2000 Jaguar XK8

The XK8 was launched in 1996 at the Geneva Salon to replace the XJ-S. Jaguar offered the XK8 in two body styles, a Coupe and a Convertible. The XK8 was the first in the Jaguar line-up to be fitted with the newly developed V8 engine - the AJ-V8. A supercharged version, the XKR, was added to the lineup in 1998. Both versions - the naturally aspirated and supercharged versions - were limited to a maximum top speed of 155.4 mph.

The Jaguar XK8 wore a design by in-house stylist Geoff Lawson and was based on a much modified XJS platform. Changes included an independent rear suspension setup from the XJ40. The XK8 came with a 290 horsepower normally-aspirated AJ26 V8 engine. The supercharged version brought the power to 370 horsepower. A number of limited editions were also produced. These included the `XKR Silverstone' that was created to celebrate Jaguar's return to F1 racing. It featured a platinum paint finish (with Black hood for the Convertibles); 20-inch Silver BBS Detroit split-rim wheels shod with Pirelli PZero tyres; an uprated chassis with special Brembo brakes and CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) suspension system; and a custom interior featuring Red-stitched Black leather and bird's-eye maple wood. There were two phases of production, the first was for the UK only and comprised just 50 Coupes and 50 Convertibles.

The XK8 rode on 17-inch alloy wheels, while the XKR was given 18-inch. 19-inch and 20-inch wheels were also available at an additional cost. Jaguars Adaptive Cruise Control is an optional feature available on both models. Both models came with an all-leather interior, burl walnut trim, and side airbags.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2016