Nine Lives
When it comes to term "Nine Lives” no one is exactly sure where it comes from, but most agree that is derives from an old English proverb that talks about the three stages of existence using a cat for the analogy; “A cat has nine lives, for three he plays, for three he strays, and for three he stays.”
The XK8/XKR now 24 years of age perfectly describes the three stages of having nine lives. Born from the controversial XJS, which itself was marketed as a poor replacement for the brilliant and exquisite XKE, the XK had to pounce right out of the gate in order to not be considered the runt of the litter. Around that time, Jaguar faced its own evolution as a company. They went from independently owned, to incorporated under British Leyand Group, back to independently owned, to staring down the barrel of a General Motors acquisition, to finally being saved by Ford.
But, it was in the midst of all this upheaval that Jaguar produced the brilliant first generation XK8/XKR. Putting aside the XKR-15 and XJ220, masterpieces that only a handful of people could ever own, the XK8/XKR was the only Jaguar worthy of the mantle once carried by the sexy and seductive XKE.
Even at a standstill, the XK radiates speed; its sleek, athletic contours, and powerful rear haunches create a striking visual energy. Speed has never been this captivating. The alluring dynamic visual arises from an aluminum skin paired with a lightweight yet robust body structure. The design prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency, ensuring the promise of exhilarating performance and driving thrill. It is the strong, lightweight aluminum framework that is so essential for its agility and dynamic handling. With an all-new aluminum V-8, designed solely by Jaguar (not Ford), producing a very potent 290HP and 290lb/ft (370HP and 387lb/ft supercharged for the XKR), the XK8 was capable of getting you and your co-pilot to 60mph in a heart pumping 6.2 seconds, 4.9 seconds for the XKR. At the time, this was rapid and was considered one of the best engines made—powerful, smooth, and refined at any speed. Even when tip toeing the pedal down, the XK pounces into action as if it were ambushing its prey. The sensation of the roar and effortlessness of the engine travels through the elongated hood, past the elegant steering wheel, and into the leather wrapped seats comforting and securing you in total bliss. It excels at being both agile and composed, but, like most cats, you shouldn’t let its size and weight fool you. The XK is well-planted and ready to embrace the corners on mountainous or canyon roads. The handling is well balanced, predictable, and rides unbelievably well thanks to its suspension, firm enough to get the driver feedback we all yearn for, that tangibility, that visceral feel you want, yet sufficient enough for soaking up any pot holes you might discover on the way. All of this is possible due to the highly sophisticated CATS traction control system.
But, let’s be honest. Most people are not purchasing an XK specifically, or even a Jaguar generally, for the superior handling. Most people purchase them because it makes them feel elegant. The thrill you get when you are driving down a city street and catch your reflection in a glass building or when you are top down on the freeway and you catch other drivers craning their necks to see who’s in the driver seat. Their design, there allure, and how they make you feel. Your body produces a surge of endorphins, your confidence rises, you become enchanted, you feel like you have life figured out, you see the person who you have always fantasied about and automatically become that person.
Jaguars have a very unique ability of sweeping you away and creating this raw emotion that few vehicles can. And, the XK does this in strides. Teeming with luxury literally fit for royalty, from the classic wooden steering wheel, to finely stitched leather encompassing the car like a glove, the XK has grown into a modern classic. With its absence of GPS, Bluetooth, and bright digital screens, it becomes like a time machine taking you back to a time when everything wasn’t so connected, when you had to know where you were going or at least enjoy getting lost along the way, and when driving meant engaging with your senses and not the algorithm. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t. You’re not going to win any races or out corner any modern SUV on the market. But, that is not what owning an XK is about; it is for cruising down a charming backroad in New England during the fall with the wind in your hair or chasing that sunset on the ocean cliffs. It’s for watching the autumn leaves in your rear view mirror as you see them dance in your wake on a mountain road. Owning the XK is about rolling up to the valet on Friday evening and knowing they are going to park it out front. It’s hearing the history of the LeMans wins every time you turn that key.
The XK back in the late nineties/early two thousands was one of the most desired vehicles one could obtain. Naturally, as time progressed, the market went in a different direction. A second generation was offered, which sacrificed charm for more power and technology. It just didn’t have the same grace or cache as the first generation. Eventually, the XK moved aside and made room for a new generation of Jaguars, the F-Pace SUV and F-Type, which was was designed to keep pace with the growing amount of luxury sports cars becoming available in the market. But, the first-gen XK8 and XKR have found their place on the Jaguar pedestal with the greats: the D-type, the XKSS, the XK 120, 180, XKE, the XJR-15, and the XJ220. Sure, it found its way by going a different route, one that was not fortified in racing but in design, style, desire, but always in keeping with the Jaguar elegance.
Jaguar XK8/XKR
Technical Data
Engine type - Number of cylinders :V 8
Fuel type :Petrol
Fuel System :MPI
Engine Alignment :Longitudinal
Engine displacement :256.1 cu-in / 4196 cm3Bore x Stroke :3.39 x 3.56 inches
86.0 x 90.3 mm
Number of valves :32 Valves
Aspiration :naturally-aspirated (XKR -Compressor)
Compression Ratio :11.0 (XKR 9.1)
Horsepower :290 HP / 300 PS / 221 kW @ 6000 rpm (XKR 370 HP / 375 PS/ 294KW @61000 rpm)
Maximum torque :290 lb-ft / 420 Nm @ 4100 rpm (387 lb-ft / 550 Nm @3500)
Drive wheels - RWD
Transmission Gearbox - 6 speed Automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase :101.97 inches / 259.0 cm
Length :188.19 inches / 478.0 cm
Width :72.05 inches / 183.0 cm
Height :51.18 inches / 130.0 cm
Curb Weight :3715 lbs / 1685 kg
Weight/Power Output Ratio :5.6 kg/hp
Trunk / Boot capacity :11.5 cu-ft / 327 L
Front Brakes - Disc dimensions :Vented Discs (12.8 inches / 325 mm)
Rear Brakes - Disc dimensions :Vented Discs (12.01 inches / 305 mm)
Front Tyres - Rims dimensions :245/50 R17
Rear Tyres - Rims dimensions :245/50 R17
Front Suspension :Independent. Double Wishbones. coil springs. anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension :Multilink. Coil springs
Fuel Consumption
Fuel Consumption - City :14 MPG 16.7 L/100 km 17 MPG UK (XKR City: 13 MPG 18L/100km 16 MPG UK)
Fuel Consumption -HWY :28 MPG 8.3 L/100 km 34 MPG UK (XKR HWY: 26 MPG 9.1L/100km 31 MPG UK)
Fuel Consumption -Combined NEDC :21 MPG 11.3 L/100 km 25 MPG UK (XKR Combined: 19 MPG 12.4L/100km 23 MPG UK)
Range :412 miles / 663 km (XKR 375 miles)
Fuel Tank Capacity :19.8 gallons 75 L 16.5 UK gallons
CO2 emissions :284 g/km (Jaguar)
Brakes, Tires, Steering and Suspension
Front Brakes - Disc dimensions :Vented Discs(12.8 inches / 325 mm)
Rear Brakes - Disc dimensions :Vented Discs (12.01 inches / 305 mm)
Front Tyres - Rims dimensions :245/50 R17Rear Tyres - Rims dimensions :245/50 R17
Front Suspension :Independent. Double Wishbones. coil springs. anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension :Multilink. Coil spring
Performance
Top Speed :155 Mph / 250 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) :6.2 seconds (XKR 5.4 seconds)
