Not one but two versions of the new Jaguar XK drove elegantly around the Portomaso marina to stop in front of The Bed restaurant on Friday evening shortly after they had been introduced by David Gasan, managing director of Gasan Automotive. The most advanced Jaguar ever built, the XK uses the latest technology to blend the refinement of a grand tourer with the performance and dynamics of a true sports car.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Gasan said: "The new XK truly encompasses Jaguar's spirit of building beautiful, fast cars. With its contemporary, flowing design lines and powerful engine, it is pure Jaguar".
The XK is a dramatic, beautiful 2+2 sports car with exterior styling that is taut, athletic and powerful. To achieve sports car driving dynamics, excellent driver feedback and outstanding agility, an advanced aluminium monocoque bodyshell has been created.
Equipped with the latest generation AJ-V8 4.2-litre V8 engine developing 300 bhp, the engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, providing all the speed and excitement of a manual shift with the ease of an automatic.
This transmission gives a choice of Drive, Sport Automatic and Manual modes. For maximum driver involvement, one-touch paddles mounted behind the steering wheel can be used to control gear changes manually.
"The XK is sporting luxury defined. The synthesis of exhilarating performance, comfort and refinement, whether one opts for the coupé or the convertible," Mr Gasan concluded.
The new XK is available from the Gasan Automotive Centre in Mriehel.