All the other joints in the new Jaguar XK shell are formed using Jaguar's unique combination of riveting and bonding. Most joints are produced using self-piercing rivets applied by hydraulic pressure against a fixed tool. Where access to only one side of the joint is possible, as in some of the new extruded box sections, a new riveting process has been developed; and where particularly high stiffness is required in a joint, a combination of riveting and bonding is used - with the adhesive bond in effect creating a continuous joint which is stronger than a similar, riveted-only joint. All visible exterior panels are bonded to the underlying structure, and a new automated seam-sealing process seals all relevant areas of the shell before painting, to ensure that no gaps are missed.

In the new Jaguar XK, a secondary front bulkhead of aluminum and composite materials helps reduce transmission of noise from the engine compartment and provides a dry area under the hood for accommodating electrical components. The new structure also has benefits in refinement; castings are used for the mounting points for the engine, transmission and suspension make those points significantly stiffer, further reducing transmitted noise and helping to improve suspension dynamics. In terms of long-term strength, Jaguar's all-aluminum shell has durability approaching twice that of a traditional spot-welded steel body.

Another major advantage of this Lightweight Vehicle Technology is that all the necessary stiffness is in the structure of the bodyshell, with very large rectangular-section side sills. So the Convertible, even without a roof, does not need the traditional extra stiffening panels seen on many other convertibles - meaning there is no added weight and no penalty in stiffness or refinement. The aluminum monocoque construction is the biggest contributor to the low overall vehicle weight of the new Jaguar XK, and the Coupe shell is over 30 percent stiffer than the previous model, while the Convertible boasts an impressive 50 percent improvement in torsional rigidity.

That lightweight body significantly also offers a 10 percent improvement in power to weight ratio. The all-new Jaguar XK is up to 90 percent stiffer than key rivals, with a curb weight of just 3,671 lbs (1,665 kg). In Convertible form the BIW weight, at just 633 lbs (287 kg) is 19 percent lighter than the previous Jaguar XK Convertible.

"The lightweight vehicle architecture really helps the all-new XK to handle, steer and brake better than ever," says Al Kammerer, Product Development Director, Jaguar and Land Rover. "Imagine how much easier it is to turn a lightweight object travelling at speed compared to a heavy one. The aluminum chassis makes the XK so much more controllable in corners and a whole lot of fun to drive!"

Safety is another major benefit of this very strong construction method. That is partly inherent in aluminum as a material, which absorbs significantly more energy per kilogramme of material weight than steel when it is deformed. But the strength advantage doesn't only apply to high-speed impacts, it also means lower-speed accident repair costs are kept to a minimum. The reduction in the number of joints in the all-new XK further increases strength, and the front of the body is protected by easily replaced 'crush cans' that absorb the energy in impacts up to just over 9mph (15kph).

Jaguar XK's all-aluminum doors are each over 13 lbs (6 kg) lighter than an equivalent steel door and their mountings are significantly stiffer, which allows smaller gaps. Mounting the window glass rails directly to the aluminum castings at the front and rear of the door gives better sealing from the frameless layout, and an impressively solid sound and feel when closed.

The all-aluminum Liftback rear door is strong, light and simple to operate. Once it has been lifted manually through the first 20 percent of its opening arc, gas struts lift it the rest of the way.

With lower weight and higher strength, Lightweight Vehicle Technology is the starting point for improved performance, safety, refinement, economy, emissions performance and driving dynamics in the new XK.

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