The Jaguar XK8 is a sports car that was produced by Jaguar from 1996 to 2006. It is a sleek and stylish two-door coupe that was designed to provide an exhilarating driving experience. While the Jaguar XK8 was a formidable performer when it was first released, there are several upgrades that can be made to enhance its performance even further. In this article, we will discuss the Jaguar XK8's performance and some of the upgrades that can be made to take it to the next level.

Performance Overview:

The Jaguar XK8 comes equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and effortless shifts. The XK8 is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in around 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. While these figures are impressive, there are several upgrades that can be made to the engine to increase its power output and performance.

Upgrades:

Supercharger: One of the most popular upgrades for the Jaguar XK8 is the installation of a supercharger. A supercharger is a device that forces more air into the engine, which increases its power output. There are several different types of superchargers available, including roots, twin-screw, and centrifugal. Depending on the type of supercharger chosen, the Jaguar XK8's horsepower can be increased by up to 100 horsepower or more.

Performance Exhaust System: 

Another upgrade that can be made to the Jaguar XK8 is the installation of a performance exhaust system. A performance exhaust system is designed to reduce back pressure and increase airflow, which results in increased horsepower and torque. A high-quality performance exhaust system can provide a significant boost in power and gives the car a more aggressive exhaust note.

Cold Air Intake: 

A cold air intake is a device that replaces the factory air intake system with a more efficient system that provides cooler, denser air to the engine. This increased airflow can result in increased horsepower and torque, as well as improved throttle response. A cold air intake is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can provide a noticeable improvement in performance.

Performance Tuning: 

Performance tuning is the process of adjusting the engine's computer to optimize its performance. This can be done by a professional tuner who will adjust the engine's fuel and ignition maps to provide more power and improve throttle response. Performance tuning can be a complex process, and it is important to work with a reputable tuner who has experience with the Jaguar XK8.

Suspension Upgrades: 

Suspension upgrades can also be made to the Jaguar XK8 to improve its handling and performance. Upgrades such as stiffer springs, larger sway bars, and performance shocks can help reduce body roll and improve the car's overall handling. This can make the Jaguar XK8 more fun to drive on twisty roads and on the track.

Conclusion:

The Jaguar XK8 is an impressive sports car that provides an excellent driving experience. However, there are several upgrades that can be made to take its performance to the next level. Installing a supercharger, performance exhaust system, cold air intake, or working with a professional tuner can all provide significant improvements in power and throttle response. Upgrading the suspension can also help improve the car's handling and make it more fun to drive. With the right upgrades, the Jaguar XK8 can become an even more exhilarating sports car that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Jaguar XJS: A Classic Beauty That Never Goes Out of Style

 

When it comes to classic sports cars, few are as iconic and instantly recognizable as the Jaguar XJS. First introduced in 1975 as the successor to the legendary E-Type, the XJS has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts for decades with its sleek lines, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this timeless beauty and why it continues to attract fans to this day.

From the moment you lay eyes on the Jaguar XJS, it's clear that this is no ordinary car. Its long, low-slung body, curved front fenders, and tapered rear end give it a distinctively sporty and elegant look. The car's styling was the work of renowned Italian car designer Pininfarina, who also designed the Ferrari Testarossa and other classic cars.

The XJS was built for speed and performance, and its powerful engine options reflect that. Originally offered with a 5.3-liter V12 engine, later models could be equipped with a 6.0-liter V12 or a 4.0-liter inline-six. These engines could produce anywhere from 200 to over 300 horsepower, making the XJS a force to be reckoned with on the road.

The XJS isn't just a car that's fun to drive – it's also a car that's a pleasure to ride in. The interior is lined with plush leather and rich wood accents, giving it an air of luxury and sophistication. The car's dashboard and controls are also elegantly designed, with a classic analog feel that never goes out of style.

Despite being discontinued in 1996, the Jaguar XJS remains a highly sought-after car among collectors and enthusiasts. Its timeless design and performance capabilities have helped it to maintain a loyal fanbase, and it has even been featured in numerous movies and TV shows over the years.

The Jaguar XJS is more than just a car – it's a true work of art. From its sleek exterior to its luxurious interior, this classic sports car continues to captivate audiences to this day. Whether you're a collector, a car enthusiast, or simply appreciate the beauty of a well-made automobile, the Jaguar XJS is a vehicle that deserves a place in your heart (and your garage).

