Xk8

[jimdc58]

What is the story of the XK8? I know that the X-type and the S-type are basically Ford products? Is the XK8 (and XKR) based on a Ford, or was it designed prior to the Ford takeover?

They are really beautiful cars and reasonably priced. How are they on reliability?

[cvetters63]

They were not based on any Ford product.

The Jaguar XK8 (project code X100) is a grand tourer launched by Jaguar Cars in 1996, and was the first generation of a new XK series. The XK8 was available in two-door coupé or two-door convertible body styles with the new 4.0-litre Jaguar AJ-V8 engine. In 1998, the XKR was introduced with a supercharged version of the engine. In 2003, the engines were replaced by the new 4.2-litre AJ34 engines in both the normally aspirated and supercharged variations. The first-generation of the XK series shares its XJS-derived platform[3] with the Aston Martin DB7, with both cars tracing their history back to an abandoned Jaguar development study in the mid-1980s known as XJ41/XJ42, which had been mooted to be known as the F-Type.[4]

One of the revisions is the use of the second generation of Jaguar's independent rear suspension unit, taken from the Jaguar XJ (XJ40). Development began in 1992, with design work starting earlier in late 1991. By October 1992 a design was chosen and later frozen for production in 1993. Prototypes were built from December 1993 after the X100 was given formal approval and design patents were filed in June 1994. Development concluded in 1996, with the car being unveiled in March of that year and going on sale from October 1996

The cars are fairly reliable, though the convertibles have problems with the high pressure hydraulic hoses that can split and cause leaks above the rearview mirror/center console (there is a kit to replace those with vastly stronger units to prevent what Jag owners call the "green death.") The AJ V8 is a pretty robust unit, with the later 4.2 liter version being the better choice (the early 4.0 versions had a similar problem with their nikasil V8s as the BMWs of the same era in that they pitted easily with our high sulfur fuel of the day. Any that are still running now, however are going to be fine as we no longer have high sulfur fuel). the 4.2s also got a better 6 speed ZF trans.

My choice in the range is the later 4.2 liter supercharged XKR. I've seen them go to high mileage with no mechanical issues. The nice thing is that they are still of the era that makes them relatively easy to DIY repairs on.