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Jaguar’s lightweight technology is unique in the automobile industry since the XK comes as a complete aluminum monocoque structure as distinct from an aluminum space frame with separate panels. It’s the type of body construction more often seen in the aerospace industry (albeit now with carbon fiber, as in Boeing’s new 787).
The joints in the new XK body shell are formed using Jaguar’s unique combination of riveting and bonding, and using self-piercing rivets applied by hydraulic pressure against a fixed tool produces most joints.
Where access to only one side of the joint is possible, as in some of the new extended box sections, a new riveting process has been developed; and where particularly high stiffness is required in a joint, a combination of riveting and bonding is used – with the adhesive bond in effect creating a continuous joint that is stronger than a similar, riveted-only joint.

Jaguar XK

The net effect is that the lightness of the new XK convertible allows it to handle, steer and brake much better than the previous Jaguar convertible. It now feels pretty much like a sports car; and given the travails this division of Ford Motor Company is going through, it is likely this is as close as we’ll get to a sports car.

Jaguar XK

The interior of this car comes in two flavors. For those who favor the traditional, there is a surplus of wood – either burl walnut or poplar. For those who don’t, there’s a dash that uses polished metal instead; both then are fitted with leather on the top edges and other places.

The steering wheel is three spoke in either case and the instrumentation reminds an older driver of the Smith gauges from years past: white letters and numbers on black background. There is also the option of a seven-inch center console touch screen menu-driven, information and control set-up for navigation and such.

Jaguar XK

The engine in the new XK convertible is a 4.2-liter V8 with double-overhead camshafts producing 300 hp. But it’s the torque curve that makes this car worth driving. Fully 85 percent of the torque comes on the pipe between 2,000 to 6,000 rpm.

The price of the tested XK convertible was $84,135, of which $3,300 was a “luxury package” that included Bluetooth wireless technology and an Alpine sound system.

Tags: Jaguar, Jaguar XK, review, engines, convertible, accessories, interior