TTAC Salutes: The Jaguar XK
June 20th, 2014 10:30 AM
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After nearly a decade of production, Jaguar will finally put down the XK, as budgetary resources and the introduction of the F-Type Coupe make the big cat redundant.
Although sales of the XK are up slightly, the big coupe and convertible have been on a general downward trend over the years. According to Automotive News, Jaguar wants to focus their resources on the new XE compact luxury sedan, as well as other projects – most likely the long rumored crossover.
Jaguar was adamant that the F-Type is not replacing the XK, which leaves room for a possible replacement down the road. The XK is a larger, more comfortable grand tourer, while the F-Type is positioned as a sports car. But don’t expect to see a new XK for a long time.
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I imagine it would just be too difficult to come up with something that can properly challenge the new SL, which doesn't bother with stupid, useless rear seats and doesn't ask you to make the choice between coupe and convertible. The XK has always been better looking, but the SL has always been the better car.
I never could warm up to the look of these, despite the love and adulation they received in the media. They had the misfortune of replacing a car that, as others above have said, will likely be remembered as an absolutely timeless classic and beauty. That being said, the (I hope completely accidental) family resemblance to the Ford Taurus did not help the car's case. Ian Callum did some amazing things at Aston Martin, but this was not his greatest achievement. That being said, the Le Mans GT cars weren't bad looking and sounded incredible. It's a shame they weren't more successful. Here's to hoping Jag gives the F type consideration for that role.
Maybe it is just me, but the new F-type is just a 350Z/S2000 mix. I don't get what people think is sexy about it at all. The XK just never got the proportions right, partially because of the golf bag boot, but it just never quite came together either. I have nothing against the new look of Jaguar, but they just aren't making it work on the coupe side.
When I looked at both this and the F-Type side by side, I honestly found this to be the better car. They are both great cars, I am not sure it was necessary to kill this car, maybe just update it a little.