2008 Jaguar XK-Series Base

In 2007, Jaguar did a full redesign of its XK-Series, which incorporated a bonded and riveted monocoque aluminum alloy body structure and body panels. The 2008 line receives only minor changes.

The XK coupe is lighter and stiffer than its competition, allowing Jaguar engineers to more precisely tune its suspension and ride characteristics. All models come with Jaguar's improved Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), a two-stage adaptive damping system that employs sensors to measure the XK's attitude, steering-wheel angle, pitch and yaw, and brake demand, from which it determines and makes independent adjustments to all four shocks almost instantaneously. A standard two-stage Dynamic Stability Control allows the XK to corner in racecar-like fashion with minimal body sway. Braking is powerful with ABS/EBD ventilated disc brakes that stop the car in just over 113 feet from 60 mph.

The standard V8 is 4.2 liters with a variable cam system, producing 300 hp. That power is transmitted through a six-speed sequential shift ZF automatic transmission with extremely quick paddle shifters (400 milliseconds between shifts) that blip the throttle before downshifting and upshifts close to the 6,000-rpm redline. Three distinct driving modes are selectable - Drive Automatic, Adaptive Automatic, and Sequential Manual - for immediate response beyond anything your wrist could perform.

0-60 flashes by in 5.6 seconds, and the gas pump stop will cost you, according to one reviewer who got 20.6 mpg for mostly highway cruising; the EPA estimates 18/26 mpg. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.