JAGUARXK8 2002 - 2006

　　Six years after the model’s introduction, Jaguar launched the refreshed version of the XK8, and besides some styling updates, it also improved the engine performance.

　　While it was difficult to improve the XK8’s design, there were still some parts that the automaker could work on. Furthermore, Ford tried to lower production costs, so the facelifted version featured some bits and pieces carried over from the blue-oval brand, which owned Jaguar. But that wasn’t all. The automaker upgraded the V8 under the hood to deliver more power and torque, keeping the British grand tourer in shape to face its competitors. But still, even if it was capable of some performance, it was not a sports car.

　　Ian Callum penned the lines of the original XK8, and it was difficult for Ford to improve what the British designer made. But there were some parts of the car that could be modernized. At the front, the grand tourer featured a new design for the oval-shaped grille. A chromed trim still crossed it, but there were two additional vertical body-colored slats in the middle. Furthermore, the automaker installed new, clear-lenses headlights, which made the car look young again, despite being launched in 1996.

　　From its profile, the XK8 was a beauty with its long hood and low-slung greenhouse. All these advantages were kept by the 2002 model year, but there were new options for wheels and body colors. At the back, the automaker made subtle upgrades to the car. It installed new taillights with a cleaner look and integrated a small lip spoiler into the trunk’s lid. Furthermore, on the lower side, a newly designed bumper featured side-mounted parking lights, while the fog lamp was deleted since it was integrated into the taillights.

　　The luxurious interior of the 2002 XK8 showed some slight updates compared to the non-facelifted version. At the front, gone were the seats with integrated headrests. The 2002 model year came with adjustable ones, which divided customers. But still, the new seats provided better side support, even though they were not high bolstered. The recessed dials from the instrument cluster featured silver encirclements, emphasizing the classic styling but in a beautiful way. But still, even though there was a bench seat in the back, legroom and headroom were a pain for adults carried on long journeys.

　　Under its skin, the 2002 XK8 featured a revised platform. The car featured improved shock absorbers and new springs that improved the car’s speed cornering. Since Jaguar chased the SL from Mercedes-Benz, it had to keep up with the German GT, and it did. Both could support similar lateral acceleration. Regarding powerplant, the newly developed 4.2-liter V8 could send 300 hp (305 PS) to the rear via a six-speed automatic that replaced the previously used five-speed one. As a result, the car was slightly faster than its predecessor, but it retained the same capped speed of 155 mph (250 kph).