Jaguar XK (X100) is the first generation of the new XK series. The car is a Grand Tourer (GT) class two-door coupe and convertible with a four-seater (2+2) interior layout.

About Jaguar XK8 X100

In March 1992, Ford Motor management approved full-scale mock-ups (coupe and convertible) of the new car, which was supposed to replace the similar-class Jaguar XJ-S. According to the developers, the X100 project was supposed to externally resemble the famous Jaguar E-Type creation of Malcolm Sayer and William Lyons.

But in everything related to what was inside, it was a fundamentally new car for the Jaguar brand. The main thing that distinguished the future Jaguar XK8 (X100) from its predecessors was the AJ-V8 engine. The development of the new engine was carried out by David Shchupak's team simultaneously with the team of Bob Dover, who headed the X100 project.

The debut of the new Jaguar XK8 coupe took place at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1996, where the E-Type first appeared 35 years ago. Then, in April of the same year, as was the case in 1961, the XK8 convertible made its first appearance at the New York Auto Show.

New devices and units

The all-aluminum Jaguar AJ-V8 engine of 4.0 and 4.2 liters with four camshafts was specially developed for the new Jaguar model by the team of David Shchupak. For the first time, an engine developed at Wheatley was controlled by two Nippondenso microprocessors.

• Since 2000, the Jaguar XK8 (X100) and XKR (X100) have been equipped with a new modification of the Jaguar AJ-V8 Supercharged engine with a volume of 4.0 and 4.2 liters.
• Testing of Jaguar's new and first 8-cylinder engine (AJ26) took place at the end of 1989, first on the stand and then on the Jaguar XJ-S.
• A year later, at the end of 1990, after a couple of weeks of testing and subsequent work to eliminate errors, the new AJ26 engine, which also received the new AJ-V8 code, was presented to a limited circle of managers. The 4.0 liter engine was well received and has since become an integral part of Jaguar engine history.
• In 1993, at Ford's research center in Dunton, a modified AJ-V8 was tested on a Jaguar XJ40. This is the first time that Jaguar engines have been tested in extreme climatic conditions, not in the deserts of Arizona or Africa or in the Arctic.
• The new engine was tested in Ford climate chambers, which, while maintaining quality, significantly reduced costs.
• The development of the new 8-cylinder engine took 8 years, from 1989 to 1997. Ford Motor Co. invested a record £125 million in engine development, which allowed it to create a competitive engine for the new Jaguar XK8 (X100) model and become the basis for subsequent modifications.

It is interesting that, when choosing between engines of their own design and Jaguar engines, Ford top managers gave preference to Jaguar. The decision turned out to be so correct that the only dissatisfaction was caused by the way the engine sounded. The sound of the AJ-V8 was considered and still is not considered “Jaguar” enough.

Jaguar XK (X100) Design

Designers Geoff Lawson and Fergus Pollock sought to give the new model a family resemblance to the Jaguar E-Type and XJ220 and even the XJ13. The exhibition example of the Jaguar XJS Spider, created in the Pininfarina studio in 1978, was not forgotten either.

The car turned out to be elegant, with a tangible presence of Jaguar E-Type pedigree , but not old-fashioned. The developers of the XK8 body design managed to do all this at the highest level, despite the fact that the level of requirements for the appearance of the new car was extremely high.

Jaguar E-Type inspired instrument panel with recessed dials and polished maple instrument panel. Seats made of genuine leather from the Conolly brand gave the XK8's interior not just a comfortable, but a luxurious look.

Jaguar XK8 X100 Overview

The XK8 and XKR models of the new Jaguar XK series were produced from 1996 to 2006. Production ended in 2005, due to the development of the second generation of the new XK series called "Project X150". A total of 90,616 Jaguar XK8 and XKR cars were produced between 1997 and 2006, including limited editions such as the Jaguar XK100.

The last Jaguar XK (X100) rolled off the production line at Brown’s Lane on Friday 27 May 2005 and was donated to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.

