When it was introduced in 1996, the all new Coupe or Convertible Jaguar XK8 was presented not only as the latest sports car from Jaguar but also as the descendant of a successful lineage of cars spanning over 50 years. Names as the C-Type, D-type and XK120 came to mind  but the one Jaguar wanted to link the new XK8 to the most was the famous E-type produced from 1961 to 1974. 

"The Cat is Back" or "The Spirit of its ancestor" were some of the ads used to remind us of the heritage and indeed many styling clues are there from what is one of the most famous sportscar ever build. From its oval bonnet opening, sensual curves and haunches, feline look to traditional round gauges on the center of the dash, the XK8 is indeed loaded with heritage.

Powered by an all new aluminum V8 developing 290hp, performance was there as well, along with the traditional Jaguar luxury interior featuring the best leather and woodwork.

In 1999, after 3 years of success, Jaguar launched a new high performance version of the XK8 called the XKR. Also available as a Coupe or a Convertible, the XKR looks almost exactly like an XK8 except for functional louvers on the bonnet, a mesh grill, larger 18" wheels and small spoiler on the boot lid. The surprise of course was under the bonnet, where a twin intercooled supercharged version of the Jaguar V8 was installed producing no less than 370 hp. While the top speed is  still electronically limited to 155mph, the XKR acceleration is in a different league... 0-60 in only 5.2 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 13.5 seconds at 105 mph. With the fastest road Jaguar ever built, XKR owners can now play with Porsche 911 and Corvette drivers without sacrificing looks and luxury.

Between 1999 and 2006, the XK8 and XKR were for the most part unchanged with only minor upgrades and a few limited edition versions like the Silverstone and 100 series. The most significant upgrade came in 2003 with the introduction of the new 4.2 litre engine mated to a new 6 speed ZF transmission.

In 2005, Jaguar unveiled the next generation XK, an all new alumimum bodied sports car available as a Coupe or Convertible. While its badge had lost the number 8, it was still powered by the Jaguar V8 engine, either normally aspirated in the XK or supercharged in the XKR and gained a more aggressive stance.