What took more than 126 million man-hours to create, but only takes 30 milliseconds to operate? Jaguar’s new pop-up bonnet, that’s what.

But the XK is not the only car to feature the development; the Jag is one of three new models set for launch in 2006 with the gadget. The others are the Citroen C6 and Honda’s new Legend, and the race is on to get the new technology into the showroom first. On sale early next year, the Jaguar and Citroen are joint favourites, with the Honda not due until July.

Standard on every new XK, Jaguar’s Pedestrian Deployable Bonnet System (PDBS) uses a force 50 times stronger than gravity to propel the 18kg engine cover into a raised position. It’s triggered if a sensor detects an imminent collision with a pedestrian. This creates a crucial cushion of air to absorb the impact before the person comes into contact with the engine. Meanwhile, the XK is in for a facelift already. Jag-uar is working on a solution to the wart-like aerial that spoils the smooth line of the nearside rear wing. Coupés will get one in the rear window, but there’s no decision about the cabrio.

(this bulletin was taken from autoexpress.co.uk)

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