In September of the same year, production began of the second generation of cars in the new XK series - the Jaguar XK (X150) with an aluminum body, modified interior, new technical characteristics and safety structure.

Jaguar XK8 X100 Technical Specification

Engine: AJ V8 all aluminum in four versions
DOHC 4.0 liters (3966 hp, 290 hp, 216 kW) cylinder bore and stroke 86x86 mm, compression 10.75:1, aluminum combustion chamber, multipoint electronic injection, control unit with two Nippondenso microprocessors.
DOHC 4.0 liter Supercharged (3966 hp, 370 hp, 276 kW) cylinder bore and stroke 86x86 mm, compression 8.9:1, aluminum combustion chamber, multipoint electronic injection, control unit with two Nippondenso microprocessors.
DOHC 4.2 liters (4196 hp, 300 hp, 224 kW) cylinder bore and stroke 86x90.3 mm, compression 11.0:1, aluminum combustion chamber, multi-point electronic injection, control unit with two Nippondenso microprocessors.
DOHC 4.2 liter Supercharged (4196 hp, 400 hp, 298 kW) cylinder bore and stroke 86x90.3 mm, compression 9.1:1, aluminum combustion chamber, multi-point electronic injection, control unit with two microprocessors Nippondenso.

Body: Load-bearing two-door monocoque (coupe or convertible) with programmable deformation zones.

Transmission: Automatic five-speed ZF5HP24 (XK8) and Mercedes-Benz W5A580 (XKR). Since 2002 - six-speed automatic for XK8/XKR (X100).

Front suspension: Independent spring with two wishbones.

Rear suspension: Independent spring multi-link.

Control: Rack and pinion with ZF Servotronic hydraulic booster, starting from 1998 - ZF Servotronic II. The number of full rotations of the steering wheel is 2.8, the turning circle is 11.5 meters. The steering wheel is four-spoke. SRS airbags for the driver and passenger sitting next to them.

Brakes: Disc, hydraulic dual-circuit with hydraulic booster, ventilated. Anti-lock braking system ABS and stability control and traction control (ASC+T).

Wheels and tires: Pirelli: 245/50ZR 17; 245/45ZR 18; 255/45ZR 18; 245/40ZR 19; 255/40ZR 19; 255/35ZR 20; 285/30ZR 20. Continental: 245/45ZR 18; 255/45ZR 18.

Interior and Exterior: The body design retains the familiar Jaguar E-Type features with smoother lines that are elegant and understated. The interior, retaining the architecture of the E-Type front panel with recessed instrument dials, differed from its predecessor in luxury and comfort: a maple dashboard, Conolly leather seats. Standard equipment: climate control, audio system with CD, well-trimmed leather steering wheel and interior seats, adjustable driver’s seat, on-board computer, fog lights, electric windows and exterior mirrors, heated mirrors.

Optional: Individual interior trim in Classic or Sport style, front seats with memory for three positions, heated seats, heated windshield, headlight washers. GSM phone, CATS electronic adaptive suspension, cruise control, 18-inch wheels and cup holders.

Dimensions: Wheelbase - 2588 mm, length - 4760 mm (XK8/XKR), width - 1828 mm (XK8/XKR), height - 1295 mm (coupe), 1306 mm (convertible);

Weight: XK8 Coupe – 1615 kg, XK8 Convertible – 1705 kg, XKR Coupe – 1640 kg, XKR Convertible – 1730 kg.

Jaguar XK8 X100 Models

Jaguar XK8 and XKR

The base model (first generation) of the new XK series was equipped with a 4.0 liter Jaguar AJ-V8 8-cylinder engine, specially developed for this car. The AJ-V8 was mated to a new ZF automatic transmission and controlled by a microprocessor.
ZF Servotronic power steering, lightweight alloy wheels and a modified Jaguar XJ-S chassis. Cruise control, ABS, SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger. The model was produced in two body styles: coupe and convertible.

