The XK8 was launched in 1996 to replace the XJ-S. Two body styles were produced - a coupé and a convertible. The car was the first in the Jaguar line-up to use Jaguar's newly developed V8 engine - the AJ-V8. In 2000, the supercharged XKR was added to the range. The XKR featured 370 supercharged horsepower, a subtle rear spoiler, wire mesh front grille, and red exterior emblems. With the introduction of the XKR, it evoked thoughts from a classical era of automotive design to include the great Jaguar E-Type, with this new Jaguar offering clients a high level of refinement with the power that would make other manufacturers take note of Jaguar's past and successful racing history. The Jaguar XKR stands for everything that is good in British automotive tradition, with these models now becoming highly desirable to the new breed of enthusiastic owners/collectors.