 

 

Bill Pitt — a true racing idol

Dear Jaguar Lovers only few of us know about William (Bill) Pitt, who is a former Australian racing driver and motor racing official. His name has been well known for the XK120, D-Type, Mark VIII and a Mark 1 touring. He worked with Queensland's Jaguar agents Cyril and Geordie Anderson of Westco Motors to achieve distinguished positions among his contemporary drivers.

Pitt first started his early racing career with in 1948 Australian Grand Prix and within just 2 years he was an eminent name in the racing world. Through his selective involvement in the racing world he proved the triumph of quality over quantity. Veritably, among the other Aussie racing enthusiasts, Bill was the one who brought Australia into the real racing. 

He and his co-drivers Geordie Anderson and Charlie Swinburne won  Australia’s first 24 hour car race at Mt Druitt in Jan 1954 in a Jaguar XK 120. He finished 11th in the 1954 Australian G.P. at Southport driving an Anderson-Jaguar which was an XK 120 modified as an open wheeler.

His most reputed champsionship positions are given hereunder:

1962	2nd	Australian Touring Car Championship
1962	3rd	Bathurst Six Hour Classic - Division A
1961	1st	Australian Touring Car Championship
1960	2nd	Australian Touring Car Championship
1959	2nd	Australian Tourist Trophy

Bill sitting in his D-Type that was further sold in 1959

A scene from his glorious past

Good Morning Jag!

I was really tired when I woke up in the morning because of having no good sleep overnight. I was actually getting bored day by day from this official tour of Dubai. Although, people say it a good place to live but don’t know why I wasn’t feeling comfortable and trying to get back soon to home. There was a big window in the middle of my room, from where I was able to see the main gate of my hotel adjacent with highway and metro rail track. 
It was off in Dubai and I had not any official agenda to work upon. Finally, after watching boring programs on TV I moved to the window and removed the curtains to see what’s happening outside. There was nothing more than few cars parked there and several people walking around. Suddenly I noticed a lovely S-Type parked there near the main gate. 
My feelings were so better than before after seeing this beauty existing at only some meters’ distance from me. I just pulled out my camera to take pictures of that cat; and felt relaxed after capturing few good shots. 

It was an old man who was living in the same hotel for some business purpose, who parked this car to add vibrancy in my life. I came to know from the hotel reception that the owner is living in the room 218 in 2nd gallery. I was really concerned to meet that guy to share some feeling about Jaguars but when I went at his door and knocked it nobody responded from inside. Then I decided to go and take a closer look of that lonely cat.

Unexpectedly, somebody came to me and asked me about my suspicious activity of seeing and taking pictures of a car that’s parked in hotel premises.Of course, he was the owner of that car who literally hurried for taking me away of his car. His act was totally surprising for me because I wasn’t doing anything except taking few good photographs of his car. I didn’t even touch the sexy figure of his ride, but he shouted, “Who you are” and “why you’re doing this?” First, I tried to cool down that angry old man and gradually started introducing myself to him. 
He was also a Jaguar lover and owning that car from many years. So I succeeded in making a good settlement without having facing any trouble. He offered me to go with him for a ride to show me how much of his love is involved in keeping his S-Type Jaguar in perfect condition.

It was 4.2 LITRE V8 with 6-speed automatic transmission. The interior was so clean and almost scratch less, but the engine sound was as good as the car has just covered several thousand kilometers, although meter was showing a big figure. Gear shifting was also very smooth and I didn’t feel any things irritating in transmission. 

After covering some distance from hotel he briefed me about the car that he bought this from Qatar and brought it here after getting an official transfer. He also shared some tip of getting a Jaguar well maintained, the one I liked is given hereunder:
“Always apply any liquid detergent on the whole body before leaving for a long journey in gulf desert. After reaching the destination you can rinse. This will protect your car body from the sand particles.”
Approximately, after half an hour drive we came back to hotel because he had to go somewhere, as he was leaving at that time when he found me taking pictures of his S-Type Jaguar. Truly, that trip was nice enough to be stored permanently in my memories heap. 
I spent more than ten days there in Dubai and every morning the view of Jaguar S-Type was the best thing for me to start a new day with. There was nobody with me to whom I could share the morning greetings, but that was enough for me to say from my window 'Good Morning Jag'

A Poor XJS V12

Dear Jaguar lovers, it’s always a heart-rending moment to see a beautiful Jaguar dying a horrific death, and abandoned just like an unnoticeable object. Sometimes we can’t even do anything except taking their pictures to preserve them in our memories. This moment occurred to me and affected me with melancholy, when I saw this exquisite Convertible XJS V12 in a miserable condition.

