Jaguar sends off XK with limited-run Final 50 edition

Fri, 18 Apr 2014

The Jaguar XK coupe and convertible are pointed at the production sunset, and the cars that will end their retail lives in the US will be the dubbed the XK Final Fifty Limited Edition. As the name implies there will be fifty of them made, 25 of the fixed-roof variety, 25 of the droptop.

As the name doesn't imply, however, they'll be based on the XKR and be injected with liberal doses of XKR-S and XKR-S GT: the 510-horsepower V8 from the XKR will be mated to normally optional items like the Dynamic and Performance Packs, machined front suspension components from the XKR-S and a 10-millimeter lower ride height, the louvered hood from the XKR-S GT and Vortex 20-inch forged wheels. The sheetmetal gets a bath in Ultimate Black paint "with special trim" and badged door sill plates. Convertibles will come black roofs, but the Performance Active Exhaust will keep you apprised of the 5.0-liter V8 bellows no matter which car you choose.

They'll go into production this summer and hit dealerships in the fall. There's a lengthy press release below with more info on how this cat will sing its swan song.

Jaguar To Offer 2015 XK Final Fifty Limited Edition To U.S. Customers

At-A-Glance
- 2015 model year will be the final production run for the Jaguar XK
- The "XK Final Fifty" limited edition will be the last XKR models produced exclusively for the US market
- This limited edition will be based on the 510hp XKR model
- "XK Final Fifty" limited edition will consist of 25 XKR coupes and 25 XKR convertibles Inspired by the final 50 special-edition run of the E-Type in 1974
- All painted Ultimate Black with special trim
- All fifty will be equipped with Performance Pack and Dynamic Pack, which feature performance enhancements to the suspension, aerodynamics and powertrain

(NEW YORK) - April 17, 2014 - Jaguar announced at the New York International Auto Show that it will exclusively offer U.S. customers a limited-edition XK model to mark the end of this model's production during the 2015 model year. The XK Final Fifty limited edition is based on the 510hp XKR model and will be limited to 25 coupes and 25 convertibles.

The 2015 XK Final Fifty limited edition will be the last 50 XKR models produced for the U.S. market, and will be built during the summer of 2014, reaching showrooms in early fall. In creating the XK Final Fifty limited edition, Jaguar took inspiration from the special final edition of its iconic E-Type sports car in 1974. Fifty E-Type roadsters were made, 49 in black over cinnamon trim and one in British Racing Green, each identified by a special plaque. They are highly sought-after collectibles today.

The 2015 XK Final Fifty limited edition commemorates the evolution of Jaguar grand touring coupes and convertibles that emerged after the E-Type, starting with the XJS in the 1970s and then the XK8 in the 1990s. All have combined distinctive 2+2 style and luxury with high power and polished performance.

These limited edition models will be painted Ultimate Black, with the Convertible featuring a black top. Styling is enhanced by the louvered hood from the limited-production XKR-S GT model - a design highlight that was inspired by the classic E-Type. Inside, all standard XKR luxury is present, with each of these limited edition models identified by a special badge on the center console and an inscribed doorsill treadplate.

Performance upgrades are also included in the XK Final Fifty limited edition, as it will be equipped with both the Dynamic Pack and Performance Pack that are normally optional for XKR models. The Dynamic Pack widens the car's performance envelope. Special side sills, a rear diffuser and larger rear wing provide the improved aerodynamics needed for Jaguar to provide a 174 mph limited top track speed capability3, compared to the standard 155 mph limited top speed3 for the standard XKR.

The car's handling prowess is elevated by adopting chassis features and tuning from the XKR-S model, including a 10 mm reduction in ride height, forged and fully machined front suspension components with dedicated spring and damper settings and an upgraded Adaptive Dynamics suspension system1. The Dynamic Pack also adds 'Vortex' 20-inch forged wheels.

The Performance Pack contributes Performance seats in Diamond Sewn stitch pattern, Performance Active Exhaust and a Jet Suedecloth steering wheel. The Diamond Sew stitch pattern on the front seat backrests and head restraints and on the rear-seat backrests is rendered in Ivory white stich over Ivory white soft grain leather.

With exhaust valves that open at higher engine speeds, the Performance Active Exhaust system issues an especially powerful note. In addition, a special acoustic filter at the rear of the engine, tuned to "tenor C," feeds some intake sound to the cabin under hard acceleration.

XK Design Imbues Modernity with Brand Heritage
Melding classic Jaguar design with lightweight yet highly rigid aluminum construction and near-bespoke finishes and luxury, the XK models exemplify the Jaguar tradition of offering outstanding performance, agility and value in the premium luxury category. The current-generation XK was the first Jaguar car designed under the auspices of Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum, whose signature adorns the Final Fifty limited edition badge on the interior. The long-hood, short-deck theme echoes classic Jaguar sports cars while providing a luxurious 2+2 cockpit and usable luggage space.

