The all-new Jaguar XK is visibly more assertive and sportier than the model it replaces, but in true Jaguar tradition it is also elegant, understated and mature. In hard-top guise it has classic, ground-hugging Coupe proportions, with long hood, steeply raked windshield and rear window, arch-filling wheels, and minimal overhangs. The front-wing power vents are a new Jaguar styling signature recently seen on the special edition XJ Super V8 Portfolio; the distinctive oval grille opening, prominent hood power-bulge and practicality-enhancing rear Liftback all echo the classic E-type, while details like the sweeping front and rear light shapes and powerful stance catapult Jaguar sports car design firmly into the 21 st century.

Inside the new Jaguar XK, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary luxury materials, like finely stitched leather, contrast with a choice of more high-tech trim surfaces including metallic finishes. The layout is driver-focused and sporty, with excellent ergonomics and body-hugging seats, set low against the high waistline to give a strong 'cockpit' feel. With the new Jaguar XK's longer wheelbase, wider tracks and taller roofline, the 2+2 layout has significantly more interior space for front seat occupants than Jaguar XK that it replaces.

Also like Jaguar XK it replaces, the all-new Jaguar XK will be available in both two-door Coupe and Convertible forms, each model in its own right developed in parallel under one umbrella program. The decision to give the Convertible version a classic soft-top rather than a folding hard-top means the open option offers exactly the same 2+2 seating layout, without compromising the elegant lines of the rear body, the strong, rising waistline or the light weight of the car.

The fully-lined triple-layer roof has exceptional wind and road noise isolation. It opens and closes at the touch of a button in less than 18 seconds, and when dropped it stows neatly below a rigid aluminum tonneau cover without unacceptable intrusion into the large luggage space. Furthermore, the loadspace can be increased by approximately 3 cu. ft. (83 liters) by stowing the retractable loadspace separator when the Convertible roof is up. The use of a soft-top has also allowed the exterior body to be designed with much cleaner lines and a relatively low deck, meaning the door waist line can be carried right through the vehicle from the front of the car to the tail.

The roof is constructed from three layers, which also insulate against wind and road noise. The outer layer is a completely waterproof cloth/rubber/cloth laminate, and the inner layer is a luxurious cloth lining which is taut and smooth when the roof is closed. The 'sandwich filling' is an insulation layer, using 3M Thinsulate TM material. This gives significantly better insulation for less than half the thickness of the previous Jaguar XK soft-top construction. It is not only lighter, it takes up significantly less volume when the roof is stowed, allowing more space for passengers and luggage. The rear window is toughened glass, with a heating element, and is bonded into the roof. The door glass automatically drops slightly as the doors are closed, and rises again to seal inside the roof water channels. Additionally, the Convertible's rear windows can be lowered even when the roof is up.

The soft-top is raised and lowered by a single press of a button, using hydraulic actuators and electronic controls. It will go from fully open to closed in under 18 seconds, which includes automatically raising the side windows and rear quarter glasses at the end of the cycle.

When the soft-top is up, the profile has sleek, elegant lines and the 'C' pillar area visually fits comfortably over the rear wheels. Attention to detail is continued with a chrome finishing strip fitted to the door capping and continuing around the soft-top base.

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