We know that the early XK8/R have an auto transmission and a standard open differential with the basic ESP/traction control system.

Its a GT..... but I am wondering if anyone thinks it could have been a sports car if it had been designed with a manual gearbox and fitted with an LSD... my personal opinion is that they probably did the right thing. Even with a manual shift and and LSD the wheel base is too long and the V8 engine .. although aluminium would make it to front end heavy to be a sports car.

Just my opinion... any thoughts?

Smitty 👍

 

I have no doubt the XK8 design had potential for a manual transmission and LSD but the weight of the XK8 shell is probably the factor that kept it out of the sports car territory. Jaguar knew this and later built the lighter XKR-R and shorter XK180 2-Seater concepts.

The XK8 wheelbase (2588 mm / 8 feet 6 inches) is actually short compared to modern day GT cars and sports cars. The current Mustang, Corvette C7/C8, Jaguar X150, Ferrari Maranello and Aventador, are all longer wheelbase. So, I don’t believe wheelbase length was itself a determining factor. It was all about which combination of features yield the highest market volume demand - and the 2+2 GT with auto-box was rightly chosen over the 2-Seater Sport with manual.

 

Good points made... a GT it had to be.. however I still think that the standard open diff was a cost cutting exercise when previous big Jags had an LSD. Also with the big V8 in the front even Alumiium it could never be a Lotus Elise. I have not driven an F type but I have heard very good feedback about the new lighter 2 litre models handling.

 

There are people that do race XKR's although they have stripped them out to around 1300kg's and like you said fitted an LSD and a manual transmission. Although it really does require an aftermarket ECU and wiring loom. The 2.7 diesel manual transmission out of an S-Type fits the AJV8 engine with no modifications although you will want to use a gear shift selector from a BMW that uses the same gearbox. It's just a bit nicer. Maybe if my transmission ever gives up the ghost I will think about it. I would like to know how some have managed to use the original ECU though? I know they trick it into thinking it's in a gear but I don't know how you would do that? These people know what they are doing (223) Tuning Shed - YouTube

 

the most common model, the XK8 with almost 4000lbs and only 290/300hp was never gonna be a sports car even with a manual and lsd.
The XKR at 385hp is marginally better but even it is still a grand tourer and not a sports car.
Would need to be 800-1000lbs lighter with the same power ..

 

Completely agree, even with a manual and LSD it is way too heavy to be a proper Sports car. Fellow commenters have told me that stripped out R's are raced in the US. I had the back seats out to clean and colonise the leather and they weigh about the same as scatter cushions so no advantage to be gained by removing them. The front seats are very heavy with all of the stuff on them and a lot of weight can be saved with Recaro replacements. But I believe in essence the V8 even though it is Aluminium and small block 4.0L makes it nose heavy. I think it is a great GT and I think Jag did the right thing taking these things into account... but with an LSD and manual shift it could have been a great muscle car and a rival to the stick shift Mustang in the US for that market for those who wanted an similar option with British styling.
Thanks for your comment and opinion 😀👍👍
Smitty.

 

Smitty,,yeah, I have no idea what they removed to get to that weight.
The XK and Mustang never would have competed for same buyers,
1998 Ford Mustang Cobra ,305hp ,zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds ,quarter mile at 13.4 seconds.5 speed manual and approx 3300lbs weight. Price $ 36,000
1998 XKR coupe , 375hp, 0-60 5.3 sec , quarter mile at 13.3 , 5 speed auto and approx 3600lb weight Price $72,000
so while they had similar performance the 1998 XKR at the time cost twice as much.. If they added a manual and LSD back then I would imagine it would have cost even more. To be totally honest the fact that the X100/X150s are cheaper than a comparable used Mustang in same shape is reason I have three of them.
Gorgeous car but the cost when new never matched their performance. Wasnt until the lighter F-type that they started to perform up to their looks.

 

Good point but cars that jump over the pond always cost a lot more on the other side. That is why Fatty Mike Brewer from Wheeler Dealers always goes to the US to source his American car restoration projects. Factor that in with the rust problems we have in the UK with the wet climate. Even worse with the salty damp air in NE England by the sea where I live. I garage it every night and never use the XKR in winter if the roads have been salted for ice or snow 😀👍👍 Cheers

 

 

PS - don't wish to be controversial but I really think that Jaguar have lost their way styling wise in recent times. They used to be so distinctive and different. The F-Type is way better than our old XKR's but looks like a poor man's Ferrari California, the XJ Sedan is better than the 2005 model but looks like a poor man's Bentley Continental and the XF just looks like a Vauxhall Insignia.

Better cars? Yes..... but styling wise ? No

Just my humble opinion 🤣🤣

 

The Bertone styling house produced a one off concept B99 which they believed how the new XJ sedan should look...

Ah man.... perfection. IMHO it retains all of the Jaguar beauty and individuality of styling. The current XJ 5.0 L Supercharged sedan is a brilliant car. It is light and nimble for a big car and a better drive than an S Class..... but... can you imagine if it had this body and coachwork.

Again just my VHO 😀👍👍

 

Not a qualified mechanic or specialist but I would think that what you are saying is right regarding replacing the original Mercedes ZF auto gearbox on the 4.0 AJ26 and 27 VVT upgrade with a manual from the Mercedes 2.7 diesel. They would have been designed to cope with the extra torque that the diesel engine produces at low revs so that makes sense considering the Jag V8 petrol produces max torque at 3.6k revs which is right at where a diesel engine does the same 😀👍👍