Jaguar XK 180
The Jaguar XK 180 was a concept car created by the British car manufacturer Jaguar Cars to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the XK car and to show the world the skills of Jaguar stylists, craftsmen and engineers. It was presented at Paris Motor Show in 1999.
Specifications
It had a 4.0 litre supercharged V8 engine with four valves per cylinder, developing 450 bhp and 445 Ft-Lbs (605Nm) of torque. Its transmission was a five-speed automatic gearbox with rear wheel drive. Seating capacity was two. The top speed was 180 mph (290kmh) and the time to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h was 4.5 seconds. It was capable of covering a 1/4 mile (400m) in 13.5 seconds at 106 mph (170kmh).
Handling
The handling pack used in this car was Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) which was also used on the Jaguar XK-R. These enhancements include revised electronic control unit settings and revised damper settings for taut, dynamic handling as well as uprated springs and anti-roll bars for increased roll stiffness. The pack also includes a retuned variable ratio, speed-sensitive steering system.
The XK180 suspension is based on that of the XKR, with racing-style aluminum shock absorbers incorporated in the coil spring/damper units. The suspension was developed with assistance from ride and handling experts at Jaguar’s Engineering Centre in Whitley.
Brakes
Brakes were Brembo,14.001 in | 355.6 mm in the front and 12.001 in | 304.8 mm in the rear.
Wheels and tires
The wheels of the car were made by BBS, fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres, 265/35 ZR2O P Zero Direzionale at the front and 285/30 ZR2O P Zero Asimmetrico at the rear. The rims were nine inches wide x 20 inches in diameter (front) and 10 inches wide x 20 inches in diameter (rear). The first car built in 1998, was fitted with BBS Paris wheels, while the second (LHD, 1999) car had the Detroit BBS wheels.
Replica
There are some companies that offer to convert regular Jaguar XJS/XK8/XKR cars to replicas of the XK180. There is only one that builds these cars to original specifications and out of aluminium based on the Jaguar XKR, Jaguar used back in 1998. The donor car will be completely overhauled as well as is the engine, gear box and drive line. The company is based in The Netherlands.
