Hi guys. My build sheet (2007 XK Base) has listed "Supersport Suspension". My sales data lists the same as "Supersport CATS suspension". Apparently one in the same. In searching both the workshop manual and Chassis training guide, there is no reference to "Sport" or "Supersport" suspension.

I assume it to mean the dampers themselves but could be off. I've read several threads where it appears you XKR (07-09) owners have a stiffer shock.

Can anyone clarify the nomenclature for me please? I would prefer a standard damper. Don't know if I have one. Don't know how to discern the difference between the XKR damper and the XK Damper (no part number visible with the shock in situ and I don't know if the term is relevant to anything other than marketing terminology.

Thanks

 

Some early XKs in some geographies came without CATS (no wire from the top of the shocks). The others at this time were probably labelled "Supersport". Yours sounds like it is the usual CATS version. Now iirc, the 4.2 XK and XKR had different shocks, even though both are electronic. Check carefully.

 

I believe that the ‘sport’ version of dampers (Bilstein?) are green and electronically controlled for a stiffer ride once car is in sports mode.

 

Close...

sorry, upload is taking longer from down under :-b.
Can't seem to upload the technical training chasis systems guide... sorry.

 

Thank you but I don't think that's it. My shocks are black and as far as I know sport mode only effects the shift points on the transmission.

 

Hey Sean, on the 07-09’s, the XK shocks are black (which you have), and the XKR shocks are green.
I replaced my front 07 XK shocks with those for a 10-11 XK (also black), but not a wise choice, as they work differently (variable rate vs the on/off rate in our cars). (It was worth a try for the ebay price.)

 

Have a look at the top of the shocks in the engine bay. If a wire comes out of them, they are the electronic types. They stiffen when needed. Earlier in dynamic mode:

"The damper functions by restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid through
internal galleries in the damper piston, providing damping of undulations
in the road surface. The CATS damper has a solenoid operated valve which
further restricts the flow of hydraulic fluid, providing a stiffer damping
characteristic for the damper and improving vehicle handling. The solenoid
is computer controlled and can switch between soft and hard damping
settings depending on driving style and vehicle speed."

This is very probably what is fitted to your car.

 

I've waded through the original giant sales brochure and Nigel Thorley's you and your Jaguar XK/XKR and Jaguar - ALL THE CARS but there is no mention of this suspension alternative. I agree it is more likely an upgrade by the Sales Department than the Engineering Department!

XK/XKR 4.2 road Springs are limited to a single type for each of N/A and S/C models in JEPC although there is then an extensive listing of damper options. The S/C are specific but the N/A fitment depends on standard or adaptive control damping. The fronts on the XK 5.0 are listed as green or purple but no explanation of the difference except the green costs around 10% more. As expected, XKR and XKR-S have specific dampers.

Graham

 

As KJ said xk run black dampers and xkr use the green.

​​​​​​In terms of the suspension the xk is the most comfortable however very very floaty, xkr have more of a sporty feel quite firm then lastly xkr-s even furthermore firmer .

All models (xk/r/r-s) have their own seperate dampers and spring rate . Xkrs use progressive springs from eibach.

To date I've never ever see a factory issue xk150 without the CATS system I don't think it actually exist (please prove me wrong)

 

Never seen one either but the service manual talks of both systems and I have seen a personalized mini-broschure that listed CATS as a selected option. Non-CATS delivery seems to have been possible. Maybe few took it up before it became standard everywhere.

 

Thanks guys. Yes I have CATS and that was never in question, just the terminology around the added wording "Supersport Suspension". I'm just chalking it up to marketing as I have the most basic of basic 07 models with no options added @ original purchase.

Thanks again

 

CATS was a £995 option on the XK for the first year. It isn't listed as an option after that so possibly became standard when the XKR was introduced.

 

Ahh ok. I don't have the original sticker but 07 was year one here in the US and since I have CATS, that makes sense. Thank you!

 

Mine is a 2006 with CATS but no way it's supersporty!:-D
Are the XKR dampers 07-09 the same but firmer? Might consider them when time to change although mine has only done 53000km so it'll be a while I think.:-)

 

That's correct Peter

They Simply bolt straight up with no need to re-config the cats module , however as I warn everyone first please plug in your new shocks to see if they are actually working (CATS icon with come up on dash if one of your shocks is faulty) a few of the guys have bolted up their new shocks only to find at the end of the job they are indeed faulty .

 

Found a mention of Supersport CATS Suspension in my 2007 MY XK 4.2 Direct Dealer Warranty specification:





Vehicle was an early example which came off the line in November 2006 but not registered until 2007.

The same vehicle specification when viewed in TOPIx lists the suspension as SUPERSPORT SUSPENSION so the terms are clearly interchangeable as far as the factory is concerned.




Graham