The standard Xenon automatic headlights include a power wash function and dynamic leveling. Corner lights improve visibility while cornering. Distinctive LED signature running lights, integrated into the headlights, provide a bold and modern look when the XK is in motion. Active Front Lighting directs the headlight beam to focus in the direction of steering input1.

The XK Convertible provides a generous 11.1 cubic-foot trunk (with top up), and the Coupe offers 11.7 cubic feet of space, with the added convenience of rear liftback access.

Advanced Aluminum Structures and Engines
Advanced chassis technology, combined with the inherent weight and stiffness benefits of the aluminum structure, allows the Jaguar XK models to shine through corners while providing a very comfortable ride.

The XK models are based on a lightweight body shell architecture constructed from a combination of pressed, cast and extruded aluminum alloy components. These are riveted and bonded together using aerospace industry techniques adapted for automotive use by Jaguar, and the materials and processes produce a light body shell with very high structural integrity. The structure's strength, rigidity and lightness provide the foundation for the XK models' exciting performance and its occupant safety systems.

510hp Supercharged V8
Powering the XK Final Fifty limited edition, the XKR supercharged version of the AJ-V8 Gen III 5-liter V8 engine produces 510hp and 461 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter sustained from just 2,500 rpm through 5,500 rpm. A twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger and twin water-cooled intercoolers are efficiently packaged in the engine's V. The XK Final Fifty limited edition can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds3 and, with its standard Dynamic Pack, can achieve a top track speed of 174 mph3.

The all-aluminum four-cam Jaguar V8 engines combine high power with high efficiency, thanks to such technologies as spray-guided direct fuel injection and dual independent variable cam timing. An electronically controlled, fully adaptive six-speed automatic transmission with the unique cast alloy JaguarDrive Selector™ as well as the Jaguar Sequential Shift™ function operated by steering-wheel paddles. The transmission is designed to be maintenance-free with "filled-for-life" fluid.

Advanced Chassis Dynamics
The standard Adaptive Dynamics active suspension damping system optimizes handling agility and ride comfort1. The system is designed to monitor body movement 100 times per second and wheel position 500 times per second and automatically increases the damping rate as the suspension approaches the limits of its travel. Adaptive Dynamics also controls wheel hop on uneven roads by rapidly varying the damping to move any wheel out of a natural bouncing frequency, benefiting ride comfort, handling and tire grip.

From the JaguarDrive Control™ interface, the driver can select different modes for Adaptive Dynamics. In Dynamic Mode, Adaptive Dynamics increases body control for a sportier feel and also provides more responsive accelerator pedal reaction and quicker gearshift responses. The Dynamic Stability Control system offers four driver-selectable modes: Normal, Winter, Trac DSC and DSC OFF. Winter Mode yields a more damped accelerator pedal response to provide progressive control in slippery conditions, with different shift settings that delay and soften gearshifts, also for better control on low grip surfaces1.

In the XKR and XK Final Fifty limited edition models, Adaptive Dynamics operates in tandem with Active Differential Control (ADC) to optimize available traction at each rear wheel, improving acceleration on low-grip surfaces while enhancing cornering ability. The clutch-type electronic differential is operated by an internal electric motor and ball-and-ramp mechanism and transmits torque to the wheel with the most traction. This proactive system differs fundamentally from conventional traction control, which uses the brakes reactively to counteract slip. The ADC goes beyond the capability of mechanical limited slip differentials by actively vectoring torque to improve traction and cornering, especially during spirited driving and in inclement weather1.

Jaguar Luxury
As in Jaguar XF and XJ models, the XK models greet the driver with a "handshake" sequence. Enter the XK using the standard keyless entry and keyless start system, then press the pulsing start button, and the cast alloy JaguarDrive Selector™ rises from the console. When the engine is stopped, the JaguarDrive Selector™ lowers automatically.

Standard equipment includes a dual zone automatic climate control system, auto dimming electro-chromatic power-folding exterior mirrors and front and rear Park Assist with touch-screen visual indicators and rear backup camera1. Heated front seats with 16-way power adjustment and memory are standard equipment. The instruments emphasize the car's performance character with red pointers against white instrument gauge illumination.

The Convertible's triple-lined fabric roof, which preserves the classic sports car profile, can be powered up or down in less than 18 seconds at speeds up to 20 mph. When lowered, the top stores in the bodywork behind the rear seats under a smooth cover. The raised top provides a level of fit that minimizes wind noise and road noise even at high speeds. The top's luxurious interior finish is nearly indistinguishable from that of a closed coupe.

Using the 7-inch touch-screen, the driver or front passenger can access functions for the climate control, navigation system, Bluetooth® mobile connectivity and for Jaguar's Portable Audio Interface, which are all standard2. The Portable Audio Interface provides iPod® connectivity and enables connection of other music storage devices through a USB port to the audio system, with full touch-screen control2.

