2008 Jaguar XK-Series Convertible

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

The standard V8 is 4.2 liters with a variable cam system, producing 300 hp. The standard transmission is a six-speed sequential shift ZF automatic 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.

All models come with Jaguarâ??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.

Among the standard safety features are front-seat side airbags for both head and chest protection, traction control, ABS, a two-stage stability control system, and, on the convertible, two aluminum hoops that auto-deploy right through the rear window (if the top is up) in case of rollover.

The convertible soft top provides excellent noise insulation when up. It disappears at the touch of a button in 18 seconds under a hard tonneau cover that saves trunk space versus a hard convertible top. The convertible trunk holds 8 cubic feet when the top is down, compared to the coupeâ??s 11 cubic feet.