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Jaguar XK8 Cabriolet - modern incarnation of the E-Type?

Name: Jaguar XK8 Cabriolet 2000
Brand: Jaguar

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Created on November 13, 2021

Text:

Bruno von Rotz

Photos:

Daniel Reinhard

Archiv

Daniel Reinhard

Archiv

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - pleasing design, already a classic today

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - its true size is not visible at all

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - nothing disturbs the convertible line of the open-top car

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - a joy to drive and enhances every journey

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - not a small car, but just "compact" enough

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - can also be driven open-top in cool weather

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - the competitor to the R129 from Mercedes-Benz

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - the convertible was almost 250 km/h fast back then, but then closed

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Jaguar E-Types Series 2 (1970) and Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - there are definitely similarities in the design comparison

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Jaguar E-Type Series 2 (1970) and Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - the design parallels are less visible from the rear

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Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series 2 Convertible (1970) and Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - the XK8 has grown significantly in spirit compared to its predecessor

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - looks sporty from every perspective

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - with the classic Jaguar radiator grille reminiscent of the E-Type

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - with a wide mouth

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - elegantly curved silhouette

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - lots of leather and burl wood in the interior

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - Center console, the selector lever of the automatic transmission is within easy reach

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - always with five-speed automatic transmission

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - Additional instruments in the center

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - electric windows and exterior mirror adjustment

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - seats upholstered in leather

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - with wind deflector

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - Chassis badge

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - V8 engine with a displacement of almost four liters

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - if it says Jaguar on it, it's Jaguar inside

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - Jaguar sign on the nose

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - all clear? Jaguar, four liters displacement - trademark with tradition

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - everything under one glass - the front lights

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - the 17-inch wheels provided a more comfortable ride than the 18-inch wheels that were also available

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - rounded door openers

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - the Jaguar is also on the gas cap

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - with high-mounted third brake light

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - rounded tail lights

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - Type lettering on the rear

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Jaguar XK8 (1996) - Advertising - Catch the cat ...

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Jaguar XK8 (1996) - Advertising - ... and open your mind

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Jaguar XK8 (1997) - with a length of 4.76 meters quite large

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - Luxury convertible for all days

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - get in, drive off and enjoy

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - sits on big wheels

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Jaguar XK8 Convertible (2000) - flowing lines, the silhouette is definitely reminiscent of the E-Type

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Summary

Classically elegant lines, a modern V8 engine, lots of operating luxury and fine materials - the Jaguar XK8 was intended to compete with the luxury tourers from Mercedes-Benz and BMW as a true Brit. It succeeded, and even over 20 years later, the enthusiasm for the beautifully designed Jaguar at the time is easy to understand. This driving report tells the story of the XK8 Convertible and shows it in many pictures.

This article contains the following chapters

Surprise at the Geneva Motor Show
In the footsteps of the E-Type
Modern and almost completely new
Convertible preferred
Better than the SL and DB7
Luxury problems
Built for nine years
Distances and differences
Good value

Estimated reading time: 8min

Preview (beginning of the article)

Exactly 35 years after the sensational presentation of the E-Type at the Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar presented the XK8 at the same venue in 1996 and was happy to refer to its famous predecessor. The fact that the XJS was built between the XKE, as the E-Type was called in the USA, and the new XK8 (in 1975) was rather swept under the carpet. In March 1996, the new Jaguar XK8 was initially unveiled as a coupé. One month later, the open-top version was unveiled in New York. The name of the car made it clear: the intention was to build on the XK120-150 and XKE predecessors. And under the hood was a brand new V8 engine.

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