2008 Jaguar XKR
by Jim Prueter 03/2008

A new breed of cat leaps to the top of the class

(This review is representative of model years 2007 – 2008)

From whiskers to tail, Jaguar’s next generation XK is arguably the best looking and best built Jaguar ever. Styling is absolutely stunning, thanks to designer Ian Callum, the same man who designed the Aston Martin DB9.

Having found no Jaguar to comfortably accommodate my too-tall frame, I was pleased to know Callum’s first priority was to increase cabin space, which has the XK growing taller and wider. Overall length increased just a half-inch while the wheelbase grew by almost six and a half inches. It shows up big with ample head, shoulder and much needed legroom.

Front buckets are covered in perforated leather that heat but don’t cool. Door-mounted power adjustments include adjustable side bolsters to help keep you in place when cornering. Jaguar kept the two-position rear seat incapable of accommodating anything larger than a briefcase or Kleenex box, and maintains the idea of a 2+2 sports car.

Entry to the Ritz-Carlton like cabin is keyless. Ditto to fire up the 420-horsepower supercharged 4.2-liter V-8; just push that little red button on the center console. I like the instrument cluster that features round dials for the speedometer and tachometer on either side of an electronic display area for the clock and other operating information.

The dash in my tester was finished in a high gloss dark burl walnut veneer, with brushed alloy or poplar veneer available at no additional cost. Wood overlays continue on the steering wheel and console.

Most creature comfort controls, i.e. audio system, climate control and standard DVD-based navigation system, are operated by way of a seven-inch LCD touch-screen that doesn’t require a trip to the owner’s manual. It’s by far superior to BMW’s ever-maddening iDrive system.

Completely new from the ground up, the 2007 XK has an all-aluminum monocoque-structured chassis resulting in stiffer, stronger, better performing suspension dynamics. While the XK is Jaguar’s first all-aluminum sports car, Jaguar’s current all-aluminum XJ sedan was introduced a few years ago.

The exterior lines are clean, smooth and graceful with just enough DNA from the DB9 to rule out a coincidence. I especially like the rear-end treatment that accents the muscular look.

But not everyone is enamored with the looks up front. More than a few auto-writers suggest Jaguar’s parent company Ford pulled a Taurus grille from the parts bin and slapped it on the new XK.

The XK remains virtually unchanged this model year, other than the roadster, which gets four new convertible top fabric roof colors and 19-inch run flat tires. For 2008, the XK is offered in either coupe or convertible, both rear-wheel-drive and powered by the same silky-smooth naturally aspirated 4.2-liter, 300-horsepower V-8 with 310 pound-feet of torque. It’s linked to a superb six-speed ZF automatic transmission with sequential paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Shifts are lightening quick, far surpassing what we experienced in either Mercedes Benz or BMW. And, Jaguar finally did away with the much-maligned J-gate shifter in favor of a reverse L-shaped pattern. A manual shifter is not offered.

Jaguar will also offer a new limited edition XKR Portfolio model with 20-inch wheels, larger Alcon brakes and a choice of new interior veneers: sporty engine-spun alloy or satin American walnut. Just 255 Portfolio editions will be sent to the U.S. XKR and XKR Portfolio models are offered in either coupe or convertible and all are powered by the 420-horsepower supercharged 4.2-liter V-8.

I recently spent a week with a radiance red XKR coupe that included the optional adaptive cruise control ($2200), 20-inch Senta wheels ($5000), Lux aluminum weave interior trim package ($2500) and a premium sound package ($1875). Bottom line was $98,275 including the $665 shipping and handling charge.

Thanks to a semi-active exhaust system, the XK sounds especially mean and powerful with an authoritative rumble intentionally pumped back into the cabin. There’s nothing to complain about the XK’s ride and handling thanks to the advantages of its aluminum construction. It’s nimble and precise with cat-like agility and sure footedness.

The safety gear includes front-seat-mounted side airbags, whiplash reducing front seats, traction control, antilock brakes and stability control. The convertible has two aluminum hoops that auto-deploy in a rolloverto better protect occupants. The XK has not been crash tested.