If Jaguar were redesigning the 4.2 XK Today what suggestions would you like to make?
 

Saw a similar thread in the X350 Forum and found it an interesting read.

2007 -2009 4.2 Liter only, N/A or SC - XK or XKR.

I'll start with an easy ones:

LSD
Transmission Dipstick
Room for golf clubs (fold down rear seat)
Improved surround Sound System with BT integration
Open Source coded Head Units to allow tech changes
No soft buttons on screen - knobs and buttons only
Voice command
Rear Camera
Dash Camera

Improved handling and steering feel. Better brakes. Make is drive more like a Lotus or Aston.

Coupe:
Rear windows operable
Panoramic roof
500hp to rear wheels
Wider tires in rear
Everybody gets wood wheel
MORE burl wood

Indeed

6.8 liter instead of 4.2
Huge Whipple huffer
Option for a manual 8-speed
Option for a double-clutch auto
Six-inch wider rear tires, all offsets made proper
AWD option
Amazing audio
Much-improved info screen
Backup camera
Steve's convertible controller as standard
Sharper, pointier and less goofy headlights

Aw, heck with it............. make a slightly better Aston Martin Vanquish for $100,000 less than the AM already is.

I would be happy if they just designed it as a coupe and modified the chassis for the vert versus doing it the opposite as they did. Damn nuisance not being able to lay the front seat back on a coupe because the not needed convertible roof frame mounts are in the way.

Add LED lighting to include changeable color ambient lighting and a more up to date infotainment center with up loadable back grounds etc.

LSD non electronic rear: Open doesn't work, electronic hasn't had good results either.

Less intrusive warning system: Too easy to trip without any understanding what's going on.

Better cold weather window controls: Frozen glass is hard on the seals...

Less plastic crap in the cooling system or at least plastic crap that is compatible with all coolant types.

J-Gate Bezel Should Have Been Stainless Steel
 

That's already been done with the Alcon Performance Brake Package, standard equipment on 2008 XKR Portfolio models and a $5,000 option on 2009 XKR Portfolios. Not available for the 5.0L models.

Alcon Brakes versus Jaguar Performance Brakes

P.S. I'd revise the chrome-plated bezel around the J-gate shifter and manufacture it from stainless steel. The OEM bezel wears too quickly and that chrome plating gets sharp and peels off. Very poor OEM design.

Satellite Navigation

Mine is much improved after updating with the Volvo nav disk.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-191140/page8/

.................. except for lack of the British Chick.

Not a fan of the look of the Alcon's; I am sure they fine. I'd love to see the R models with AP Racing set up as standard. Maserati has nicer looking brakes on an entry Ghibli than the XKR as standard.

Another thing I'd like to see changed is the transmission mapping. Maserati and Alfa make the same transmission more engaging and fun to drive.

In one word!
GAGES !!!

Better yes, current no

plus front camera for those parking curbs , and better electrics.

Or additional front parking sensors in the splitter.

Auto open and closing of the rear hatch on the coupe. Fold down rear seat or at least a pass through. Back up camera.

This:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...c2dfb1e9aa.jpg

I'd suggest putting in more of the Jaguar's super secret Jaguar depreciation devices, then I'd own more than one.

Jokes aside:

3.5MM audio input.

Limited Slip differential.

More comfortable steering wheel.

Better human interface of dash/center console.

More aesthetically pleasing side reflector in the head light housing.

Fundamentally, most changes beyond this would cause it to lose its character, at that point just pick out another car.

I will give a small nod to sound system improvement, but frankly if it had been important to me I'd of bought a new four door sedan.

This might change your mind:

"ADVANTAGE! ALCON CRESCENT GROOVED ROTORS

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...652073540c.jpg

Grooves in the surface of a brake disc for high performance vehicles perform three basic functions:

1) Increases initial friction between the disc and pads, producing more ‘bite’. 2) Continuously refreshes the brake pad surface by removing debris from the pad. 3) Prevents build up of gas from the phenolics within the pads

Traditionally, arrays of long, straight or curved grooves are staggered around the disc surface. Heat generated during braking leads to thermal distortion of the disc due to the discontinuous friction rubbing surface produced by the grooves, causing reduced pad contact and in some cases brake judder. As a result of dividing the grooves into short segments, the continuous disc surface area is maintained, helping to reduce thermal distortion and hence brake judder.

The curved form of each groove produces a longer edge than would otherwise be achieved if the grooves were straight. Also the grooves overlap radially, which prevents grooving of the friction material.

When compared with a disc with plain faces, a grooved disc will produce greater pad wear and will also be noisier.

When compared with a cross-drilled disc, initial bite will be similar without the thermal stress associated with a drilled disc. Noise will be of a similar level."
___________________________

And the 6-piston R logo front/4 piston rear calipers are awesome!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...60ed528158.png

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...a90dd4457a.jpg

FYI you can activate Jaguar Voice & install an OEM rear camera with a bit of effort on your car.