I was actually passing by an area of Qatar with one of my friend, and he asked me the reason of stopping the car with emergency breaks. But without giving him an answer I parked my car near this lovely cat and dragged myself out of it. Aww, that’s a crime – I cried.

It was 1989 convertible with its lovely long sleek hood. But the weather has already dispensed its cruelty to destroy the color and finishing. Weather-strippings were still good in shape – un-melted. Surprisingly, not even a single monogram was missing from the body shell and not so much dents I found except a big one on the left front fender.       

I removed the dust with my hand to see the front grille monogram; it was fine but with one broken corner. I wished to have this lovely car at that time but someone (whose shop was nearby) told me that he doesn’t know who parked this car here almost 2 years ago, and no one ever came to see it. So actually there was no problem in taking the pictures of this Jaguar. I pulled out my mobile and took some good shots.

Veritably, that Jaguar XJS was easily restorable, as I found not any of it's body parts missing there. Head and tail lamps were also good, and were only requiring some renewal efforts. I tried to get the contact number of that XJS owner but people told me that this vehicle is cancelled that’s why you cannot do anything to buy it. In fact, according to Qatar’s law, if the registration of any vehicle is cancelled by the traffic department then re-registration is quite impossible. Those cars always sent to the scrap yards to face iron crushers. 

Legendary Roy Salvadori

Dear Jaguar lovers; 3 June 2012 was one of the most depressing days of the year, when we came to know about the death of famous Grand Prix driver and Le Mans winner Roy Salvadori‘s death. Who spent all his life with eminence, never stopped holding a position of great distinction and superiority, died at his home in Monaco. He was a person of great achievements who always proved to be distinguished from others. He born on 12 May 1922 in Dovercourt, Essex to parents of Italian descent, Roy’s motorsport career started in 1949 at the wheel of Alfa Romeo P3 2.9. After driving a succession of cars, and in 1952 he finally reached Formula One at the wheel of a Ferrari 500 before becoming the part of Connaught team the very next year. 

He also drove a privately entered Maserati 250F in addition to the works’ BRM and Cooper teams. The closest he came to an F1 win was at Watkins Glen in New York in 1961, but unluckily the engine of his Cooper failed when he was closing on Innes Ireland's Lotus, which he finally won. He took part in 47 World Championship Grand Prix and the one for which Salvadori is best recognized, was his topmost attainment of winning the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hour race with Carroll Shelby (who also died few weeks before Roy’s death) driving an Aston Martin DBR/1. He returned to Le Mans in 1960 with the DBR/1 and, joined this time by Jim Clark (another famous driver of his time), ended up a competitive third behind two Ferraris.
Roy was closely linked with Jaguar cars all through his career, started with an XK 120 roadster but the first significant event he drove a Jaguar in was during 1953. David Murray, patron of Ecurie Ecosse, convinced Roy to come and join the Scottish team for the World Sportcar Championship, a 1,000 kilometers race at the Nürburgring, where Murray had entered the team's three C-types. Built for Le Mans, these cars were barely proper for the ’Ring. Roy shared KSF 181 (XKC041) with Ian Stewart, who wrote: “The fact that he brought it home in second place was to his great credit.. Roy wasn't just a good driver on his day – he was a very brave one as well.” That second place (to a Ferrari) was one of the best results ever achieved by a Jaguar on the old Nürburgring.
Roy came back to Jaguar power in 1959 when he drove a 3.4 Jaguar saloon for motor seller come car racer, John Coombs, followed later by a 3.8 Mk 2. Roy was also selected by Coombs to drive the famous BUY 1 in the E-type's debut race at Oulton Park in March 1961, when he finished third after the new E-type's brakes wilted. Nonetheless, Roy won shortly afterwards at Crystal Palace, vanquishing Jack Sears (who was driving the Oulton-winning car ECD 400). Roy drove the Coombs E-type during 1962 but his most remarkable accomplishment that year in Jaguar terms was a great fourth place at Le Mans, co-driving with Briggs Cunningham in a works-prepared fixedhead E-type. This would be the best result ever attained by an E-type at Le Mans.
With the advent of the lightweight E-type in 1963, Roy again joined the classic French endurance that year, though his Cunningham-entered car retired after co-driver Richards gone down. But he achieved some success in ’63. Partnered with the New Zealander, Denny Hume, Salvadori won the second Motor Six-Hour race at Brands Hatch in the CT Atkins-entered Mk 2 saloon. Roy's final race in a Jaguar was using Tommy Atkins’ lightweight E-type (86 PJ) when he finished fifth behind Graham Hill, Mike Salmon, Jack Sears and David Piper at a wet Silverstone. 

