How many cars are able to provide breathtaking performance, lounge-like interior appointments and crisp, purposeful handling, yet still pay homage to the icons that they succeed? Only one convertible is worthy to carry the Jaguar name. The 2012 Jaguar XK Convertible is a pure expression of performance and luxury.
The 2012 Jaguar XK Convertible (MSRP: $90,500) was the first car fully designed under the direction of Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum. The XK Convertible is at once dynamic and modern, yet is as sleek and sensuous as the cars that have carried the XK badge since 1948.
With its classic, ground-hugging proportions, long hood and muscular haunches, the XK Convertible is unmistakably British, and unmistakably Jaguar. It is a strikingly beautiful car, but one that uses a completely aluminum monocoque structure that provides the XK Convertible with exceptional body rigidity and torsional stiffness, while remaining lightweight. The 2012 XK Convertible features a larger grille and a new bumper design that provides instant recognition that this is an XK. For 2012, the power vent on the front fender is a horizontal design with a mesh insert that mirrors that of the grille. The rear decklid features slimmer chrome trim and the iconic Jaguar ‘leaper.’
XK owners are presented with 16 paint colors choices, four of which debut for the 2012 model year. Ten alloy wheel designs, ranging from 19- to 20-inches, provide ample opportunity to make the XK Convertible your own.
The 5.0-liter AJ-V8 Gen III under the long hood allows the XK Convertible to blend both vigorous performance with artful cruising comfort. With technologies such as spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT), the XK Convertible is able to provide remarkable efficiency along with great performance. The engine block is constructed from high-grade, lightweight aluminum, and the cylinder heads are constructed with recycled aluminum to reduce the overall environmental impact of construction.
The XK Convertible mates the V8 engine with a six-speed ZF® automatic transmission. Steering wheel mounted paddles control the Jaguar Sequential Shift function during high-performance driving, while most of the transmission’s functions are controlled via the cast alloy Jaguar Drive Selector, which rises from the console when the illuminated stop/start button is depressed. It’s a start procedure unlike any other car in its class.
Jaguar has been providing rewarding driving dynamics for seven generations, and the latest iteration of Adaptive Dynamics technology continues the theme. Continuously variable damping – completely seamless and transparent to the driver and passengers – allows the XK Convertible to provide outstanding handling while retaining the ride quality that Jaguar owners appreciate. Adaptive Dynamics helps to control vertical body movement, roll and pitch rates by analyzing all the inputs and variables of performance driving one hundred times per second. And 500 times every second the system monitors steering wheel adjustments for a perfect blend of handling and ride comfort. Dynamic Mode allows for increased body control, while simultaneously sharpening throttle response and reducing gearshift times. Dynamic Stability Control with four modes (normal, winter, and Trac DSC) allows sporting drivers to select the level of intervention based on road conditions.
The 2012 XK Convertible features a refreshed cabin with new trim materials including ebony soft-feel paint for the switches, a center console finished in gloss black, and phosphor blue halo illumination and ambient lighting. Personalization options include new veneers and color combinations for the XK Convertible owner to make their car truly their own.
The seven-inch touch screen is the point of access for climate control, navigation system, Bluetooth® mobile connectivity and for Jaguar’s Portable Audio Interface, all of which come standard. The Portable Audio Interface connects your iPod® and provides for other music storage devices through a USB port, with control through the seven-inch screen.
Rather than presenting buyers with a confusion array of audio options, the Jaguar XK Convertible is standard with a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system featuring 525-watts maximum output, Dolby® ProLogic®II Surround Sound, Kevlar® midrange speakers and aluminum tweeters. The XK Convertible also offers SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio as a standard feature. HD Radio is the sole audio option.
The dual nature of exhilarating performance and classic luxury has been a Jaguar hallmark since the very beginning. In the 2012 XK Convertible, it takes its boldest step forward. Visit with us today to experience it for yourself.
