Jaguar used the Detroit show to give the new XK its first airing in the US and to announce the pricing for the new car, in what must be one of its most important markets. The new car is hoped to carry forward the British marque's reputation for quality, desirability and engineering excellence and is the first in a new line of Jaguars that are said to be fast and beautiful - as a Jaguar should be. The looks are a major overhaul of the outgoing XK 2+2 with very favourable results; the rear end has been tidied up at last.

One of the main focal points of the new car has been weight reduction, something borne out in the extensive use of aluminium throughout its construction. Benefits of this are gleaned in a number of critical dynamic areas. The driving experience is said to be enhanced with improved ride and handling courtesy of lower weight and improved structural rigidity over the old car. The quantitative gains can be seen on the stopwatch as the AJV8 4.2-litre standard model with 300bhp records acceleration figures not far short of the outgoing 400bhp supercharged XKR: 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and a 14.4 second standing quarter.

The new XK features a full complement of cutting edge technology such as active lighting and keyless entry to make it the most advanced Jaguar ever built. US prices have been confirmed as $75,500 for the Coupe and $81,500 for the Convertible with more sporting variants due for launch next year, including a 500bhp XKR.

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