50 years of Jaguar forage harvesters
Anyone with a little grey hair, or in my case, very little hair, will remember the early 1970s, when they likely saw their first self-propelled forage harvester.
JAGUAR'S COUPE, the XK, has a higher luxury specification for 2012 and includes a new top-of-the-range XKR-S with performance described as "formidable" for a Grand Tourer coupe and convertible.
In Portfolio specification the XKR-S has new soft-grain leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, a suede headlining and an 8-speaker Bowers and Wilkins 525 watts sound system as standard.
The latest XK, in all its derivations, is recognisable by its thinner Xenon headlights and LED running lights and turn signals. There is a larger grille and new front bumper.
There are five new paints in the 17 colour range and the choice of 11 different alloy wheels from 19 to 20 inches diameter.
The Portfolio coupe and convertible models are available for $175,000 and $190,000 respectively. Apart from the new features detailed above, these have adaptive dynamic suspension, sequential shift with steering column paddles for the 6-speed automatic transmission behind the 283 kWs five litre V8.
The XKR comes with a supercharged version of the V8 motor producing 375kW and 625Nm torque. Added features include an active differential, 'R' performance brakes, quad tail pipes and the 'R' exterior. These will sell for $195,000 and $210,000 for coupe and convertible respectively.
The range topping XKR-S has been awarded '2011 Sports Car of the Year' by the respected German motoring magazine, Auto Bild Sportscars, following a poll of 70,000 readers.
Its 5L supercharged V8 engine produces 412kW and 680Nm, giving it 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds. Top speed is 300km/h.
The cars have aluminium body shells for better economy, agility and performance.
