005 XK at a glance

• New exterior styling gives the XK range a more aggressive, contemporary stance
• New style mesh grille and deeper front and rear bumper and side sills give a more powerful look and improve aerodynamics
• New, larger exhaust tail-pipe finishers for XK8 models and new quad tailpipe finishers for the XKR
• All XK8 models now have a rear spoiler as standard, while the XKR has a new, larger rear spoiler
• Three new multi-spoke wheel styles are introduced: 18-inch Aris, 19-inch Atlas and 20-inch BBS Sepang
• A driver-controlled Automatic Speed Limiter is standard on all models. This feature supplements the XK range’s already high level of driver aids
• Choice of 15 body colours, 11 of which are metallic
• New veneers are available on interior trims – a rich Elm and modern but opulent Piano Black
• Black window surrounds replace the grey that featured on previous models

In short this is the most modern and technologically advanced XK to date.
The 2005 XK range:

- XK8 Coupe 4.2 V8
- XK8 Convertible 4.2 V8
- XKR Coupe 4.2 V8 Supercharged
- XKR Convertible 4.2 V8 Supercharged