Crafted with meticulous care in Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operation workshop at Browns Lane in Coventry, the XK180 stands as a homage to the illustrious fifty-year legacy of the XK engine and the iconic XK120 sports car.
Conceived to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the XK 120, Jaguar's XK180 concept materialized within a swift ten-month timeframe, showcasing the prowess of the company's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). Stemming from a truncated version of the supercharged XKR convertible, the XK180 boasts aluminum bodywork reminiscent of the original XK 120, exuding a distinct aura reminiscent of the 1950s' Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-type.
Under the hood, the engine underwent a substantial upgrade, elevating its output from 227 kW (304 hp) to an impressive 337 kW (452 hp). Brakes, wheels, and suspension were correspondingly enhanced to accommodate the heightened performance potential. A 10% boost in supercharger speed, coupled with modifications to the V8 engine's intercooler, induction, and exhaust systems, contributed to the car's formidable power.
Noteworthy features include an innovative fingertip sequential gear selection system controlled via steering-wheel-mounted buttons, a bespoke rear light cluster designed by Valeo incorporating 24 light-emitting diodes, and a more compact stature with a 345 mm (13.6 in.) reduction in length and a 125 mm (4.92 in.) shorter wheelbase compared to the XKR.
Inside, the XK180 sports racing seats with a full harness, adorned with luxurious Connolly leather trim. The dashboard exudes elegance with its machine-turned aluminum finish, adorned with switches reminiscent of 1950s' Le Mans Jaguars. The interior's meticulous design involved four weeks of planning and two weeks to create molds for the panels, all expertly assembled by Abbey Panels of Coventry, renowned for their work on D-type bodies and other Jaguar masterpieces.
The car's suspension draws inspiration from the XKR, incorporating racing-style aluminum shock absorbers with coil spring/damper units. A high-performance Brembo braking system takes center stage, featuring four-pot calipers complemented by cross-drilled, ventilated front-disc brakes measuring 355 x 32 mm (14.0 x 1.3 in.) and a similar design with dimensions of 315 x 28 mm (12.4 x 1.1 in.) at the rear. Massive wheels, equipped with Pirelli tires (255/35ZR20 P Zero Direzionale at the front and 285/30ZR20 P Zero Asimmetrico at the rear), complete the XK180's impressive profile.
Source: www.tokyo-motorshow.com; www.sae.org
Images Source: Jaguar
