2009 Jaguar XK Lockhart TX

December 7, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Road Test Editor



2009 Jaguar XK Series
DriverSide Overview
When Jaguar released its new XK two years ago, some cried foul. “It looks too much like an Aston Martin,” they grumbled. Really? First off, successfully emulating the seductive lines of Aston’s GTs can hardly be considered a misstep for anyone looking to move cars off dealer lots. Second, considering it was designed by Ian Callum of Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish design fame, visual parallels are to be expected. But the XK isn’t the cut-rate V8 Vantage its look might suggest. The Jaguar is less about being a hardcore sports car, more about being an inviting, comfortable mileage-crusher, with a cabin that’s as comfortable as your grandmother’s den – so long as your grandmother is royalty. Ditching a button-filled dash in favor of a modern touch-screen system has gone a long way to de-cluttering the center console, and the seats incorporate a soft leather hide that make those of the German competition feel mechanical and insipid by comparison. Without a doubt, this car is worthy of a heritage that dates all the way back to the classic Jaguar E-Type.








What's to Like
Interior quality is everything you’d expect from Jaguar, and then some – plush, cushy and elegant. While some might bemoan and exclusive use of an automatic gearbox, Jaguar’s ZF-sourced six-speed is arguably one of the best traditional automatics available today.

What's Not to Like
With prices starting at $77,975, the XK requires some serious outlay for a relatively heavy car with just 300 horsepower. It’s no slouch, but with that kind of price tag it really should be faster. No limited-slip differential is available, which limits the Jag’s dynamic appeal.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The XK delivers the kind of refined GT experience its outward appearance and proportions would suggest. The light helm suits its character and is surprisingly accurate given its lack of tactility, and the eCATS active suspension gives the car a generally planted feel that’s only interrupted by the most broken of surfaces. On wet pavement the ESP can be overly intrusive, and it takes a full 10-second hold of the traction control button to fully disable it, but it’s nice to know it will be there to catch you when things go wrong. Not that you’ll often find yourself going into a corner too hot – the brakes are well up to the task of hauling the XK down from speed, and feel increasingly confident the harder you press on them.

Engine and Drivetrain
The XK gets its power from a vocal 4.2-liter V-8 engine that cranks out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, enough to get the coupe to 60 mph in roughly six seconds. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed ZF automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a dedicated sport mode. Those looking fo...

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