List of standard equipment for the Jaguar XK8 (X100):

• Electronic climate control
• Audio system
• Conolly leather steering wheel and seats
• Adjusting the driver's seat
• Maple dashboard and interior
• On-board computer
• Fog lights
• Electric windows and exterior mirrors
• Heated mirrors

Building on the success of the XK8, the second model of the X100 project, the Jaguar XKR, was launched in May 1998.
There were few external differences from the base XK8 model, while the Jaguar XKR's equipment and technical specifications reached a new level.

The XKR model was equipped with a modified 4.0-liter AJ-V8 engine with an Eaton M112 compressor developing 370 hp. with an automatic transmission custom-made for Jaguar Cars by Mercedes Benz.

The list of equipment of the Jaguar XKR (X100) model includes the mandatory equipment of the XK8 (X100).

In addition, there is an adaptive suspension Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), Servotronic II power steering, headlight washers, cruise control, adjustable front seats, Conolly leather interior. CD player polished walnut steering wheel and gear knob.

From 1998 to 2006, both models were equipped with an AJ-V8 engine with enhanced performance: 4.2 liter capacity, 300 hp. (224 kW) for the XK8 and 400 hp. (298 kW) for the Jaguar XKR (X100) model.

Jaguar XK8 Coupé 4.0 L
Production years: 1996–2002
Engine: DOHC 4.0 L (3,996 cc / 243.9 cu in), 216 kW / 290 hp @ 6,100 rpm, 393 N⋅m / 290 lb⋅ft @ 4,250 rpm
Gearbox: 5-Speed Automatic – ZF 5HP24
Acceleration: 6.7 Seconds (0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph)
Top speed: 251 km/h / 156 mph (limited)
Body Style: 2-Door Coupé
Dimensions:
Length: 4,760 mm / 187.4 in
Width: 1,830 mm / 72.0 in
Height: 1,295 mm / 51.0 in
Wheelbase: 2,588 mm / 101.9 in
Weight: 1,615 kg / 3,560.5 lb
Produced: 16,331
Initial price: £47,950

Jaguar XK8 Convertible 4.0 L
Production years: 1996–2002
Engine: DOHC 4.0 L (3,996 cc / 243.9 cu in), 216 kW / 290 hp @ 6,100 rpm, 393 N⋅m / 290 lb⋅ft @ 4,250 rpm
Gearbox: 5-Speed Automatic – ZF 5HP24
Acceleration: 7 Seconds (0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph)
Top speed: 248 km/h / 154 mph (limited)
Body Style: 2-Door Convertible
Dimensions:
Length: 4,760 mm / 187.4 in
Width: 1,830 mm / 72.0 in
Height: 1,295 mm / 51.0 in
Wheelbase: 2,588 mm / 101.9 in
Weight: 1,705 kg / 3,758.9 lb
Produced: 38,133
Initial price: £56,850

Jaguar XKR Coupé 4.0 L
Production years: 1998–2002
Engine: DOHC 4.0 L Supercharged (3,996 cc / 243.9 cu in), 276 kW / 370 hp @ 6,150 rpm, 525 N⋅m / 387 lb⋅ft @ 3,600 rpm
Gearbox: 5-Speed Automatic – Mercedes-Benz W5A580 5G-Tronic
Acceleration: 5.4 Seconds (0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph)
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155.4 mph (limited)
Body Style: 2-Door Coupé
Dimensions:
Length: 4,760 mm / 187.4 in
Width: 1,830 mm / 72.0 in
Height: 1,295 mm / 51.0 in
Wheelbase: 2,588 mm / 101.9 in
Weight: 1,640 kg / 3,615.5 lb
Produced: 6,380
Initial price: £60,105

