Jaguar XK180 Concept
Jaguar North America has taken its XK180 roadster concept to a whole new level, introducing the second edition of the vehicle at the 1998 North American International Auto Show. This prototype was lovingly hand-built by the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team at Browns Lane in Coventry, England. The upgraded version features left-hand-drive, a new wheel design, a changed color palette, and various feature line modifications.
"The XK180 roadster concept is proof of the impressive amount of talent, creativity, and enthusiasm that pumps through Jaguar today," said Michael H. Dale, President of Jaguar North America. "It is clear that these qualities will continue to propel the brand forward."
The concept was designed to honor the 50th anniversary of the XK series sports cars. Drawing inspiration from some of Jaguar's most successful vehicles ever made, the XK180 strives to match the sky-high performance standards set by its predecessor, the XK120, which achieved a maximum speed of 126.448 mph in Jabbeke, Belgium.
The XK180 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled AJ-V8 engine with a 450-horsepower output, and its five-speed automatic transmission features selector buttons located on the steering wheel. Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers and cross-drilled ventilated rotors provide superior stopping power, and 20-inch diameter wheels fitted with Pirelli Pzero tires ensure a strong grip on the road.
The body panels used to craft the XK180 were conformed at Abbey Panels in Coventry, based on Keith Helfet's Senior Designer sketches from the Jaguar Styling Department. The chassis was shortened by five inches in the making of this model.
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