What is it?While other manufacturers are moving toward retractable hard tops, Jaguar's new XK convertible has a traditional cloth roof. Why? According to Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum, the costs in weight, storage space, two-plus-two capability (such as it is) and, importantly--altering the lines of the XK's rear end--were simply too much. Instead, the XK gets a triple-lined fabric roof, which raises/lowers in 18 seconds at the touch of a button and stows beneath an aluminum tonneau cover. Designed as a convertible from the start, the aluminum bodied XK is said to boast a 48 percent increase in torsional rigidity over the outgoing model, while weighing 374 pounds less. Still not exactly a lightweight at 3759 pounds, the weight savings should aid dynamic performance and fuel economy. With a four-cam, 4.2-liter, 300-hp V8 engine matched to a "manumatic" transmission controlled by steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, the XK gets from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Horsepower and torque are both up slightly from the 2006 model. The XK coupe base price is $75,500, and the XK convertible starts at $81,500.
What is new or notable? A new rollover protection system features two aluminum hoops mounted directly behind the rear seats. These automatically deploy--in 60 milliseconds and through the rear window when the top is up--if the car's sensors detect the onset of a rollover accident.
