We've sort of been torn with regards to the look of the latest generation Jaguar XK. On the one hand, those big eyes make it look like a surprised child ("We got bought by Tata, WHAT?). On the other hand, there are some fine lines that pop better in person (for more on that check out our review of the 2009 Jaguar XKR). Though not a massive change, this mid-cycle refresh caught by the KGP crew shows some obvious changes including a new front bumper with air-inlets just below the headlights and revised taillights. Other than the rumored XK diesel, there shouldn't be any major powertrain changes. With the company now under Indian ownership we'll be interested to see what they do with the company's performance flagship. Spy report below the jump.
Spy Report Our U.K. operative has just snapped our first look at the mid-cycle facelift for the Jag XK—in both XK8 and XKR trim. Visual changes consist of new front bumpers with new outer air-inlets below the headlights. Judging from the surface development that appears to differ on the prototypes, the XK8 and XKR variants will get unique styling touches. New tail-lights are also in the works, with a greater percentage of red-lens and clear signs that LEDs will be be employed. The rear bumpers on both prototypes also show signs of a redesign.
When the XK first bowed, it was saddled with a clunky power-retractable antenna; a quick-fix for 2008 saw the antenna integrated into the rear spoiler. These new prototypes show that Jag is finally bringing the XK up-to-date both visually and technologically, with the addition of a proper shark-fin antenna applied to the deck lid.
No serious engine upgrades are expected, but Jaguar will be applying the XF's Jaguar Drive transmission interface to the XK, thus modernizing and streamlining the Jaguar lineup. We expect that the interior changes necessary for this will inspire some visual and material upgrades to the XK's interior.
We expect to see the facelifted XKs to bow officially later this year, although a Geneva debut in the Spring could also be a possibility.