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Jaguar reskins the cat with new XK Artisan edition

Every car has its better and worse angles, but by and large we'd argue the Jaguar XK is one of the most beautiful cars on the road today. Almost artistic, we'd say, and Jaguar itself seems to agree with the release of the new Artisan special edition.

Launched (for the time being at least) in Jaguar's home market, the Artisan SE is available in either coupe or convertible and in base XK or supercharged XKR trim. It's distinguished by its polished 20-inch wheels and unique shades of black, white and silver, but what really sets it apart is its interior: Scraffito-style leather covers the seats, dash and doors, with a Poltrona Frau headliner, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, stainless steel pedals and unique sill plates.

The Artisan SE bumps the price of any XK specified by a good £12,000 ($19,000 based on current conversion rates), making it the new king of the hill for Jaguar's two-door range. Check it out in the press release after the jump and the high-res image gallery.
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JAGUAR LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE XK 'ARTISAN SE'

At a glance:
- New XK Artisan SE model is available to order now in both coupe and convertible form
- The Special Edition models introduce enhancements to the XK's already luxurious hand-crafted cabin in addition to discreet exterior changes
- New 'Artisan' interiors utilise sumptuous scraffito grain leather on the seats, instrument binnacle, door and rear quarter casings, and Poltrona Frau® leather headlinings
- Customers can choose from two Jaguar Design-specified interior colours, each available with a choice of new veneer finishes – Shadow Walnut and Dark Figured Aluminium
- 16x16 way heated Performance front seats, a 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, unique treadplates and stainless steel pedals are all standard
- Exterior paint palette includes Celestial Black – exclusive to the XK range in Special Edition form – and a new 20-inch wheel design
- UK pricing: Coupé – £77,350 (OTR), Convertible – £82,500 (OTR)

Every Jaguar XK represents a compelling combination of advanced engineering and cosseting luxury, yet the latest additions to the evolving range – the XK Artisan SE models – further enhance that luxury quality through the introduction of hand-crafted 'Artisan' interiors.

Available in both coupe and convertible form, the Special Edition model's Artisan interior introduces the use of tactile 'scraffito' finished leather to the front seats, instrument binnacle, door and rear quarter casings. In combination with Poltrona Frau® leather headlinings, two new veneer finishes – Shadow Walnut and Dark Figured Aluminium – and standard features including a 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, 16 by 16 way adjustable heated Performance seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry/start, each Special Edition model promises a heightened level of opulence and comfort.

To complement the sumptuous use of materials, Jaguar's design team, led by Director of Design Ian Callum, specified two exclusive Artisan interior colourways for the Special Edition models; Navy with Jet headlining and Truffle with Canvas headlining. Convertible hood colours have also been carefully selected and include Black, Blue, Grey and Brown. Special Edition treadplates and stainless steel pedals are additional discreet enhancements.

An exterior paint palette of three colours includes the exclusive Special Edition colour of Celestial Black, Polaris White and Rhodium Silver being the alternative options. A new 20-inch alloy wheel design completes the exterior changes; Orona style with a polished finish.

XK: an advanced choice

Whether in coupe or convertible form, each Special Edition model benefits from the advanced engineering techniques inherent to the entire Jaguar XK range. Jaguar is industry-leading in its use of aluminium technology, and both coupe and convertible models utilise riveted and bonded aluminium monocoque construction that means light weight, exceptional rigidity and strength. In combination with continuously variable adaptive damping – standard on all models – and a 5.0-litre direct-injection V8 petrol engine in 385PS naturally-aspirated form, the result is a beautifully damped yet controlled ride, precise handling, and effortless performance when required.

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