Like the look of the new Jaguar XK? Well, you'll just have to be patient -- it doesn't go on sale in the UK until spring, Until then, you can get an eyeful of these pictures and check out some of the car's impressive technical specifications.

Petrolheads everywhere will be drooling at these pictures of Jaguar's hotly-anticipated new XK grand tourer -- but they'll have to wait until spring to get their hands on one as that's when it goes on sale in the UK.

As well as releasing these pictures, Jaguar has decided to divulge some basic information to get potential buyers salivating even more.

The XK is lighter and stiffer than the XK8 and XKR it replaces and it is this lower weight that helps the 300bhp, 4.2-litre V8-engined cruiser almost keep pace with the outgoing 400bhp supercharged XKR.

The car is built using the basic chassis framework of Jaguar's flagship XJ saloon. Like the XJ, the XK uses lightweight aluminium, which the firm claims allows the car to undercut rivals in the weight stakes and help propel it to 60mph from rest in 5.9 seconds.

Transmission duties fall to the firm's six-speed auto gearbox. Keen drivers will be pleased to see steering wheel gearchange paddles are available for the first time, and it's this feature along with the car's more agile nature that should position the XK closer to rivals such as Mercedes SL, BMW's 6 Series as a more performance-oriented car than its predecessor.

New suspension, brakes and electronic stability aids complete the picture, while the XK's cabin appears more capacious than that of the car it will replace. Higher quality materials are evident, along with improved cabin ergonomics and switchgear.

It's expected that the XK coupe will eventually be joined by a convertible variant, and an announcement regarding that car is due later this year.

Jaguar's chief engineer Mike Cross says: "What the team has looked to engineer is a sports car with true all-round ability. That means it must be fast, outstandingly agile, and truly exciting to drive.

"It has to go quickly, stop quickly, and do everything in between in the way a Jaguar should. Yet it's also a rational choice -- the all-new XK will deliver a balance of superb driving dynamics and comfort that is the epitome of sophisticated sporting luxury."

The new XK bodyshell is 31 per cent stiffer than the previous model, and offers a 10% improvement in power-to-weight ratio.

Top speed will be an electronically-limited 155mph and Jaguar says the car can cover a quarter-mile sprint in 14.4 seconds -- less than half a second off the pace of the previous 400bhp supercharged model.

As for styling, the XK is instantly recognisable as a Jag, adopting the clean, sweeping lines of models of old.

The front-wing power vents are a new Jaguar styling signature, but the oval grille opening, prominent bonnet power-bulge and rear liftback door aim to echo the iconic 1960s E-type.

Jaguar says the new car has more in common with its sports tourers of old -- with a shape which clings closely to its mechanical underpinnings.

Meanwhile, details like the sweeping front and rear light shapes, and a longer and wider stance, aim to bring its look bang up to date.

Prices for the range will be released early next year.