With the current XK now in its 9th year and with a replacemented expect in 2006, the presentation of a new Jaguar concept coupe raises speculation about what will the new XK look like. Previous Jaguar concepts, the XK180, F-type, R-Coupe, RD6 have been really just teasers and PR tools. but the Advanced Lightweigth Coupe, unveiled at the North American Autoshow in Detroit, maybe more than just a teaser and could indeed be a hint of what to expect next year.

At first glance the link to the XK is clear with an oval bonnet opening, bulge in the center, well pronounced haunches, and nice flowing lines. Details mark a definite departure with oversized pointy headlights and tailights and an overall more agressive stance. The front end is much higher, maybe in complicance to upcoming european pedestrian protection regulation, loosing some of its elegance. The rear end is also more agressive with the four exhaust tip brought together in the center and, something new for Jaguar, a hatchback.

The interior is all high tech with no wood but instead plenty of aluminum trim and leather, a large screen on the center console and what seems to look like a big control knob. Let's hope Jaguar doesn't try to follow BMW I-disaster technology replacing traditional buttons by some techno geek pride toy. Little was anounced about the drivetrain, except sub 5 second 0-60 time and 180mph top speed.

Very little is known about the new generation XK8 / XKR since the project is kept under wrap at this stage so we can only speculate about any styling element of the ALC finding their way in the new XK. Jaguar has made it clear that the new XK will be using the same alloy technology introduced with the new XJ so this is one known common element. The new concept is a 2+2 Coupe whereas the XK has always been either a coupe or a convertible unless Jaguar top brass really decides to pull all stops to regain the ground lost to Mercedes and opts for a retractable hard top. Overall this new concept is much closer to the current XK than the 2001 R Coupe Concept with its hate it or love it vertical grille.

Performance wise, Jaguar needs to back up the "art of Performance" claim by offering significant performance gains. The concept is presented with "just under 5sec 0-60" performance claim which will not cut it with so many cars reaching this level of performance, often for much less money... think Corvette. Jaguar's main competitors, BMW and Mercedes, have raised the performance bar and the new XK will have to offer a significant step up...

In addition to the concept, Jaguar unveiled an XK Victory limited edition model at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Available in Coupe or Convertible, this Xk8 or XKR is a celebration of Jaguar's fourth Trans Am championships with special finishing touches including carbon fiber trim on XKRs, checkered flag badging and special wheels.

click here for the complete Jaguar Cars Press Release

or view an all new video clip of the ALC in action! (new 4/15/05)

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