Home / Vehicle Search / Jaguar / 2008 Jaguar XK Coupe / Reviews
2008 Jaguar XK Coupe
2008 Jaguar XK Coupe
Feisty Feline
The Jaguar XK Coupe remains an attractive and lively two-seater with a potent V8 engine.
A convertible version as well as higher-performance XKR Coupe and Convertible models are also in the lineup.
The Jaguar XK Coupe has seductive, flowing lines, an aggressive stance, long sloping hood, oval headlamps and a mesh grille, all paying homage to the original XKE. Beneath the surface is a 4.2-liter V8 engine that generates 300 horsepower.
• Get a Jaguar XK Coupe price quote
The Jaguar XK Coupe makes extensive use of aluminum to create a light but rigid body structure. This affords sporty yet secure vehicle dynamics and a quiet, sophisticated ride. A six-speed automatic transmission allows manual operation via racing-style paddles mounted on the steering wheel. A fully automatic Drive mode adapts to individual driving styles, while a Sport mode can also be selected.
The sophisticated suspension system in the Jaguar XK Coupe lets the driver switch between Comfort and Sport modes. The suspension teams up with precise power steering to strike a balance between ride comfort and all-out performance. Those looking for a cushier ride should choose the Jaguar XJ sedan. At the other extreme, those looking for sportier handling should consider the pricier XKR version.• Jaguar XK Coupe Vehicle Summary
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and Hydraulic Brake Assist afford quick and confident stopping. Dynamic stability and traction control maintain stability during cornering and minimize tire slippage while accelerating.
• See all Jaguar models in the Jaguar Showroom
With a high level of standard equipment, the Jaguar XK Coupe has only a short list of options. These include adaptive cruise control, which maintains both a preset speed and distance from traffic ahead on the highway; adaptive headlamps to light the way through curves; upgraded leather surfaces; and a heated steering wheel.
You want to own the updated, modern-day embodiment of a classic British sports car.
A more flamboyant model is on your radar screen; less costly alternatives would satisfy your need for speed and handling; you prefer an open-air ride, in which case you should consider the convertible version. If you seek more performance, look at the Jaguar XKR equivalent.
Two people will be cozy in the nicely trimmed cabin of the Jaguar XK Coupe. Like most low-to-the-ground sports cars, getting in and out can be a problem.
Back in the early 1960s, during a time when Americans were developing a fascination with all things British — from James Bond to Twiggy and the Beatles — Jaguar was best known as the purveyor of the E-Type. Better known stateside as the XKE, it debuted to universal accolades in 1961 and fast became an icon for the company. Pretty much decimated power-wise by federal anti-pollution regulations in the 1970s, it was discontinued in 1975 and replaced by the XJ-S. That model lasted until 1997, when Jaguar, by then owned by Ford, introduced the XK8, which was designed to capture the essence of the original E-Type. The higher-performance XKR version was added to the line for the 2000 model year.
New-Car Pricing
Get a free online price quote from a dealer near you:
Contact Us | Advertise on ForbesAutos.com | Advertise on Forbes.com | Reprints/Permissions | © 2008 Forbes.com LLC ®
