Jaguar is preparing one last-ditch facelift for the XK – to keep Jag’s range-topping coupe and convertible going until a pair of new sports cars arrive in 2013-14.
Our new spyshots of the 2012 Jaguar XK reveal a disguised prototype, whose camouflage masks subtle changes front and rear. We hear a refreshed interior is fitted to this car, judging by the internal camo hiding the dashboard.
Jaguar XK’s 2012 facelift: the new spy photos
These new scoop pictures, grabbed near Jaguar’s Midlands test facilities, reveal a cosmetically upgraded front and rear end.
Although shrouded in psychedelic sheeting, the new Jag XK appears to have reshaped headlights and a new front bumper moulding, with recontoured air intakes. Although it could be part of the disguise, there are two horizontal inlets built into the leading edge of the bonnet.
At the rear, we can see a subtle diffuser effect between the quad exhausts, while the new rear spoiler hasn’t been seen before. It’s not just some aftermarket special: the third brake light is integrated into the small rear wing.
Jag XK facelift: what else is new?
Jaguar refreshed the XK range in 2009, when it introduced the new 5.0-litre V8 engines and a raft of minor cosmetic changes, including the XF’s pop-up rotary gear selector.
Those engines remain state-of-the-art so we don’t expect much change under the bonnet. Jaguar could decide to launch the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel – we’ve already scooped diesel Jag XKs. And if the business plan demands higher volumes, a 3.0-litre petrol engine could be dropped in too.
The pepped-up 2012 Jag XK will keep the range-topper going until the launch of the new model in 2013-14.
It will be launched around the same time as the new Boxster-bashing XE, a cut-price V6 sports car which will allow the next XK, codenamed X151, to move up in position. Click here for our full scoop on the Jag XE.