JAGUAR XK CHASSIS AND DRIVING DYNAMICS

- Latest Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) ensures optimum ride and handling
- Incredibly stiff chassis ensures more positive steering feedback for driver
- Bigger ventilated disc brakes ensure more stopping power, better pedal feel and greater resistance to fade

The light, ultra-stiff all-aluminium monocoque body structure of the all-new Jaguar XK forms a solid basis for the suspension components. The reduced body weight also allows other components to be located as required to deliver optimum weight distribution and avoid any compromises with the suspension layout. The XK uses Jaguar's well proven and classically sporty combination of unequal length wishbones at the front and unequal length wishbones using the driveshafts as upper links at the rear. The body's light weight and careful packaging provide the perfect platform for Jaguar's renowned expertise in combining exceptional handling and roadholding with comfort and refinement.

In unison with this ultra-stiff body, Jaguar is able to use a conventional, mechanically sprung suspension layout, with coil springs and telescopic dampers all round, that gives more natural, more positive feedback to the driver, exactly as a sports car should.

As Jaguar's chief engineer Mike Cross explains: "The stiff and lightweight body has allowed us to engineer precision and agility into the new Jaguar XK without losing refinement. It may sound obvious, but it's much easier to tune the dynamics on a car that is intrinsically right in the first place. And while the basics are all there, this is also a very advanced car. The driver is the centre of attention and we've used technology to help us where it makes sense."

That technology includes a new version of Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), which is a two-stage adaptive damping system that ensures the optimum balance between ride and handling whatever the road conditions or style of driving. The car's pitch and yaw rates are measured using accelerometer sensors. That data, plus information on steering wheel angle and brake demand, is processed and electronically controlled hydraulic valves continuously vary the damper settings accordingly. In the previous Jaguar XK, the CATS system adjusted front and rear dampers in pairs, limiting the control variation to pitch only. The all-new XK's version controls all four dampers separately, which allows control of roll as well as pitch, for even better ride and handling balance, with a very sporty feel.

 
WHEELS & TYRES

The all-new Jaguar XK offers a choice of aluminium alloy wheel designs in three sizes, with an optional tyre pressure monitoring system and, depending on wheel choice, the option of a run-flat tyre specification.

The 4.2 litre Jaguar XK has 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with the option of 19 or 20-inch wheels. The 18 and 19-inch wheels have conventional solid rims, the 20-inch wheels have a split-rim look, giving a sporty, high-tech appearance. On each model, and whatever the wheel diameter, the rear wheels are wider than the front ones - to optimise the steering characteristics, handling balance and traction.

With 19-inch wheels, run-flat tyres are available as optional equipment. They are designed to allow the driver to drive on following a puncture, and are capable of travelling for 80 to 120km at speeds of up to 50mph (80kph) after a total deflation. The new XK offers Jaguar's new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which uses a pressure sensor in each wheel continuously to monitor each tyre.

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