Jaguar XK8 Convertible

Barely a month after it debuted the XK8 Coupe at Geneva, Jaguar unveiled the convertible counterpart at the New York Auto Show. In a separate presentation, the British automaker also revealed technical details of its all-new AJ-V8 engine, which will power both XK8 variants as well as other future products.

As with the coupe, the strongest single influence on Chief Stylist Geoff Lawson was clearly the E-type, but the XK8's tasteful lines also incorporate visual cues from several other earlier Jag competition models, including the XJ220. Both coupe and cabrio share a 102.0-inch wheelbase and part of the central tub with the outgoing XJS model. All of the remaining monocoque structure is new, however, as are the body panels and glass. Front suspension is a modified version of the XJS' double wishbone setup, while the rear underpinnings are similar to those used on the current XJ sedan. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control are standard.

Inside the XK8's modestly proportioned interior there's a proper array of analog gauges and neatly positioned switchgear, set off by a generous helping of Connolly leather upholstery, plush carpet, and burled-walnut trim. The familiar J-gate shifter remains, although it now commands an all-new, electronically controlled ZF five-speed automatic transmission.

Developed in just 36 months, the AJ-V8 engine is destined to serve the company's needs well beyond the turn of the century. "Refined power" is the operational phrase that guided the creation of this compact, 90-degree all-aluminum 4.0-liter 32-valve DOHC powerplant, which makes 290 horses at 6100 rpm and 290 pound-feet of torque at 2450 revs. Exceptionally strong and rigid, it's composed of three main structural elements: an upper block, a massive bedplate, and a cast sump element, all of which bolt securely into a single unit. Among the engine's numerous advanced design elements: a state-of-the-art engine-management system, Nikasil-plated cylinder bores, lightweight reciprocating components, a split-block cooling system, variable cam timing on the inlet valves, and close-coupled catalytic converters for cleaner cold starts. Jaguar claims the AJ-V8 will have the highest specific output, lightest weight, and lowest service and maintenance costs of any competitive luxury V-8 on the market today. Assembled on a dedicated Jaguar line at Ford's Bridgend engine plant in South Wales, England, this ultraclean engine is fully OBD-II compliant and meets California's tough transitional low-emissions vehicle (TLEV) standards.

The XK8 lineup will go on sale here in October. Prices have yet to be announced, but are expected to start around $65,000-$70,000.