Images: Jaguar X100 XK (1996-05)
Released in October 1996, the Jaguar X100 Series I (X100.I) XK range consisted of XK8 and XKR coupes and convertibles. Manufactured in Coventry, England, the rear-wheel drive XK8 and XKR were powered by naturally aspirated and supercharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engines, respectively, that were mated to five-speed automatic transmissions… Read full Jaguar X100 XK review
Images: Jaguar X100.II XK8 and XKR (2000-02)
Released in November 2000, the Jaguar X100 Series II (X100.II) XK8 and XKR introduced improved safety equipment, additional features and mechanical changes. The range was also revised as the ‘Sport’ variants were discontinued and the ‘Classic’ variants were no longer identified as such. The Jaguar X100.II XK8 and XKR could be identified by their new ‘jewel-like’ tail-lights with chrome surrounds, new front and rear bumper covers, a chrome boot lid plinth, the omission of front fog light recesses, new alloy wheel designs for the XK8 and, for the XKR, larger tail pipe finishers.
Images: Jaguar X100.III XK8 and XKR (2002-05)
Released in October 2002, the Jaguar X100 Series III (X100.III) XK8 and XKR introduced new engines and transmissions. The 4.2-litre AJ33 V8 engines were stroked versions of their predecessors, but also featured stiffer blocks, oil-cooled pistons, new exhaust manifolds and camshafts, small-pitch silent camchains, bigger cylinder-head porting, an upgraded fuel system and vane-type variable cam phading. Furthermore, the five-speed automatic transmissions were also replaced by ZF’s six-speed 6HP26 automatic. The Jaguar X100.III XK could be identified by its new badging, alloy wheel designs and paint finishes (Jaguar Racing Green, Ebony, Midnight and Adriatic Blue); XKR variants could also be identified by their standard xenon headlights. Inside, there were new interior trim combinations (Warm Charcoal contrasted with Heritage Tan or Cranberry) and a revised J-gate gear shift.
