Last month we heard that Jaguar’s XK would be dropped from the market as early as this summer, due to arrival of the sportier F-Type on the scene. At the 2014 New York Auto Show last week, Jaguar confirmed the news and revealed a special edition model to help send the XK off into the sunset.
That special edition is the 2015 Jaguar XK Final Fifty, produced exclusively for the U.S. market. As its name suggests, only 50 examples will be offered, just like the final 50-car run of the E-Type back in 1974. All 50 examples of the new XK Final Fifty will be based on the 510-horsepower XKR, divided equally among the coupe and convertible bodystyles, and all of them will be painted Ultimate Black.
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On the outside, the cars get the louvered hood from the high-performance XKR-S GT, while inside, all the standard XKR luxury is present and is joined by a special badge on the center console and an inscribed doorsill treadplate.
Performance upgrades are also included in the XK Final Fifty edition, as the cars come with both the Dynamic Pack and Performance Pack designed for the XKR. These upgrades borrow elements from the XKR-S and include sportier suspension, some new aero pieces and an increase in top speed from the standard 155-mph setting to 174 mph. The packs also add 20-inch forged wheels.
No changes are made to the car’s engine, which remains a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 rated at 510 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. This enables 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.6 seconds, and the aforementioned 174-mph top speed. A six-speed automatic is standard.
Deliveries of the 2015 Jaguar XK Final Fifty edition will begin in early fall. XK fans shouldn’t be too saddened by the car’s exit from the market. A successor is planned, though it is likely to evolve into a larger grand tourer aimed at the likes of the Bentley Continental GT, Maserati GranTurismo and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.
For more from the 2014 New York Auto Show, head to our dedicated hub.
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