Purrfect blend of performance and luxury
You don't have to be a cat-lover to enjoy the 2007 Jaguar XKR. It just kind of happens. From the moment you press the big red engine start button until you arrive at your destination, you know you're in for a special ride.
The XKR is best described as a grand tourer and an able one at that. But recently, performance testing by AJAC at Test Fest yielded some impressive stats that are more akin to a pure sport car. At 1,707 kg (3,678 lb.) the lightweight aluminum monocoque frame and bodywork help this big cat accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Passing from 80 to 120 km/h takes just 3.8.
With twin intakes feeding air to the heavy mass, continuously variable valve timing and computer-controlled variable inlet camshaft timing doing their things, the XKR's supercharged 4.2-litre DOHC 90-degree V8 makes 420 horses at 6,250 rpm and 413 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm (the XK only makes 300 hp and 303 lb.-ft.). Any whine from the Eaton blower is practically inaudible, making listening to the big cat's exhaust roar way more enjoyable.
Counteracting the power boost are bigger, more powerful 14-in. disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, dynamic stability and traction control that help achieve 100-to-zero km/h stops in 37.4 metres on dry pavement. Albeit 19-in. alloys are standard, said tester wore 20-in. Sentra-style wheels wrapped in 285/30ZR20-sized Dunlop Sport Maxx tires.
Next to the XK's double-wishbone suspension, R variants are considerably stiffer — 38% in the front and 24 in the rear — yet the ride is not harsh. Throw in a 108-in. wheelbase and specially tuned Enhanced Computer Active Technology System (ECATS) that constantly monitors cornering G-forces, hill ascent/descent angle and stuff like that, and the XKR coolly carves down long, winding country roads with grace.
The super quiet six-speed sequential automatic gearbox is as smooth as anything else out there and features three different modes, including a normal automatic mode, sport mode (holds gears longer, shifts take 600 milliseconds) plus a manual mode that relies on inputs from the integrated steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters at nine and three.
On the Test Fest track is where the XKR goes from stalking into prey mode. Its powerful launch and confident acceleration instill control not fear. Throttle response is immediate, neither too relaxed nor too edgy. Steering assist is minimal, resulting in a lightweight but precise feel. The car's low centre of gravity and intelligent suspension translates into sure-footed grip with little body roll in high-speed sweepers. If it had any difficulty, it was in the tight slalom course where its 53/47 (fr/r) weight distribution is a bit counterproductive on this rear-wheel-drive setup.
Cruising around town in the slate-coloured test mule, the curvaceous coupe draws more stares than you might expect. With its wide hips, narrow waistline, sculpted surfaces and impressive legs, the XKR's shape oozes sex appeal! In the front, a pair of prominent mesh grilles and vented hood set the high-performance tone. Aluminum-trimmed side air vents and quad exhaust pipes add to the car’s aggressive stance. Certain parts of the design, which was conceived by the same man who penned the beautiful Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, Ian Callum, are a bit reminiscent of the beautiful ’60s and ’70s-era XKE (E-Type) whilst screaming, "I can go really FAST!" in today's automotive verbiage.
Like their furry namesakes, the Jaguar's adaptive, self-levelling bi-Xenon headlights afford super visibility from dusk till dawn. Despite its long nose, the large windshield is loaded with rain-sensing, anti-glare, defogging technology that offers great vision all of the time.
Inside, the cabin is well appointed, ergonomic and functional with all controls easily within reach of the driver on the well-organized, clutter-free dash. Luxury package upgrades here included a complete leather-wrapped interior, leather R-badged steering wheel and comfy 16-way adjustable seats (10 is standard). The standard aluminum “weave” trim is a nice sporty touch but, if wood is your thing, it can be swapped for burl walnut or satin poplar at no extra cost. Road and wind noise were not a problem and the interior was free of creaks and bumps in the night.
Technology-wise, Jaguar has done a great job on its advanced touchscreen vehicle interface, which accesses the DVD GPS navigation, audio, climate, vehicle and Bluetooth phone controls. Upon pairing my cellphone with the system, my contacts were instantly recognized. I made a few hands-free calls using the steering wheel call transfer button and found the sound quality decent. My tester had the optional Alpine Pro Logic 11 premium sound system with 525-watt Dolby surround sound amp and it sounded quite alright too.
Not everyone can afford the hefty price tag but, for $126,000 as tested, it's still not as pricey as some of its competition. The XKR coupe is a nice blend of luxury and performance inside and out. You certainly feel special driving this car. For the price you damn well better.
FACT FILE
2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe
As tested, before tax: $126,000
Options: Luxury package ($2,100) – soft grain leather interior, leather interior panels, 16-way power adjustable front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel; Premium sound system ($1,900) – Alpine Pro Logic 11 premium sound system with 525 watt Dolby surround sound amp; 20-inch Sentra-style alloy wheels ($5,000)
Configuration: Front engine, RWD
Engine/Transmission: Supercharged 4.2L V8/6-speed auto with sequential shift
Horsepower: 420 @ 6,250 rpm
Torque: 413 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel required: 71.1 litres, premium
EnerGuide fuel ratings (L/100 km): 13.7 city; 8.8 hwy
Observed fuel economy: 12.4 L/100 km
Warranty: 4-years/80,000 km comprehensive
Competition: Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Audi S8, Cadillac CTS-V, Dodge Viper SRT-10, Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG, BMW M6, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Maserati Coupe / Gransport, Porsche 911 Carrera S / Turbo
Strengths: Powerful engine + lightweight aluminum chassis = great power-to-weight; convenience features / technology easy-to-use; excellent transmission
Weaknesses: What back seat?; no sunroof option; a few too many generic plastic interior parts
XK MSRP range: $103,000 - $127,000
Engines available: 4.2L V8 (300 hp/310 lb.ft.); supercharged 4.2L V8 (420/413)
Transmissions available: 6-spd auto with sequential shift
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