Jaguar's new XK launched

At the launch of a new Jaguar there is always talk of heritage

At the launch of a new Jaguar there is always talk of heritage. Any new car from the British firm has the pressure of decades of carefully crafted machines that went before them.

Models such as the X-Type have struggled to make an impact, in part because there was too much emphasis on the past when the car was designed, and also because Ford's policy of using shared platforms does not impress the luxury buyer.

The new XK has its own heritage, in that it was the fastest-selling sports car in Jaguar's history, with 90,000 units sold since it first appeared in 1996. The new model must be a success, and for more reasons than just bettering an old model. Jaguar's parent company, Ford, has invested heavily in the loss-making brand with a $2 billion cash injection just last December to boost its finances. Jaguar Managing Director Bibiana Boerio was in Ireland for the launch of the new car and she acknowledged that in order for Jaguar to succeed, heritage would no longer be enough.

"We have a great asset in our heritage, but we can't spend all our time looking back in the rear view mirror." The challenge for Jaguar is to encourage people into the showroom again and the new XK will help this.

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It is an all-aluminium construction, which makes it incredibly light, but also stiff and it is launched with a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 developing 300bhp. This gives it a top speed limited to 250km/h. The XK comes with a new six-speed transmission. The coupé has a starting price of €119,885, with the convertible at €132,170.

Jaguar has had 55 orders for the car before it has gone on sale.