2004 Jaguar XJ Series - Reviews - Buying Guide
2004 Jaguar XJ Series Buying Resources:
2004 Jaguar XJ Series Review:
Fully loaded, the XK-Series becomes the most expensive Jaguar
on the lot. And it’s well justified: the XK-Series is the
Jaguar with the sportiest package, the one what will truly
make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
By far the biggest news coming to XK-Series of coupes and
convertibles in 2004 is the introduction of the limited-edition,
XKR Portfolio model. Built exclusively for the US market,
the XKR Portfolio follows in line from previous collector
XKR series: the XKR Silverstone (2001) and XKR100 (2002).
How limited is the 2004 XKR Portfolio? Only 200 will be offered.
Two distinct exterior colors will be offered, both with a
black, power-operated convertible top. They will also be distinguished
by bold, 20-inch split-rim BBS 'Detroit' alloy wheels fitted
with high-performance 255/35ZR 20 tires at the front, 285/30ZR
20 at the rear.
Under the Hood
2003 saw the XK really take off. The complete powertrain
was revised from the rear axle forwards, with new, larger-capacity,
more-powerful V8s and a state-of-the-art, six-speed automatic
transmission. In total, 900 part-number changes were made.
The result: XK8 models now use a 4.2-liter V8 engine with
294 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 303 lb-ft of torque at 4100
rpm. Significantly bettering that is the standard XKR model,
which uses a 4.2-liter supercharged V8 with a whopping 390
horsepower at 6100 rpm and 399 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm.
The XK is stiff and responsive to driver input. It has independent
front suspension with double, unequal length A-arms, coil
springs and telescopic dampers. The rear suspension uses coil
springs, independent telescopic dampers and an unequal-length
wishbone layout with the driveshafts acting as upper links.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
XKR Portfolio models come in two colors: 100 in Jupiter Red
paint, the other 100 in Coronado Blue. Inside, they have bolstered
R Performance Recaro sports seats with color-keyed Boxmark
leather inserts in the car’s exterior color. Red or blue Boxmark
leather is also used for rear seat cushion and backrest inserts,
as well as inserts for the steering wheel, the gearshift knob,
the door panel inserts, and seat and center console piping.
If that’s not your thing, you can always settle for regular
XK models, all of which come with air conditioning with automatic
climate control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats
with power lumbar support and an Alpine AM/FM/cassette player
with 6-disc CD changer.
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