Jaguar XKR Convertible 4.0 L
Production years: 1998–2002
Engine: DOHC 4.0 L Supercharged (3,996 cc / 243.9 cu in), 276 kW / 370 hp @ 6,150 rpm, 525 N⋅m / 387 lb⋅ft @ 3,600 rpm
Gearbox: 5-Speed Automatic – Mercedes-Benz W5A580 5G-Tronic
Acceleration: 5.6 Seconds (0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph)
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155.4 mph (limited)
Body Style: 2-Door Convertible
Dimensions:
Length: 4,760 mm / 187.4 in
Width: 1,830 mm / 72.0 in
Height: 1,295 mm / 51.0 in
Wheelbase: 2,588 mm / 101.9 in
Weight: 1,730 kg / 3,814.5 lb
Produced: 8,835
Initial price: £67,105

Jaguar XK8 Coupé 4.2 L
Production years: 2002–2006
Engine: DOHC 4.2 L (4,196 cc / 256.1 cu in), 224 kW / 300 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 420 N⋅m / 310 lb⋅ft @ 4,100 rpm
Gearbox: 6-Speed Automatic – ZF 6HP26
Acceleration: 6.4 Seconds (0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph)
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155.4 mph (limited)
Body Style: 2-Door Coupé
Dimensions:
Length: 4,760 mm / 187.4 in
Width: 1,830 mm / 72.0 in
Height: 1,295 mm / 51.0 in
Wheelbase: 2,588 mm / 101.9 in
Weight: 1,615 kg / 3,560.5 lb
Produced: 3,481
Initial price: £48,700

Jaguar XK8 Convertible 4.2 L
Production years: 2002–2006
Engine: DOHC 4.2 L (4,196 cc / 256.1 cu in), 224 kW / 300 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 420 N⋅m / 310 lb⋅ft @ 4,100 rpm
Gearbox: 6-Speed Automatic – ZF 6HP26
Acceleration: 6.6 Seconds (0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph)
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155.4 mph (limited)
Body Style: 2-Door Convertible
Dimensions:
Length: 4,760 mm / 187.4 in
Width: 1,830 mm / 72.0 in
Height: 1,295 mm / 51.0 in
Wheelbase: 2,588 mm / 101.9 in
Weight: 1,705 kg / 3,758.9 lb
Produced: 8,880
Initial price: £55,345

Jaguar XKR Coupé 4.2 L
Production years: 2002–2006
Engine: DOHC 4.2 L Supercharged (4,196 cc / 256.1 cu in), 298 kW / 400 hp @ 6,100 rpm, 553 N⋅m / 408 lb⋅ft @ 3,500 rpm
Gearbox: 6-Speed Automatic – ZF 6HP26
Acceleration: 5.4 Seconds (0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph)
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155.4 mph (limited)
Body Style: 2-Door Coupé
Dimensions:
Length: 4,760 mm / 187.4 in
Width: 1,830 mm / 72.0 in
Height: 1,295 mm / 51.0 in
Wheelbase: 2,588 mm / 101.9 in
Weight: 1,640 kg / 3,615.5 lb
Produced: 3,366
Initial price: £56,695

Jaguar XKR Convertible 4.2 L
Production years: 2002–2006
Engine: DOHC 4.2 L Supercharged (4,196 cc / 256.1 cu in), 298 kW / 400 hp @ 6,100 rpm, 553 N⋅m / 408 lb⋅ft @ 3,500 rpm
Gearbox: 6-Speed Automatic – ZF 6HP26
Acceleration: 5.6 Seconds (0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph)
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155.4 mph (limited)
Body Style: 2-Door Convertible
Dimensions:
Length: 4,760 mm / 187.4 in
Width: 1,830 mm / 72.0 in
Height: 1,295 mm / 51.0 in
Wheelbase: 2,588 mm / 101.9 in
Weight: 1,730 kg / 3,814.5 lb
Produced: 5,110
Initial price: £63,345

Jaguar XK8 / XKR Limited and Special Editions

Jaguar XKR Silverstone
Production: 2000
Produced: 558
Initial price: £67,310 Coupé, £72,710 Convertible
The XKR Silverstone was produced in celebration of Jaguar’s 2001 entry into Formula 1 racing. The Silverstone equipped with the same engine as the standard XKR, but improved transmission, steering, suspension and brakes. All possible factory options were included, only the telephone and the navigation system had to be ordered separately.