The standard Bowers & Wilkins® audio system features 525W maximum output, Dolby® ProLogic® II Surround Sound, Kevlar® midrange speakers and aluminum tweeters. Both SiriusXM Satellite Radio™ and HD Radio™ are standard.

Jaguar Safety
All XK models are equipped with front, front side and thorax airbags4. Additionally, Jaguar's front head restraint system helps protect against whiplash in the event of a rear impact. The XK Convertible's hidden rollover protection system deploys instantly if sensors identify a risk, helping provide protection for the occupants1.

1. These features are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these features will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult the owner's manual or your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for more details.

2. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Do not operate, adjust or view the navigation or multimedia systems under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so.

3. Always obey local speed limits.

4. Please remember that the safety belts in a vehicle constitute the primary protection system for driver and passengers in collisions. The airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is a supplement to the safety belts and is designed to work as a system with the safety belts. Although airbags provide additional protection, airbags without safety belts do not provide optimal protection in a crash. Always wear your safety belts. Children younger than 13 years old should always be properly restrained in a back seat, away from airbags. Never place an infant seat in the front seat.

2015 JAGUAR XK FINAL FIFTY LIMITED EDITION:TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS*

Engine: 5-liter V8 AJ133 Gen III DOHC V8, aluminum-alloy cylinder block and heads
Bore x Stroke: 92.5 x 93.0 mm / 3.64 x 3.66 in.
Displacement: 5,000 cc / 305 cu. in.
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel/Induction: Direct fuel injection; Eaton twin vortex supercharger and dual intercoolers
Valvetrain: Chain driven DOHC, four valves per cylinder; dual independent variable cam timing
Ignition: Direct
Fuel requirement: Premium, 91 AKI minimum
Horsepower (SAE): 510@6,000-6,500 rpm
Torque lb.-ft. (SAE): 461@2,500-5,500 rpm

Drivetrain: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Transmission: Jaguar Sequential Shift™ 6-Speed electronic automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddles and Sport Mode
Transmission ratios: (1) 4.17 (2) 2.34 (3) 1.52 (4) 1.14 (5) 0.87 (6) 0.69,
Reverse: 3.40
Final drive ratio: 3.31

Dynamic control systems1: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Understeer
Control, Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and Engine Drag Torque Control; Active Differential Control (ADC; supercharged models only)

Chassis: Unitized body construction; primarily aluminum, aerospace-derived bonding and riveting technologies

Suspension: 4-wheel independent with Adaptive Dynamics active damping, Dynamic Pack adapts components and tuning from XKR-S, with 28% higher spring rate and 10mm lower ride height
Front: Double wishbone; coil springs, active dampers, stabilizer bar, aluminum components
Rear: Multi-link; coil springs, active dampers, stabilizer bar, aluminum components
Brakes: Power-assisted 4-wheel ventilated disc; Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Emergency Brake Assist, Front: 15.0-inch / 380 mm, Rear: 14.8-inch / 376 mm

Steering: Power-assisted, speed sensitive, variable ratio, rack and pinion steering
Turning circle: 35.8 ft.
Wheels/tires: Front: 20 x 8.5-in. w/ 255/35ZR20 Rear: 20 x 9.5-in. w/ 285/30ZR20

Exterior Dimensions (inches/mm)
Body: 2+2 Coupe and Convertible
Aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cd): Coupe: 0.33, Convertible: 0.35
Wheelbase: 108.3/2,752
Length: 188.7/4,794
Width: 74.5/1,892 (mirrors folded) 80.0/2,032 (inc. mirrors)
Height: Coupe: 52.0/1,322
Convertible: 52.3/1,329
Track (front/rear): 61.4/1,560 62.8/1,596 (63.3/1,608 w/ opt. wheels)
Curb weight (lbs.): Coupe: 3,968 Convertible: 4,079

Interior Dimensions (in./m)
Headroom, front: Coupe: 37.4/950 Convertible: 37.8/959
Headroom, rear: Coupe: 30.2/767 Convertible: 33.1/840
Legroom, front: 43.0/1,091
Legroom, rear: 27.6/700
Shoulder room, front: 56.6 /1,438
Shoulder room, rear: 42.4 / 1.078
Trunk volume: Coupe: 11.7 cu. ft., Convertible: 11.1 cu. ft. (with top up and mini spare) 7.1 cubic feet (top down)

Performance
0-60 mph3: 4.6 sec.
Max. track speed3: (electronically limited) 174 mph
Fuel Economy Manufacturer's Estimated City/Highway MPG**: 15 / 22
Fuel capacity: 16.1 U.S. gal./ 71.0 liters

*Manufacturer's estimates. Correct at press time.
**These amounts are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.

By Jonathon Ramsey