Kicking it worldwide is how they do it on yon Castle Bromwich, at least when they're not shooting apples off each other's heads: First Jaguar launches its new XK coupe in Frankfurt this week, now it's unveiled the roadster version via a California-based missive. Like its hard-topped sibling, the convertible is crafted using lightweight aluminum technologies first seen on Jag's Advanced Lightweight Coupe concept, which it first showed in Geneva Detroit this year. That automotive Atkins plan has paid its dividend: The bulky convertible weighs a relatively svelte 3759lbs, despite the added structural fittings a proper ragtop must undergo these days. Also like the coupe, it gets Jag's 300hp (SAE-rated for your protection), 4.2-liter V8 engine, which means a fair amount of go, say, 6.3 seconds' worth from naught to 60. Of course, nannybot switches to the Disney Channel at 155mph, so tell all the racerchicks-who-lunch that the rough stuff is out. Spring 2006 is when the top comes off for real.

Related:
Frankfurt Premiere: 2006 Jaguar XK [internal]

Contact information for this author is not available.