Jaguar XKR X100 SVO
Production: 2000
Produced: 3
This XKR SVO was produced by Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations Department. With boosted to 400 bhp engine, a 30bhp more then standard XKR, and a Tremec T56 six-speed manual gearbox, the XKR-R was capable of 290 kph / 180 mph and covered 0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The first car was a proof-of-concept, the second was a fully functioning runner lacking a few key exterior items and finally, the show car, license plate X100 SVO, contained all the techy-bits.

Jaguar XKR-R Concept
Production: 2001
Produced: 2
The XKR-R boasted a more powerful 336 kW / 451 hp engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Two cars were made, a functional test car having a coupé body style and a convertible show car to be shown to the public.

Jaguar XKR 100
Production: 2002
Produced: 500
Initial price: £69,950 Coupé, £74,950 Convertible
Built to celebrate the centenary of Jaguar’s founder Sir William Lyons. XKR 100 was available in both coupés and convertibles body styles and featured all the available factory options.

Jaguar XKR Portfolio
Production: 2003
Produced: 200
The convertible-only XKR Portfolio models featured in Jupiter Red and Coronado Blue with Recaro Sports Seats contrasting leather trim.

Jaguar XKR 400
Production: 2003
Produced: 100
Initial price: £59,950 Coupé, £66,600 Convertible
The XKR 400 was tagged as one of the fastest ever production cars produced by Jaguar. The 4.2 supercharged V8 engine with 6-speed automatic gearbox takes the coupé version from 0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds with a limited top speed of 250 km/h / 155.4 mph. 60 Coupé and 40 Convertibles were produced only for the UK market beginning 2003.

Jaguar XKR Carbon Fiber Edition
Production: 2004
Produced: 200
Initial price: £64,650 Coupé, £71,450 Convertible
The Carbon Fiber Edition was one of Jaguar’s most limited editions, with only 100 vehicles initially released in the UK in late 2004 and 200 vehicles produced in 2005 for the US market.

Jaguar XKR Merlin
Production: 2004
Produced: 5
Evans Halshaw, the number one car retailer in the UK, commissioned specialists Racing Green to custom-build a limited-edition Jaguar XKR. The Merlin finished in metallic Anthracite with charcoal Recaro seats and upholstery, the XKR has its own matt brushed aluminum internal fittings, along with XKR Merlin kick strips.

Jaguar XK8 / XKR 4.2-S
Production: 2005
Produced: 200
Initial price: £50,000 XK8 Coupé, £56,800 XK8 Convertible, £60,000 XKR Coupé, £66,800 XKR Convertible
The 4.2-S was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2005 and offered in four new limited edition exterior colors – Copper Black Metallic, Frost Blue Metallic, Bay Blue Metallic and Satin Silver Metallic. The electronic top speed limiter was increased to 280 km/h / 174 mph.

Jaguar XK8 / XKR Victory Edition
Production: 2005
Produced: 1,050
Initial price: £50,000 XK8 Coupé, £56,800 XK8 Convertible, £60,000 XKR Coupé
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.

Jaguar XKR Stirling Moss
Production: 2005
Produced: 5
The XKR Stirling Moss Edition was the highest factory horsepower Jaguar since the legendary XJ-220. Came with a 466.9 hp engine, Recaro Seat Package, Jaguar racing paint scheme, Brembo Brakes, special dark window tint, Super-Sport Suspension, Borla Exhaust and 20” Jaguar Detroit BBS Wheels.

Jaguar XKR Stratstone 4.2-S
Production: 2005
Produced: 30
The XKR Stratstone Limited Edition is derived from the outstanding XKR S Model from Jaguar Cars. These unique 30 Jaguars are the last ever to be produced at the spiritual home of Jaguar cars at Browns Lane, Coventry. The supercharged 4.2 V8 400 bhp engine and the six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission covered 0-97 km/h / 0-60 mph in 5 seconds.

Jaguar XK8 X100 Photogallery