NYIAS 2011: Jaguar XK Convertible

The current XK range has sent a topless representative to this year’s New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), one that you can see revealed in the adjacent images. Sharing elements with the XKR-S unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the XK gets the most significant changes at the front.

For example, the new XK has received a set of all-new headlight units that are not only slimmer (by 15mm) than the ones they replace but now feature subtle LED daylight running lights alongside intricately styled reflector units.

These sit above a new, larger oval grille framed in chrome with mesh in the center that, in the case of the XKR, is finished in black.  Mounted either side of the grille are a pair of small air scoops feeding air to the brakes.

Setting the new XK apart from its predecessor is a horizontal vent mounted on each wing complete with a chrome blade bearing the Jaguar name running through it replacing the vertical items.  These help the XK appear both longer and lower.

At the rear of the car new taillights using LED technology sit either side of a thinner chrome strip and, debuting for the first time on an XK, a Jaguar leaper badge.

Inside the new XK range, the interior has been given a freshen up with new trim finishes and, for the first time, the option of sculpted leather sports seats.

In the home market, pricing for the 2012 XK Convertible will begin at £71,000 (5.0-liter, 32-valve, V8 engine developing 385 PS and 380 lb.ft./515 Nm of torque - $117,500 at the current exchange rate) or £84,550, for the 5.0-liter, 32-valve, V8 supercharged unit developing 510 PS and 461 lb.ft./625 Nm of torque - $140,000.