It's been a long time coming, but Jaguar is proud to announce a new era in its sports car lineage - the all-new XKR. Building on the excellence of the all-new XK introduced in late 2005, the XKR takes the Jaguar experience to new heights.
Like the XK model, the new XKR features an impressive aluminum monocoque body structure. The current XK model draws on the lineage of the original XK and E-Type sport cars with the new XKR taking this athletic look one stage further.
Up front, the XKR's hood vents and unique aluminum finish upper and lower front mesh grilles let you know this cat means business. XKR's sleek profile is further enhanced by aluminum side power vents in the front quarter panels, unique 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, which nicely expose black brake calipers with 'R' logo, and a quad exhaust system.
Offered as a coupe or convertible the XKR features a 420-horsepower supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engine. This powerful V8 propels the coupe from 0-60 mph in lightning fast 4.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
In comparison to the previous generation XKR, the new engine, along with a lighter chassis, helped reduce the 0-60 mph time by 0.3 seconds. At 3,671-lbs., the Coupe is 154-lbs. lighter than its predecessor, while the 3,781-lb. Convertible is 220-lbs. lighter than the previous convertible XKR.
The addition of a supercharger and twin air intakes means the new XKR benefits from 120-horsepower increase over the normally aspirated 4.2-liter XK with which it shares its engine configuration.
Mated to XKR's healthy V8 is a clever 6-speed automatic transmission that features sequential manual shifting via steering wheel-mounted paddles. Gearshifts are remarkably smooth and occur in less than 600 milliseconds, from the point at which the driver operates the shift paddle to the point at which the shift is complete.
The XKR's gearbox provides three modes of operation; Drive, Sport and Manual. In 'Drive' mode, the gearbox behaves conventionally.
Moving the gearshift to the left puts the gearbox in 'Sport' mode. In 'Sport' mode, the gearbox's adaptive software nicely adapts according to input from the driver and the road. For example, gearbox will hold the gears longer and the controller blips the throttle during rapid downshifts. The 'Manual' mode is activated by operating one of the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
So, whether you're cruising along a busy boulevard, or out in the country on a twisty road, the new XKR can be thoroughly enjoyed.
To ensure optimum ride and handling, the XKR's suspension features uprated springs and dampers, and recalibrated Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) system.
I enjoyed the way this system automatically adjusts to the road and driver inputs, providing the right amount of dampening when needed.
Stopping power is excellent, too. XKR's brakes are larger than its predecessor. The braking system also include four-channel ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Hydraulic Brake Assist to increase brake pressure during an emergency stop, and Jaguar's Electronic Park Brake function.
The XKR provides a comfortable cockpit for the driver and front passenger. The rear two seats are merely decoration or a place to place your briefcase or activity bag.
The XKR features unique sports seats designed with additional lateral support for both the driver and front seat passenger. I especially liked the treatment of aluminum interior veneer, which nicely accents the abundance of leather.
The XKR customers can also specifiy the Luxury Sports interior option which features soft-grain leather on the 16-way adjustable seats, instrument panel, door trim and center console.
Controls are intuitive and driver-focused. I liked the keyless operation, advanced touch-screen navigation system and adaptive front lighting. I also approved of the Premium Sound Package ($1,875) and Adaptive Cruise Control ($2,200) in our XKR Coupe tester.
Only those lucky enough to afford the new XKR will be able to truly enjoy all its attributes. I'm just fortunate to have been able to spend a week behind the wheel of this remarkable and luxurious sports car.
2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe
Engine 4.2-liter (420 hp) supercharged V8
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Drive Type RWD
Fuel Economy 17 city/25 highway
Base Price $85,835
As Tested $90,575 (including $665 for destination)
Website http://www.us.jaguar.com |