Only had the 2007 XK8 for a month now, amazing feeling when driving, but I have to ask;
When driving at speed, the steering feels light - almost skittish? Admittedly the wheel rims have had a few knocks from the previous owner which I will get repaired and the tyres have seen better days, but it feels that it should be heavier. Is this because it's a rear wheel drive? This is my 1st performance rear wheel drive car.

On another note: I've lost a clip that sits in the rear seats at the top, there's 2 of them and they pop out way too easy, does anyone know what this part is as I will have to find another.

Thanks Tristan

 

2007 is not an XK8, just XK, unless you have the supercharged engine. Then it'd be an XKR.
Anyway, if you've not driven and actual PERFORMANCE vehicle before, I can see how you'd think the steering was not heavy enough. It's a Performance vehicle, it is SUPPOSED to be light. And nimble. And quick.
If it actually feels skittish, your front alignment may be off a bit. Does it wander with your hands off the wheel? Do the tires wear weird? If none of those, it's probably the way it is supposed to be, you're just not used to very-well-engineered vehicles.

 

There is a TopGear episode on YouTube where Jeremy Clarkson explains that the front end gets light due to the rear spoiler.

Can you post a picture of what you are referring to, can't visualize it from your description.

 

Thanks for the replies, Ha my bad I meant XK, but I have had a few "fast cars" all being front wheel drive, I will have a look at the top gear review. As to wheels, they do not pull to any side when braking and seem balanced. As before though I will get them seen too as they are scuffed pretty bad, I'll post some pics later and the bit the I have lost on the rear seat.

 

These are the inserts missing.
Thanks

 

Very strange, my 07 XK convertible does not have those cutouts. Must be for some option I'm not aware of.

 

This the Top Gear episode, although I've seen better copies of it, this just happens to be the one I could find at the moment:

 

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

Cant speak for a vert, but my '07 coupe remains quite comfortable at 130. Amazing how the car will just glide at this speed, and feedback remains spot on. A good alignment and quality tires is your first area to look at.

Welcome BTW!

 

FYI-
Here's a better version of the full episode (Series 8, Episode 2), the XK segment starts at 29:40, and the light frontend story starts at 34:15.

 

Here's my 2007 XK convertible tonneau cover (no cutouts):

 

I believe they are for the child restraint system . Maybe the previous owner had some kid seats in the back and lost the covers.

 

JT, I immediately thought those cutouts were for child seats also but if that is the case, why doesn't KJ's car have them (mine doesn't have them either). Splud, as a matter of priority, I would get a four wheel alignment on your new car as soon as possible. If you believe the handling is skittish, the alignment is likely the culprit and will waste any new tires you put on.

 

Regarding the cutouts on the tonneau cover; I'm onmy third XK/XKR vert and have never seen those kind of cutouts before. Admittedly none of my verts was an 07, however, if there is a dealer convenient I would check with him/her unless somebody on the forum comes up with an answer.

 

Page 55 from the manual. Granted it's for 2010+, but maybe still pertinent.

 

My wife is taking the car down to Perth today to get the wheels look at for repair. But thanks for the help guys, shame about the child restraints option as the clips that cover them pop out very easy, I think once I order replacements I might put a dab of glue on them to stop them from falling out. I'll let you know how it feels once I get the wheels repaired and new tyres put on!

 

Wow, two different tonneau covers, just for something I didn't think was an option (child restraints), I thought it was standard. Good thing I don't have a toddler, or I'd be looking for something I don't have, and just imagine how much it would cost to add it to my 07 now from a dealer.

 

Thanks,
Never knew I had them in my '07 Coupe!
I thought WA was Washington but we don't have a Perth; so must be Western Australia !!
Now I understand your problems! light steering and clips that fall out is because you guys are upside down!!

Hope this helps.............

Adrian, WA

 

Is the under tray cover attached in the front of the car?

I would start from the tires and move forward... Tires and wheels, alignment (make sure it is road force balanced, bushings, shocks.... All those are check, then maybe the dealer or someone else who has an XK to compare. Could be you are feeling it the way it is. There is some lift at high speed on the XK if memory serves correct.

 

That would be why I have child restraints fitted! So nothing fall's out!