Tuesday, 12 September 2017

'The Cat is back' - The story of the Jaguar XK8'

Peter Leake, ex-Dealer Training Manager for Jaguar Cars, presented another excellent talk for the London region with sixteen members and guests attending at MDS Accident Repair Centre at Borehamwood.

This was the second presentation for the region that Peter had carried out, this time the subject was the story of the Jaguar XK8.

Peter started by giving us a brief run through about his time and experience with Jaguar Cars Ltd. including when they were bought by Ford in 1989 and the benefits this gave the company such as new processes, people and products.

The Jaguar XJS had had it's time and a replacement was required. The XJS model had served Jaguar well, through it's 21 years of production it had set new standards by its refinement, performance and prestige. Jaguar sales of the XJS including the Facelift model totalling over 115,000 units.

Peter explained the replacement model needed to be focused at the American market to maximise the sales opportunities. A number of designs were put forward in clays, all of them still using the floor pan of the XJS, and out of these the XK8 design was chosen.

The engine was developed and assembled at Bridgend enabling the XK8 to reach a top speed of 155 MPH (limited) and producing 290 BHP giving an impressive 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. This was a naturally aspirated 4.0 Ltr V8 with auto transmission.

The interior was all new too, a number of concept models were put forward and out of these the Spitfire Wing model was born, with Jaguar deciding on one of two versions put forward.

The new Jaguar XK8 was rigorously tested using, amongst many others, the 100,000 door shut tests and PASCAR. Crash tests carried out showed remarkable strength in the design, producing good results. Jaguar managed to stay within their timescale for the launch of the new Jaguar XK8 which went on sale in September 1996, with a Coupe and Convertible model available, after an amazing launch at the Geneva Show in March of that year.

The XK8 served Jaguar well, being produced through until 2005. During its time Jaguar introduced a supercharged model, bringing the 0-60 down to 5.2 seconds and producing 370 BHP. In 2001 there was a facelift model and in 2002 Jaguar replaced the 4.0 litre with a 4.2 Litre engine along with a six speed gearbox. The production of the Jaguar XK8 came to a close on the 27 May 2005, with over 90,000 cars being produced and sold.

Peter ended the presentation answering questions and the attendees showed their appreciation.

Peter Beddow