PASSENGER SAFETY AT JAGUAR XK

The all-new Jaguar XK has comprehensive protection for driver and passengers, starting with the inherent strength of its all-aluminium body construction and effective energy absorbing deformation zones. It offers an 'intelligent' driver airbag which senses seating position, whether the driver is wearing a seatbelt and the severity of any impact, and deploys the airbag accordingly. It has a passenger front airbag that minimises injury even if the passenger is sitting awkwardly or too close to the airbag, and there are two combined front-seat head and thorax side airbags developed to protect occupants in the event of impacts with larger vehicles and stationary objects such as poles. The all-new Jaguar XK is fitted with Jaguar's Protec dynamic headrest system, which is designed to minimise whiplash injuries in the event of an impact from behind, by automatically pushing the headrest forwards to support the head and reduce the risk of injuries to the neck. It also has ISOfix child-seat fixings in both rear seats, plus a top tether that gives additional security in fixing ISOfix child seats.

Although they are not a legal requirement, the Convertible features a Roll-over Protection Device consisting of two aluminium hoops that are automatically deployed if the car's sensors detect the onset of a roll-over accident. That creates a protected area between the hoops and the reinforced windscreen structure around the restrained occupants. The system is deployed by an advanced solid-state gyro sensor system. It also has a patented design to allow it to deploy through the rear window area if the roof is up, so the lines of the car have not been compromised by the inclusion of this safety system.


DYNAMIC DRIVING AIDS

The new Jaguar XK offers the most up-to-date electronic dynamic safety systems, including Traction Control System (TCS) and Trac DSC function.

TCS assists traction from rest or on slippery surfaces by applying the appropriate brake to a driven wheel if slip is detected, transferring drive torque to the other driven wheel where that has more grip. DSC uses selective braking and controls engine torque output to prevent excessive oversteer or understeer, excessive or fast transient roll, and unwanted wheel lock under hard engine braking. Trac DSC is a feature aimed at the sportier and more experienced driver. It is a driver-selectable second stage of the DSC stability control that retains the full TCS traction control function (and ABS and EBD functions) but raises some of the sideways slip thresholds by delaying the intervention of the DSC functions. That allows the skilled driver to take more responsibility for controlling the car's cornering attitude. It is not possible to select the function unintentionally - the driver has to hold the switch for three seconds or more to select this level of DSC.

To confirm the all-new XK's driving character, steering feel was a key issue. The all-new Jaguar XK features Jaguar's Servotronic 2 steering, as used on Jaguar XJ but re-engineered to suit a high-performance sports car with a faster ratio steering rack. It is a mechanically assisted system (hydraulically powered by an engine-driven pump) with electronic control. The control module uses data about vehicle speed and steering input to regulate the degree of steering assistance. It provides higher assistance at low speeds for easy manoeuvring, and less assistance at higher speeds for increased feedback to the driver - resulting in class leading steering characteristics.


OTHER DRIVER AIDS

Jaguar believes in the intelligent use of technology - to enhance the driving experience, while avoiding over-use of technology that only adds complexity rather than user-benefit. But Jaguar also believes in making its cars safer and more relaxing to drive. The new Jaguar XK offers a range of driver aids that support that philosophy, including Cruise Control or Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Alert, parking sensors, and automatic lights and wipers.

previous page | go to page 13