2010 Jaguar XK-Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Building on 60 years of legendary performance, the Jaguar XK-Series enters 2010 with two powerful new engines, new performance-related...

Building on 60 years of legendary performance, the Jaguar XK-Series enters 2010 with two powerful new engines, new performance-related features, exterior design revisions, and some minor interior updates. Available in base Coupe and Convertible trims as well as XKR Coupe and Convertible trims, the XK-Series features a strong yet lightweight aluminum body, which helps ensure agility while improving acceleration and fuel economy. Jaguar notes the 2+2 sports car has the lowest weight in its class.

A new 385-hp, 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated AJ-V8 Gen III engine powers the XK-Series base Coupe and Convertible, driving them from 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds, while the XKR trims receive a new supercharged version of the same engine. It develops 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, which propels the XKR from 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds. Both engines were designed to ensure low emissions and good fuel economy numbers (a combined 23 mpg for the XKR and a combined 25.2 mpg for the base trims) comparable to those for the 4.2-liter V8 engines they replace. The engines in all trims link to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission with the JaguarDrive Selector, an innovative rotary shift knob controller located in the center console. Drivers can also shift gears using steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. All trims are electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph.

New performance-oriented features for the XK-Series include Active Differential Control, which automatically adjusts the torque delivered to the rear wheels for optimal traction and stability on all types of road surfaces, and an Adaptive Dynamics system, which continually makes adjustments to the suspension and damping to control pitch and roll for a more comfortable and stable ride. Exterior updates include a new front end and front bumper, new mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, new rear LED taillights, and updated side power vents. The XKR also has distinctive chrome trim on the lower mesh grille and a sportier tailpipe design. In addition, drivers can choose from five new alloy wheel designs (for a total of seven wheel options), including a new 19-inch 10-V-spoke Caravela wheel.

Interior updates include a revised leather-wrapped steering wheel, more luxurious door casings with new saddle-stitching, new twin-needle stitching on the interior door pulls, and an expanded list of interior color options. Bond Leather upholstery comes standard on the XK trims, while a Portfolio options package adds even higher-quality soft leather with contrasting stitching. The soft leather upholstery also comes standard on the XKR. Interior wood veneer options now include Rich Oak, while the Portfolio package adds Ebony veneer as an option, and the XKR offers a Dark Oak veneer option. All trims come standard with a 7-inch LCD touchscreen, which drivers can use to control the climate control, audio, navigation, and Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity systems.

Convertible trims come equipped with a triple-lined fabric roof designed to minimize wind and road noise. The powered roof raises and lowers in less than 18 seconds. When lowered, the roof retracts completely into a storage well behind the rear seats, resting flush with the bodywork under a smooth cover. Safety features include a rollover protection system, which deploys instantly to keep occupants safe in the event of an accident.