Jaguar XK

XK boxing clever in Brit sports car boom

Meet the most futuristic transmission set-up in the world...

Auto Express Car Reviews

Our scoop of fresh XK cabin shows dials will replace old J-Gate auto

By Chris Thorp

12th June 2007

It will appear on the facelifted version of Jaguar's XK, which engineers have been putting the finishing touches to. A new flagship R model will be powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 with nearly 500bhp. But the firm is also planning a radical reworking of the cabin, with the new-look gear-shift central to the design.

Jaguar has decided to ditch the old J-Gate-style selector in favour of this futuristic dial arrangement, which rises up automatically when the engine is switched on.

While the basic design of the gear-shifter debuted on the C-XF concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January, this is the first picture that shows how the system is likely to work.

Instead of a conventional stick, it's thought owners will be able to choose from Park, Neutral, Drive and Reverse by twisting the metal drum that comes up out of the centre console when the ignition is turned on. They can also decide between fully automatic or semi-automatic transmission modes - with the latter, gear- changes are made via paddleshifters mounted on the steering wheel.

Although there has been no official word from Jaguar, it's thought this innovative arrangement will also be offered on the new XF, which is due to debut at this autumn's Frankfurt expo. As well as its gearbox set-up, the XF is tipped to share some of the two-door's switchgear, which means customers can expect upmarket cockpits in both machines.

On the outside, the new XK is set to look similar to the existing coupé, launched in 2006. But big changes will be made to the interior, chassis and engine range. Also, the dated radio antenna - which rises automatically out of the car's rear - will make way for a system hidden in the bootlid. Other likely improvements include updated sat-nav and climate control systems. A new traction control set-up has also been developed, plus revised gearbox programming for even faster, smoother shifts.

Prices for the new car have yet to be discussed. But despite the improvements promised by the transmission, it's thought the revised XK range - due on forecourts here early in 2008 - will only show a small price rise over the current line-up.