Jaguar XK-8

In March at the Geneva Autoshow the brand new Jaguar XK8 caused a stir. It was one of the biggest attractions. Everybody had different opinions: looks similar to the Aston DB7 on whichit's based, it was even compared to the Ford Probe.
A month later the open-top version was shown at the New York Autoshow.

Then the interior was shown.

Sporty style

Classic style

The Sport trim is available with a choice of understated cloths in Warm Charcoal or Oatmeal with leather facings, and Charcoal leather-trimmedsteering wheel and gearknob; grey-stained Birds Eye maple veneeradorns the facia.
The alternative Classic features burr walnut veneer facia, a wood/leathersteering wheel trim, wood gearknob and passenger seat height rise.

Now the bonnet is opened: here's the first glimpse of the all-new V8 engine.

The first ever V8 from Jaguar is made totally from aluminium and weighs only 200 kg. The 4.0-litre block is smaller, cleaner, more powerful, in one word: better than the previous six. It's called AJ26 will be made in a special production line at Ford's Bridgend factory. Some of its components are supplied by Cosworth. Among the features is a programmable Variable Cam Phasing (VCP) system,which helps to deliver a minimum 80 per cent of peak torque (393 Nm) between1400 and 6400 rpm. The 3996 cc (bore x stroke: 86 x 86 mm) engine pumps out a maximum 216 kW(290 bhp) @ 6100 rpm. Sales will start in October everywhere in the world.

Copyright ©: July, 1996. Paul Negyesi. Budapest Hungary