In 1962 Roy Salvadori retired from F1, but people were pleased to see him back to Formula1 in the year 1966, when he managed the Cooper team, which he did for two seasons. From 1968 to 1969 he was involved with a car dealership in Surrey, before retiring to Monte Carlo, where his flat overlooking the Grand Prix finishing straight became a spot for alluring Grand Prix parties, a place where he will always be missed.

The Journey of Excellence

 

Truly, XJ-S is now one of the most popular classic jaguars in the world. No doubt its one of the masterpieces that Jaguar ever made. Back in 1960s, even as the V12 E-Type waited in the wings, Jaguar decided that a new GT was needed rather than another traditional sports car. Besides, there was no way a convertible would be able to pass expected US crash regulations.
The problem was that the public and sizable proportion of the motoring press were expecting a 'Series 4' E-Type, not the XJ-S and so, after its unveiling, the silence was deafening. The XJ-S was too heavy, luxurious and expensive to be a sports car, yet it lacked the wood ambience of the XJ saloon - and then there was the angular styling. To add insult to injury all this happened during the crises known as British Leyland, when quality control was patchy at best. 
In its original form the XJ-S soldiered on with disappointing sales (and a short pause in production) until 1981 when the HE version appeared. Beneath the skin the HE (High Efficiency) featured a redesigned engine with cylinder heads allowing a high compression ratio and a much leaner mixture; coupled with a taller final drive this answered a major criticism and lifted fuel consumption into the 20s for the first time.
But what buyers noticed was the new external chrome trim and the welcome addition of the timber to the interior - a rear occasion in the automotive world when a facelift enhanced the original rather than detracted from it.  
Continuing improvements through the 1980s were accomplished by the introduction of a cabriolet and, later a full convertible, as the anticipated US regulations never materialized. There were also more sporting versions courtesy of Tom Walkinshaw and the JaguarSport joint venture. By then, the XJ-S was already ten years old yet, according to contemporary road reports, it was still capable of wiping the floor with the competition.
The final phase of XJS production came with the launch of the facelift car in 1991, which featured new tail lights and a simplified glasshouse. The unchanged profile hid a raft of improvements including a one-piece side pressing and improved stiffening for the convertible, though budget restraints meant that the intended revised moulded bumpers were delayed for further two years. Before that however, came an enlarged 6.0-litre engine with a much-needed four speed overdrive automatic gearbox.
Finally, after so many years, the longest production run of any Jaguar, the XJS bowed out (to the more traditionally-styled XK8) with a final 'Celebration' version featuring special trim, woodwork and wheels. It was a fitting farewell to a much loved and respected model.

Why XK Jaguars?

Dear Jaguar lovers, we all love the great XK Jaguars; yes we all have solid reasons to like these cars so much. XK Jaguars are definitely more than just vehicles that people use and sale to buy another one. Now what are those reasons, I mean that could probably be questioned by people who don’t like XK Jaguar cars as much as we all do? Therefore, today I’m willing to write something to show that our love for the XK Jaguars isn’t meaningless. 

Well, from the renowned XK120 that introduce the XK name to the world, through the modern range of convertibles & coupes, time after time Jaguar’s XK sports cars have set the benchmark when it comes to blending comfort, performance and impressive touring capability.  

