Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Premium Coupe
Production years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Jaguar introduced the facelifted version of the XK lineup in 2009, and besides aesthetic and interior upgrades, it also improved the engine lineup, including the highest-powered version, the XKR.
The British automaker was under Ford’s umbrella in 2005 when it introduced the second generation of the XK range. Then, in late 2007, the American automaker sold the brand to Tata Motors, which secured the funding for the further development of the brand and its products. Furthermore, Europe was ready to switch to the Euro 5 emission standards that required automakers to receive type approval by September 2009. As a result, Jaguar complied and launched the facelifted version of its grand tourer, offered as a coupe or a convertible.
Ian Callum designed the XK, and it was difficult to improve an already beautiful and appreciated vehicle without spoiling its clean lines. Still, there were several areas where the automaker could add some modifications and get better results. At the front, the car featured a new bumper that sported vertical side scoops that created an air curtain around the front wheels, improving aerodynamics. In addition, the automaker added a Speed Pack as an option that introduced a lower front splitter that enhanced the car’s stability at high speeds.
From its profile, there were no significant changes for the great-looking convertible. Still, a keen eye for detail could notice the new door mirrors that featured slim horizontal turn signals. The body-colored vertical vents mounted on the front doors extracted the air trapped inside the wheel wells. Jaguar made the XKR Convertible with thicker A-pillars that also doubled as roll-over safety systems, and there were no other arches to interrupt the sideline of the vehicle. Jaguar made the canvas roof with three layers of Thinsulate material, creating better weather and sound protection. The power-operated rag-top could open or close the canopy in 18 seconds at the touch of a button.
Inside, the automaker created a whole new leather-wrapped cabin centered around the driver. At the front, it installed a pair of high-bolstered seats separated by a narrow center console that housed the gear selector, a couple of cup holders, and a cubby storage under the center armrest. Up on the center stack, Jaguar placed a standard touch-screen display for the infotainment system. Depending on the market, it offered the XKR Convertible with either a satellite radio or a DAB Radio. Inside the instrument cluster, the automaker placed large dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked an LCD that showed data from the car’s onboard computer. In the back, the automaker added a bench seat profiled for two, but with such a minimal room that a person could hardly fit there.
The most significant upgrade for the 2009 XKR Convertible was found under its aluminum skin. Thanks to the adaptive suspension, the car could provide higher cornering speeds and a more comfortable ride. While that was available for the entire range, the engine was unique. It was a completely new five-liter V8, helped by a supercharger fit inside the engine’s V. As a result, it provided quicker acceleration response. The new powerplant delivered almost 25% more power than the non-facelifted XKR, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
ENGINE SPECS - 4.2L V8 6AT (420 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4196 cm3 |
Power: | 313.2 KW @ 6000 RPM 426 HP @ 6000 RPM 420 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 413 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 560 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.8 gallons (71.2 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 245/40 XR19 || 275/35 XR19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 188.6 in (4790 mm) |
Width: | 74.4 in (1890 mm) |
Height: | 52 in (1321 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.4/63 in (1,560/1,600 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 108.3 in (2751 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.7 cuFT (331 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3671 lbs (1665 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4519 lbs (2050 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 15 mpg US (15.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 23 mpg US (10.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 5.0L V8 SC 6AT (510 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 5000 cm3 |
Power: | 375 KW @ 6000-6500 RPM 510 HP @ 6000-6500 RPM 503 BHP @ 6000-6500 RPM |
Torque: | 461 lb-ft @ 2500-5500 RPM 625 Nm @ 2500-5500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Supercharged Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.8 gallons (71.2 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 4.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 245/40 XR19 || 275/35 XR19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 188.6 in (4790 mm) |
Width: | 74.4 in (1890 mm) |
Height: | 52 in (1321 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.4/63 in (1,560/1,600 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 108.3 in (2751 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 3.9 in (99 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 11.7 cuFT (331 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3968 lbs (1800 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4740 lbs (2150 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 12 mpg US (19.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 27 mpg US (8.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 19 mpg US (12.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 292 g/km |