2012 Jaguar XK
2012 Jaguar XK
2012 Jaguar XK
Despite putting the engine through its paces on the track, Jaguar has chosen to monitor sales of the new 5.0-litre V8-powered XK before deciding whether to put the XK D into production.
A decision is now unlikely before the end of 2009, so the XK D wouldn't go on sale until at least 2011.
Jaguar is concerned that the XK D might scavenge sales from the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 XK, on which it can make a greater profit.A sales analysis of the BMW 6-series supports these worries. Sales of the twin-turbo 635d have displaced those of the 630i and 650i.
A Jaguar XK D would be a potent tool. Powered by the highest-output version of Jaguar’s new twin-turbodiesel, which develops 442lb ft, it could match the XF 3.0D’s 0-60mph in 5.9sec, 50-70mph in 3.2sec and 42mpg combined economy.
That would put the Jaguar XK D close to the new 5.0-litre V8 XK’s 0-60mph in 5.2sec and 50-70mph in 2.5sec, themselves impressive figures, since they match those of the outgoing XKR.
Another possibility is for the diesel to be held in abeyance until an all-new XK arrives in 2014 or 2015.That car could grow in size to become a full four-seater like the Maserati Gran Turismo, leaving space for the Boxster-chasing front-engined XE two-seater.