Jaguar XK facelift (2011) first official pictures

Jaguar has announced 2012 revisions to the XK coupe and convertible - chiefly concerned with bringing it into line with the XKR-S.

Changes on the XK are more subtle than the refreshed 2011 Jaguar XF, and share some elements with the range-topping XKR-S which was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva motor show.

Up front, the XK has completely new headlights. The new headlights are 15mm slimmer than the original XK units, and feature integrated LED running lights. They compliment a larger, chrome-framed oval grille with mesh insert. You can spot an XKR by its black mesh grille. Brake cooling ducts flank the oval grille.

In profile, you can see a new horizontal vent, replacing the vertically aligned vent in the pre-facelift car. The new vent bears a chrome blade engraved with 'Jaguar' script, and is designed to lend the XK a longer, lower appearance. What, you were expecting a rationalisation based on aerodynamics or engine bay cooling?

LED technology arrives for the 2012 XK's taillights. There's also a thinner chrome strip across the rear of the car, and Jaguar spotters will note the Jaguar leaper badge, appearing for the first time on the XK.

There are no major changes to the XK's interior, which was refreshed in 2009. New trim combinations and optional sports seats are the sole new features Jaguar mentions about the new XK. 

Engines and transmissions remain as before: 5.0-litre V8s in naturally aspirated or supercharged trim, coupled to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

XK and XKR models will be available in coupe or convertible guise, while the XKR-S is a coupe only. All models go on sale in the UK in September 2011.

By Mark Hamilton