2011 Jaguar XKR Coupe & Convertible
In this the 50th year of the hallowed E-Type, it seemed only too fitting to take a turn behind the wheel of the current spiritual descendant of the XKE—the XKR.
The XKR, is distinguished from the standard XK model, ostensibly by its 510-hp supercharged V8 engine, which boots out 510-hp with a spleen-crushing 461-ft-lb of torque. Visually the XKR benefits from a meaner, more aggressive look than the standard XK, however don’t be discouraged, if like many, you find yourself confusing the XKR for the Aston Martin DB9—both were designed and/or influenced by Ian Callum, while the two marques were under his stewardship at Ford’s Premier Automotive Group Design Center.
Lower your frame into the XKR’s well-finished leather interior and your backside will be greeted by supportive, heated and vented seats that feature a myriad of adjustments including side-bolsters that can be moved in and out to create just the right level of side support for “spirited” driving. While you and your passenger will be in total comfort, don’t expect to bring friends along for the ride. The XKR does boast “2+2” rear seats, but these are virtually unusable by any two-legged lifeform, unless the front seats are completely moved forward underneath the steering wheel and dash! This factor really doesn’t figure into the XKR equation, however, because let’s face it, you’re not buying this car to shuttle the kids to soccer practice—this is a car for you and a special friend to blast your way to a weekend getaway. And blast you will, as the XKR is capable of accelerating its purposeful, 3,800-lb body from 0 to 60 mph in a remarkably quick 4.6 seconds.
The native habitat for this exclusive cat is a winding country road. Shod with 19-inch rims and 245/40ZR19 tires, which connect terra firma to the uprated springs, shocks and dynamically controlled suspension system, the XKR is at its best powering in and out of medium and high-speed turns. The solid, precision of the computer-controlled suspension system is brought to life by the dumpster-full of torque that the supercharged V8 can unload with the press of the “right” pedal. Interestingly, even the exhaust has computer control, such that under casual driving the XKR has the quiet purr of a kitten, but dip your right foot for a drenching of torque and acceleration, and the XKR howls as the computer allows the exhausts full song to ring free.
Available in both coupe and convertible form, Jaguar intends for the XKR to serve as a potentially attractive alternative to the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. With comparable performance numbers, but a $103,000 price tag, compared to the SL’s $159,000 sticker, the XKR is one of the low-price leaders in this segment.
If, like so many in the 1960s, you fell under the spell of the evocative E-Type, the new XKR may serve as a viable, modern connection to those same lusty Jaguar desires—without the downsides of the skinny tires and the Lucas ignition system!
Reviewed by Casey Annis
