Spied: 2007 Jaguar XK
The new cat caught prowling Death Valley
By Jeff Bartlett
Photography by John Kiewicz
Prior to its official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, our intrepid, and dusty, photographers caught this Jaguar XK undergoing hot-weather testing in Death Valley. Even coated in camo, it's clear this is a gorgeous car. All new, the aluminum-crafted XK is the most technologically advanced Jag ever, marking the first of a new generation of cars.
Lighter and stiffer than the outgoing XK, the new model promises even more sophisticated road manners. Performance is ensured with a 4.2L/300-hp AJ-V8 that delivers a 5.9-second 0-60 mph time, according to the automaker, putting it within half a second of the previous 400-hp supercharged version. Controlling this power is a sequential six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddles for manual shifts. The coupe will be joined again by a convertible model.
The 2007 Jaguar XK goes on sale in early 2006.