This is a very informative thread. I do love the sound of my XK. But had no idea that it had a semi active system. Very good information and it's great appreciated.

 

Haven't heard any drone (yet) in the 07 XK, idle sounds great, cabin is quiet, plant your foot and the exhaust note is aggresive...

 

Thank you for your interest.
The exhaust system has a small box in the centre of the car which both pipes enter and exit.
The main 'silencer' is situated under the rear of the car being pillow shaped across the car. Dimensions approx 34 inches wide, 15 inches front to back with oval cross section giving it a thickness/height of 3 to 4 inches.
Flanges are placed either side for the fitting of pneumatic/electrically operated valves/doors, used as I understand it on R versions.
I too have experienced an apparent drone around 1600 to 2000rpm and on examination, when standing under the car, the whole system can easily be excited to vibrate with a small hand thump upwards.
I would be interested in 'exhaust bracing per a TBS' to cure this and would welcome advice on this.
I would like to know if there is a quieter silencer for this car that I could have fitted.
Failing this; is anyone familiar with exhaust silencer design who could recommend a suitable baffle layout?
So that if one were made it would be sucessful at the first attempt.

 

I tested an XK 09 a couple of years ago and thought it was too hot roddy sounding. I almost bought an SL63 which was ridiculously loud for an MB, even an AMG.

When I was youngster I was always looking to amp up the exhaust...lol

I do like a nice rumble but it must be refined and not intrusive

 

"Its **** just goes volcanic"...

Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson whilst aiming the then new XK convertible through a snowy Yorkshire Dales National Park in Series 8, Episode 3 (2006). Viewable on Youtube.

Perusal of automotive press XK reviews of that time reveal more than one mention of Jaguar's internal debate regarding both the amount of induction and exhaust noise allowed in the cabin.

It's supposed to emulate an Aston-Martin's basso-profundo cruise burrrble and corroded muffler 1995 Ford F150 when under acceleration. The external acoustics are deliberately unsubtle.

On second thought, selecting S for in-town driving should alleviate the nuisance.

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Could be a litte louder.