How nice is the new XK! | FerrariChat
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How nice is the new XK!

Discussion in 'British' started by dsd, Jul 12, 2008.

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  1. dsd

    dsd F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 19, 2006
    4,273
    Northern Virginia
    #1 dsd, Jul 12, 2008
    I have been seeing a lot of the new Jaguar Xk Coupes around and they are stunning. For the first time I am seeing these as coupes and not convertibles.

    The car has such an aggressive stance, its simply stunning. I think I may like this car more than the new Astons and even the new Maserati GranTurismo!

    Photos don't do the car justice.

    Thoughts?

    -dsd
     
  2. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
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    AG
    #2 agup48, Jul 12, 2008
    They look nice, but for the US Safety standards, it looks like crap. They had to raise the headlights and make the lame conversions so it would be street legal in the US.
     
  3. johnei

    johnei Formula 3
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    Mar 22, 2006
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    John Wiley
    #3 johnei, Jul 12, 2008
    I agree, it is a very good looking car. It is a very taught design. About 90% of the previous XK models ('97 to '06) sold were convertibles and I suspect the new one will be similar.

    Of all the various things I've read about car makers trying to meet current safety standards, nothing has mentioned the height of headlights. Pedestrian friendly hoods and windshield headers to save your unbelted occupants brain, but thats about it for the current car.
     
  4. Choptop

    Choptop F1 Rookie

    Aug 15, 2004
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    Alan Galbraith
    #4 Choptop, Jul 12, 2008
    I've driven the XKR and the GT back to back.

    Different beasts.

    the XK is much more the gentleman's sports car. The GT if firmer, more taught feeling all around but its still not a "sports car". The XK is slightly softer inside, the GT seats are firmer and the overall feel is "solid". The XK has a more civilized power delivery, a gentleman would want to upset ones passengers with abrupt velocity changes, however once the car is up on plane you might want to advise them to hold on. At full throttle the Jag will pounce and makes a GLORIOUS noise.

    The GT makes a great noise too, the Ferrari engine ensures that. The GT comes on more sports car like and turns in GREAT for a car its size.

    At track day pace the GT holds up, the Jag seems a a little soft (I took several sessions with both at Laguna Seca).

    If there would be any way to combine the two cars personalities I would have one in my garage in a heartbeat.

    I think I would choose the Jag as the slightly more comfortable ride for general driving. If you are REALLY going to spank the car, get the Maser.
     
  5. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Aug 6, 2003
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    #5 ryalex, Jul 13, 2008
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2008
    I don't think it's nearly as good looking as the current Astons (there's an Aston & Jag dealer around the corner from me, so I see the XK near a DB9 and Vantage), but I do think it's the closest looking car to the 550/575 that is for sale now (ie design successor). Those headlights are bad though, almost 5-series bad. They should have just ripped off the 575 units' looks and been done with it.
     

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