C.J. O’Donnell, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Communications, Jaguar North America once said about the XK Jaguars "The XK is Jaguar's leading beautiful, fast car. With sensuous lines, rich appointments and thrilling performance, it has remained on the shopping list of automotive enthusiasts for more than six decades." Now think that a person who holds a key post in a big organization can never give statements to be published with some wrong facts. Truly, XK Jaguars never stopped inspiring people and never failed to give them desirable performance. Today, after decades Jaguars’ XK model range is still popular and gaining more and more shares in car the markets world wide — giving tough time to all the contemporary competitors, AS ALWAYS!

Jaguar also launched 2006 LIMITED EDITION JAGUAR XK 'VICTORY' in order to Celebrate Jaguar's four championship wining moment in the North American Trans-Am road racing series. That special edition Jaguar was offered in 4 amazing limited edition exterior colors – Black Copper Metallic, Frost Blue Metallic, Satin Silver Metallic and Bay Blue Metallic – in addition to many current exterior colors, with Carbon Fiber interior trim standard for the all XKR models. An upgraded, 19-inch 'Atlas' style wheels with a sporty chrome finish for the Jaguar XK8 and new, stylish 20-inch BBS alloy wheel for Jaguar XKR also with cross-drilled Brembo® brake rotors, while the XK8 adds power-fold exterior mirrors. 

Checkered flag info on the Jaguar Growler badge and the polished door treadplates, just to enhance the uniqueness in limited editions. Premium soft-grain leather seating surfaces also offered in Victory edition XK Jaguars. Moreover, The XK ‘Victory’ edition was not only for celebration of the XK’s success in Trans-Am road racing series, but also for enduring success as one of the world’s most sophisticated GT cars.

Today, XK cars are more refined as the Jaguar believes in constant improvements in work. Now XK Jaguars are equipped with many of new technological features. The 6 speed fully adaptive shift system gives smooth and lightning fast gear changes with efficient performance. For utmost driver participation, gears can also be changed manually using paddles mounted at the back of the steering wheel. The XK Jaguars’ Adaptive Dynamics analyse speed, steering and body movements 500 times/sec and control the suspension with electronic dampers to attain the perfect balance between soothe and accurate handling.

The automatic transmission is now upgraded with precision engineered, chrome, rotary JaguarDrive Selector™, which makes driving so comfortable, gives new Jaguar cars very elegant and stylish look. 
The XK and XK Portfolio feature the Jaguar Performance Braking System for the perfect constancy of control and performance. On the XKR and XKR-S the Jaguar High Performance Braking System, with 380mm front discs and aluminium calipers, provides more sensitivity, control and reliability. Active Differential is now standard for the XKR and XKR-S in order to provide superior tarmac and loose surface traction. It is intended to sense any slipping and to make cars’ performance better and even more stabile. Now you can say that Jaguar is equipped to contend courageously with the other car manufacturers of present time. 

Last year Jaguar XKR-S has awarded with the title of  '2011 Sports Car of the Year' by the German motoring magazine, Auto Bild Sportscars, following a poll of more than 70,000 of its readers. The XKR-S is the most influential car Jaguar has built – contended in the 'Production Sports Car Coupes' group, where it achieved more votes than the Mercedes C63 AMG and Audi RS5 in their home market. Mike Wright, Executive Director Jaguar Land Rover said, "Winning the first prize in a segment dominated by premium German competitors makes us particularly proud. The vote for the XKR-S proves that Jaguar’s desire to build powerful but beautiful cars resonates extremely well with those who have a passion for sports and performance cars." In fact, Jaguar always tries to provide conformance to specifications, and to ensure the quality that is considered synonymous with the customer needs and expectations. 

Jessica Ennis — Lucky & Talented

The girl in picture is £1 million Olympic Golden Girl 'Jessica Ennis' who is the first female athlete to earn huge benefits from lucrative sponsorship deals. Last week one of her sponsor companies donated her a lovely Jaguar XKR. She drove her five-litre, super-charged V8 engine vehicle after whole day’s training at the English Institute of Sport in her hometown of Sheffield. The 26-year-old heptathlete Jessica Ennis is on course to earn a staggering £1million from profitable sponsorship deals this year and became the first female athlete to do so. 
In women’s heptathlon in London Olympics 2012 she left all her rivals behind in the game of money making. As she has signed major sponsorship deals with world’s most famous companies like Adidas, Aviva, Omega, BP, Olay, British Airways, Powerade and Jaguar. The other team GB athletes could just secure around half contracts than her.

