Review of the new Jaguar XK60

Jaguar is a marque that trades on its heritage and it was never about to let the 60th anniversary of its XK brand pass without some kind of special commemoration. The XK name was coined back in 1948 when the XK engine made its debut in the XK120 sports car. Today, the XK torch has been passed to the modern XK coupe and convertible models, cars which are both now offered in commemorative special edition XK60 form.

Jaguar is keen to stress that its although a whole lot has changed across those 60 years since the XK's inception, the brand's own commitment to producing beautiful, fast cars has remained unaltered. The current XK would certainly fall into both categories with its gorgeous flowing lines and 294bhp 4.2-litre V8 engine. The XK60 edition sets out to enhance the look and feel of the stock XK platform with a range of additions but it also enhances the all-important value proposition by selling at the same list price as the standard car.

So, what exactly does the XK60 offer? The most immediately striking addition is that of the monster 20" Setna alloy wheels. Together with their corresponding low profile tyres, they really add purpose to the XK's elegant appearance. Those who've put time in pouring over the XK in the metal or in the pages of a magazine will also spot the XK60's special front spoiler and its revised rear valance which make its stance more aggressive still. The side vents are finished in chrome too and the grille mesh also gets the chrome treatment. Special tail pipe finishers and XK60 badges complete the exterior look. The interior of the XK60 also gets its fair share of upgrades. There's an alloy gearknob and gear selector gate to further underline that this isn't your ordinary XK.

Elsewhere, this is your ordinary XK but there's very little that's ordinary about it. If you were to design a template for how a grand touring coupe or convertible should drive, there are a few givens. You'd need a very stiff, modern chassis that allowed the suspension to do its work. You'd also want a modern, powerful engine, great steering and a quick-witted automatic gearbox. Check all of those for the Jaguar XK.

The XK coupe's 4.2-litre V8 is good for 294bhp and will wallop the car to 60mph in just 5.9s and on to a top speed of 155mph. Go for the slightly heaver convertible model and 60mph arrives in 6.6s but the top speed is unchanged. Slipping the gear lever into manual mode is the key to getting the best out of the XK's performance and while the Jaguar never feels resolutely sporty, the chassis is supremely talented should you really lean on it.

"Even with all the historical stuff elbowed to one side, the XK60 is an extremely desirable car in its own right."

Whereas the old XK8 was undeniably elegant, it couldn't really claim to be especially dynamic in appearance. The long front and rear overhangs compromised cabin space and dated the design a little. Today's car keeps the same basic premise, but tones up the whole look significantly. Designer Ian Callum had a tough task on his hands. He couldn't afford to alienate existing Jaguar customers with a gratuitously radical design, but by the same token, he needed to strive to avoid becoming hidebound by Jaguar's heritage. There are classic cues in the XK's styling if you know where to look for them. That oval front grille and the way the rear cabin tapers in over the haunches is classic E-Type. Even the front badge is a nod to this illustrious sports coupe. What Callum achieved is a tautness to the bodywork that marks a new direction for Jaguar and is one built upon by the XF saloon. The car looks sinewy and muscular, the sheet metal stretched over something seriously purposeful.

There's also a welcome injection of practicality to the XK. Whereas the XK8 was astonishing in having such a huge 'footprint' but such a tiny passenger compartment, the XK is a more spacious car altogether. The high hipline remains, but Jaguar has worked at making the interior feel a good deal airier, with a low scuttle and clever use of colour combinations. The wheelbase has increased by 162mm, and rear occupants will notice the difference immediately. Up front, there's way more room around the pedal box and beneath the steering wheel. Gone is the rather mean boot of the XK8 - unforgivable in a car with Grand Touring pretensions - and in its place is a more versatile hatchback arrangement with 330 litres of space. Extensive use of aluminium means that the XK's weight is refreshingly low. Even the convertible tips the scales at just 1,635kg, nothing compared to a 1900kg BMW 650Ci Convertible. The hood does its stuff in a fraction less than 18 seconds, stowing neatly beneath an aluminium tonneau, so you should be able to go from open to closed or vice versa in the time it takes for a set of traffic lights to change.

Through its 60 year history, the Jaguar cars that have carried the famous XK badge have changed beyond all recognition but the marque's philosophy has remained set in stone. The latest XK is reassuringly high tech in virtually every regard but its designers were as committed to making a car that goes fast and looks good as their counterparts who developed the XK120 in 1948. Even with all the historical stuff elbowed to one side, the XK60 is an extremely desirable car in its own right with its considerable haul of styling accessories offered at that same price as the standard XK models. The 60th Anniversary of the XK was always going to need celebrating and there was never any doubt that Jaguar would do it in style.