Jag XK adopts aluminium space-frame technology

FORD’S other British-based sportscar-maker, Jaguar, has given its all-new XK coupe its southern hemisphere debut, direct from last month’s Frankfurt motor show premiere.

Touted as the most technologically advanced Jaguar ever produced, the new XK coupe employs aluminium aerospace technology to be lighter, stronger, quicker and better-handling than its long-running predecessor.

At 1595kg, the newcomer is not only 90kg lighter than its forebear, but 31 per cent more rigid.

Powered by a 224kW/411Nm 4.2-litre V8, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles in lieu of Jaguar’s traditional J-gate shifter, the XK coupe blasts to 100km/h in a claimed 6.2 seconds.

While the new XK coupe will hit Australian roads by late next year, its convertible sibling – images of which were released before the Frankfurt show - is unlikely to surface here before 2007.