 

Although, Jessica Ennis seems the luckiest athlete, but she is so dedicated, focused and hardworking girl, who believes in constant improvements in work, instead of just making money from sponsor companies. Therefore, almost everyone who is following her in London Olympics 2012 seems with having no doubts about her performance through out the event. 
Matthew Glendinning, of sponsorship experts Sports Marketing Frontiers, said: ‘The heptathlon competition  will keep her in the limelight for two full days and her ability  to appeal to men and women of all ages make her possibly the biggest female Olympic star Great Britain has ever seen.’
Britain's golden girl of athletics Jessica Ennis is Ambassador of Jaguar Academy of Sport, she has won many awards including Jaguar Academy of Sport 'Most Inspirational Sportswoman of the Year' at the inaugural Awards at Lord's Cricket in November 2010.

In 2011 British Athletics star Jessica Ennis, has also been set to mentor the next generation of hopefuls in Leeds as part of her patronage of The Jaguar Academy of Sport. This unique Bursary programme brings together the perspicacity and experience of their Patrons and Ambassadors to develop specific skills within the Rising talented boys and girls. Ennis is playing an immense role in this amazing mentoring and education programme and helping each of the rising stars to go on to become future British champions. 

Jaguar's ultra exclusive XKR 100

Jaguar's ultra exclusive XKR 100 was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Sir William lyons' birth, meant that it had to be more than a mere marketing ploy. The Jaguar XKR 100 is arguably the most desirable version of the XK8/R model which has everything so amazing, especially it's aesthetically pleasing design with Leather Recaro sports seats, 20 inch R Performance ‘Montreal’ BBS alloy wheel, and the perfect engineering with some new features like innovative adaptive cruise control [ACC].
Jaguar XKR 100 is superb in acceleration as its 370bhp and 386lb ft are delivered with fineness. Road holding is amazingly good and it's really easy to steer, definitely a firm controlled ride. Any XKR still draws admiring looks wherever it goes, but even more so in limited edition '100' guise. Mean, sleek and powerful looking, but you must like black. Very much a classic car in the making – the XKR 100 is, after all, a car that replaced the Jaguar XJ-S. 

Technical Specifications

Engine	3,996cc, 32v, V8, supercharged
Power	370bhp @ 6,150rpm
Torque	387lb ft @ 3,600rpm
Acceleration	0-62 in 5.4 seconds
Top speed	155mph (limited)
MPG	22.5mpg (average)
Fueling	Multi point fuel injection
Transmission	Five speed electronically controlled automatic with sport mode
Kerb weight	1,640kg
Brakes	ABS equipped Front – 355mm vacuum-assisted cross-drilled discs Rear – 330mm vacuum-assisted cross-drilled discs
Steering	Speed sensitive variable ratio power steering
Length	4,760mm
Suspension	Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) Front – independent wishbone with control arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar Rear – independent wishbone with driveshafts, control arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar

 

Jaguar XKR-S, an ultimate sports car

Dear Jaguar lovers, XKR-S came into existence as a result of great struggle and hard work that Jaguar motor company was doing from many years to achieve best compliments from customers and even viewers. The XKR-S badge was first used on the 2008 special edition XK. Now, Jaguar launched XKR-S 2012 model with all the graces abound with. The beautiful XKR-S has everything that a car lover could wish for; I mean a driver-focused technology, assertive, sporting design and luxury that a Jaguar owner deserves.

A 5.0 litre V8 supercharged engine of XK range makes the new XKR-S one of the most powerful Jaguars ever made, with an increased power output of 550PS and maximum torque of 680Nm. Top speed of XKR-S is 186mph (300kph) with acceleration from 0 to 60mph in just 4.2 seconds (0–100kph in 4.4 seconds). But not only speed, the amazing designing strategy of Jaguar’s design department makes the new XKR-S an artifact of power and beauty.

