Overview:
This seductively beautiful Jaguar XKR Coupe is a silver bullet that’s easy to fall in love with. Its history is rich but so is the price tag. This car is not for the faint of heart both from a financial standpoint and the rocket performance that can intimidate some folks. It also isn’t for someone who wants or needs lots of room. This is a sports car and irrespective of its elegant stature it is small. So unless you’re in the market for an upscale luxury sports car for two people max, don’t spoil yourself by test driving this one. It’s truly a beautiful automobile and its beauty is more than matched by its graceful performance. The 370-horsepower supercharged AJ-V8 engine takes this coupe from 0-60 in just 5.2 seconds, and 0-100 in 5.6 seconds making the XKR one of the fastest accelerating cars built for the road. It isn’t for the little old lady from Pasadena, unless she’s still riding Harley’s.
The closest car to this in all around feel, in my view, is the Lexus SC400. I found both sophisticatedly smooth in ride and acceleration. I’d have to give the edge to this XKR for acceleration because of the supercharger. It’s not for everyone and some “in the know” automotive experts complain that the car is too well mannered. They say the supercharger is more like a turbocharger in performance. They also say with this kind of luxury car you lose the feel in the drive train which for them is a turn off. Me! I like that about this car and don’t give much weight to that argument. You can’t please everyone.
Handling:
The suspension is firm, yet comfortable and smooth. You’re going to love the feel around town or on the open road. Especially the open road, because that’s where it purrs like the cat it is. Road noise is almost non-existent and the engine is smooth and well behaved at idle.
Styling:
You’ll to be the judge, but as for me I’m in love.
Fit and Finish:
Perfect enough for me, too perfect for others.
Conveniences:
More than enough for me, too many for others.
Cost:
A lot for me, no big deal for others.
Recommendation:
If a two seat sports car is what you want, money is no object and you want to be 20 again, with a major Itouch of class, this is your car. Finally, I believe it’s a Jag that a man can love and sales should be very good.
The competition:
Aston Martin DB7 $140-150,000, Acura NSX $84-88,000, Porsche 911 Carrera $65,030, Lexus SC 400 $56,305, Mercedes Benz CLK $41,600-55,600.
Good News:
On a par with some pretty impressive company. A smooth, sophisticated, awesome performer. Comfortable ride. Elegant interior with an abundance of real burl wood.
Bad News:
Price range will allow only the few to enjoy this car. Not easy to get in and out of the car. Very small rear seating area and trunk space is very limited. I did get my golf clubs in and a case of bottled water. Not much room.
Standard Equipment:
4.0 liter supercharged 370 horsepower V8 engine, 5-speen automatic transmission, Front driver and passenger air bags, 4-button remote entry, engine immobilizer which shuts down the engine without computer-coded keys, traction control, stereo sound system with 6-disc CD changer, heated seats, headlight power washers, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Note: the only option available is an integrated navigation system.
Gas Stats:
16 City and 23 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $76,800, and the model I tested had the optional navigation system for $2,400.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is movello@earthlink.net.
