Making their world debut at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2006 model year Jaguar XK 'Victory' editions celebrate Jaguar's four championship wins in the North American Trans-Am road racing series and add to a successful lineage of special and limited edition XKs introduced since its launch.
Now a familiar sight on the racetracks of North America, the mighty 650bhp racing version of XKR coupe has achieved three of four outright Manufacturer's Championship wins in the Trans-Am Series for Jaguar. For the 2004 season, the Jaguar R Performance XKR driven by Paul Gentilozzi, propelled him to his 29th career Trans-Am victory, tying the legendary Mark Donohue's career Trans-Am win record.
From the landmark XK120 sports car that first introduced the famous XK name in 1948, through the XK8 and XKR coupes and convertibles of today, the XK nameplate has become synonymous with style, luxury, performance and grand touring ability.
"The XK 'Victory' edition is not only a celebration of the XK's success in Trans-Am, but also its enduring success as one of the world's great-looking sports GT cars," stated C.J. O'Donnell, executive vice president of Marketing, Sales and Communications for Jaguar North America.
There will be a special 'Victory' edition version of each of the four XK models -- XK8 convertible, XK8 coupe, supercharged XKR convertible and supercharged XKR coupe. All models share the same sensuous lines and flowing curves that give the XK its seductive profile. Just 1,050 of the special 'Victory' edition XKs will be available in the US beginning in June 2005.
The XK8 coupe and convertible continue to be powered by the normally aspirated, 294bhp, all-aluminum AJ-V8 Jaguar engine, while the supercharged XKR derivatives again pack a potent 390 horsepower. For the XKR Trans-Am racecar, power comes from a highly tuned version of the normally aspirated 4.2-liter AJ-V8 road car engine developing a massive 650bhp.
The special XK 'Victory' edition road cars will arrive in four exclusive, limited edition exterior colors (other standard XK colors will also be available on 'Victory' models) -- Black Copper Metallic, Frost Blue Metallic, Bay Blue Metallic and Satin Silver Metallic -- with four interior colors and two distinct veneer options for the dashboard to create 18 possible combinations for the buyer to choose from. Victory editions will offer a Carbon Fiber interior package on all XKR models, as well as feature a new Elm wood veneer on all XK8 models.
The 2006 Jaguar XK 'Victory' models will benefit from several additional new features including standard Bluetooth(R) wireless connectivity. With Bluetooth, a compatible telephone may be wirelessly controlled via the XK's steering wheel controls, without ever leaving the driver's pocket or purse, for easy, hands-free use.
The XK8 models currently feature 19-inch 'Atlas' style wheels, which will now come standard with a sporty chrome finish, while the XKR models get a new unique 20-inch BBS wheel design. The XKR also gets cross-drilled Brembo(R) brake rotors, while the XK8 adds power-fold exterior mirrors.
Tying in with the racing heritage, special badging and accents will adorn the 'Victory' models in acknowledgement of the XK's racing achievements -- polished door treadplates featuring checkered flag emblems and leather-edged floor mats. The Jaguar Growler badge also features checkered flag accents on the sides of the emblem.
"We are hoping that the XK 'Victory' edition not only celebrates our success in winning the 2004 Trans-Am Championship, but also signals our intent to do the same in 2005," said Rocketsports Racing owner, Paul Gentilozzi. "The team is determined to give Jaguar its fifth Manufacturer's title."
From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in 1922, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world's premier manufacturers of luxury sedans and sports cars and with that, one of the most recognized commercial brands. The company's vision is simple: To produce beautiful fast cars that are desired the world over. The company is fully engaged in environmental programs, community work and brand awareness exercises such as motor sport.
Jaguar offers a four-model range of luxury sedans and sports cars packed with fully competitive technology and safety systems wrapped up in stylish bodies. The X-TYPE premium compact sedan is the company's first all-wheel drive model combining unmistakable Jaguar looks in an affordable, sporting package. Entry to the Jaguar range via the X-TYPE costs around $30,000.
Jaguar's mid-size luxury sedan is the S-TYPE distinguished by styling reminiscent of the original Mark 2 and S-TYPE sedans. Positioned above the X-TYPE in size and price S-TYPE ownership begins at less than $45,000. The flagship XJ sedan has been the cornerstone of the marque since 1968 and is the definitive Jaguar. The 2005 XJ is the most technologically advanced car the company has ever built, using aircraft-style aluminum construction for lightness and strength. It is also the longest and most spacious Jaguar offering a selection of long wheelbase derivatives in the range. The XJ range starts at less than $62,000. The XK series, including the XK8 and XKR coupes and convertibles are Jaguar's sports cars. They combine high performance with luxurious interiors and grand touring capability. Pricing begins at just over $70,000.