Well, it is believed that the ‘Control’ is one of the key performance elements of any vehicle, and you’ll like to know that in order to give an amazing control to the new XKR-S, Jaguar provided a combination of lightweight aluminum body construction and revised suspension settings, these re-engineered front suspension features are capable to enhance camber and castor stiffness for precisely steer the car with greater driver-connection and responsiveness. And not just the front suspension, the rear suspension design of XKR-S has also been revised for increased camber stiffness.

In order to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speed Jaguar also reprogrammed The Active Differential, this helps a lot in increasing stability and driver control of XKR-S even on very high speed. 

The Dynamic Stability Control has also been re-engineered to get the compatibility with the car’s increased capabilities. Actually, Jaguar has not just given great speed to their new XKR-S but also made everything compatible with each other, you know a vehicle cannot be considered good if it failed to provide you good control with superb road holding on high speed. 

Jaguar’s High Performance Braking System features lightweight aluminum twin-piston sliding front calipers and single-piston sliding rear calipers, to deliver superb high-speed braking performance. Vulcan 20" alloy wheels are added to increase tyre widths about 9" in the front and 10.5" at the rear, and to provide Jaguar XKR-S great road grip.

The XKR-S’ is provided a six-speed automatic transmission, controlled by the JaguarDrive Selector™, a  feature aesthetically designed to give the driver more convenience with ease and style. It means that driver can simply turn the selector to choose mode, Drive or Sport automatic gearshift. 

 

But, this doesn’t mean that Jaguar neglected the aspect of driver’s involvement, because in Jaguar XKR-S, a driver can also control gear changes manually with the one-touch paddles given behind the steering wheel. In fact, Control™ is given to make a choice of modes best suitable to the road conditions and also the driving style. Winter mode is best to be selected for the winter’s slippery roads and the Dynamic mode is best suited for the quicker gearshifts in sporting drive.  

Dear Jaguar lovers now let’s talk about some other features that make the new XKR-S Jaguar a best performing car with beauty, style and convenience. An Active Front Lighting system features dynamic pivoting headlamps and cornering lamps, Bluetooth® telephone system, satellite navigation and climate control.

7" Touch-screen controls to provide more convenience and to shorten excessive feature knobs or switches, a Portable Audio Interface peripheral devices like iPod® or other MP3 player via the Touch-screen, Bowers & Wilkins 525W sound system featuring Dolby® Pro-Logic II Surround Sound enhanced by Kevlar® cones in the larger speakers and aluminum domes on the tweeters, a Reverse Park Camera with high quality results, the 16-way adjustable Performance seats with nice Softgrain leather, an amazingly designed unique front design features twin nacelles, side intakes, and carbon fibre splitter and lower spoiler and a unique rear wing with carbon fibre inlay and distinctive rear apron with a carbon fibre rear diffuser balance front and rear lift. Truly, Jaguar produced a masterpiece; I would just like to say this at the end of this post.

  

Jaguar Bumpers – fitting parking sensors

Dear Jaguar lovers we all must avoid scratching our modern Jaguar bumpers by fitting parking sensors. Today, bumpers are not one of the most solid parts of car as old day’s vehicles. The old hypothesis of making chassis as strong as possible and then bolting a hefty bumper has now less in style of modern car manufacturing. Because studies showed that in case of accident (when car hit something), they often did more hurt the passengers than any other external source. Therefore, in the running age car manufacturers make the central cabin as strong as possible with the progressively weaker ‘crumble zones’ front and rear to absorb the shock, so in case of accident only car would damage not the persons along for the ride.

As a result today’s Jaguar bumpers are light weight, yet strong enough to absorb the trivial knocks and are attached to the body with mounts that are designed to shatter at a certain force. Although, the idea of modern auto engineers is robust - gives better styling to the modern designs, but the matching colour bumpers look bad if scratched even a little. 

As we all know that whenever technology and human thinking updates, it brings some more and more things with new innovations, thus the ‘parking sensors’ were invented to protect modern car bumpers from scratches or parking damages. But matching colour bumpers with lightweight material need extra care while fitting parking sensors in them. Today, I’ll share some useful tips with you, related with the parking sensors fitting issue.

Here we go:

•        Rear bumper is secured with bolts adjacent to each tailpipe and slip joints behind the rear wheels. Safely remove the rear bumper to fit the sensors. Pull the wheel-arch liner out from behind the bumper lip, and then use a swivel ratchet to remove the two vertical bolts. The threaded hole behind the removable cover is for the towing eye, normally stored in the toolkit.
•        The entire bumper assembly should then slide off. It isn’t heavy but, when refitting, always have help to align the returns to the slip joints.
•        Use plenty of masking tape to protect the paintwork and provide a surface to mark the holes on. Read all the instructions thoroughly and take care positioning the sensors as a mistake at this stage could be expensive.
•        Use a hole-saw with relatively fine and teeth central point drill to drill holes. A small file will be needed to open up a slot for the positioning lug. The sensors are directional so must be fitted in appropriate direction.
•        In order to protect your car colour while painting, most sensors come with barrier rings to cover the insulators. If you got parking sensors without barrier rings then do not paint them, but if you do, please ensure that all the traces of paint are removed. Push the sensors carefully until they engage positively in the outer cover. You must ensure that all sensors are fitted in correct order as they’re numbered. 

Positioning the sensors

The sensors used car directional with sharply defined arcs of operation. To work effectively though, the sensors need to be positioned according to strict rules, which can include:

•       Min/Max distance between sensors
•       Min/Max distance to ground
•       Vertical alignment
•       Horizontal alignment

The last two are particularly important as a curved bumper can easily throw a sensor far enough off vertical to each end, far enough around the corner to read adjacent cars as an obstacle. Most kits come with wedges to compensate for angled bumpers – use them carefully. Also be careful, while keeping within the manufacturer’s spacing, to position the sensors away from any internal reinforcement inside the bumper beam.

•        Bring all the leads together to form a common loom, clipping it to the bumper sub-frame where necessary. Then remove the boot trim and drill a hole in the rear body behind the bumper large enough to feed wires and plugs through. Paint the bare edge then prevent water ingress by using a grommet sealed in with black silicone. There will usually be more than enough length to feed the wires in without refitting the bumper.

Important:

Unlike the XJ and XK range, an S-Type has reversed wiring layout, where power is applied permanently to all the lights, which are then selectively earthed when needed. Obviously, this effectively throws a spanner in the works for sensing system that relies on the lamp feed for its power supply.  Luckily, the solution is simple; just connect the red (positive) wire to the 12-volt supply and the black (earth) wire to the earth signal wire, basically a simple reversing of the normal routine.

•        Both the XJ and XK use this type of bumper mount, though the actual dimensions differ from each other. Bolted to the body is relatively weak composite bracket with an aluminium adjustable platform through which the bumper is bolted. To prevent problems in the future, note the height of the platform then unscrew the inner section and coat with Copper Ease, or similar, before refitting.
•        Likewise, give both the mounting bolt and spacer a through coating, as steel and aluminium do not a happy couple make. Sit the bumper back in place, feeding the wires through as it goes, then, before fitting the bolts, make sure the body gap is even all the way round.
•        The control unit will have numbered plugs for each sensor lead plus a further one for the beeper/display unit. I strongly urge you to go for the basic beeper and hide it under the rear parcel shelf between the body and the cover panel.
•        Regardless of how car is wired, the reverse light circuit needs to be identified. This can be done easily by tracing the metal strip back from the reverse bulb to the plug, then refitting the bulb holder and checking the wire with a circuit tester or test light while the lights are illuminated.
•        If you got parking sensor unit which has two wires, the red (positive) is spliced into the reverse light feed while the black (earth) is spliced into the common earth wire. All the joints are soldered without cutting and then insulated with tape.
•        The XK8 has a convenient recess with the fuse box. Feed the wires up from below and mounted the control box using the adhesive Velcro pad supplied. With all the boot trim back in place the installation will be completely hidden.
•        If you think, you can’t do all this then please leave this job to a skilled professional.

Calibration

Some parking sensor kits (like marketed by Cobra) require calibration before use; there are four simple steps.

     (1) 

Park your car 50cm from a convenient wall.

     (2) 

With reverse selected, turn ignition on until unit sounds constant tone for approximately two minutes.

     (3) 

Turn the ignition off and cut the blue looped wire exiting the control box.

     (4) 

Insulate the cut wire ends. If a sensor has to be replaced this wire will need to be reconnected and the above procedure repeated.                                  

  GOOD LUCK!