By: Juan G. Robbin
The most civilized sporty Jaguar yet!
Jaguar XKR Coupe (2010)
Even before the introduction of the sinuously beautiful E Type sports car in the 60’s, Jaguar has had some of the most iconic sports car designs of the 20th century. Adding to this fine design heritage is the current Jaguar XK, which without a doubt, is one of the sexiest that has come from Jaguar’s chief designer, Ian Callum up to date. The XK comes in two versions, the naturally aspirated and the sportier, Supercharged R version respectively, additionally, these are available in coupe and convertible forms. The R offering a more aggressive look and set up in addition to a tantalizing stable of 510 quite capable supercharged horsepower.
The XK design is immediately recognizable, highlighted by its long, sloping hood and the agressive front oval, shark mouth-like air intake. This writer finds the coupe form to be the more elegant look of the two, due in part to the flowing roof line as well as the signature sloping rear window design. This is a look which pays homage in part, to the classic Jaguar E Type. One of the few available options on the R version are the elegant 20” motorsport inspired Nevis design wheels, making the XKR Coupe look like a bejeweled starlet walking the red carpet during a premiere. That is to say, sumptuously elegant!
Inside the XKR, there is an aura of bespoke exclusivity, with the buttery leather, soothingly soft suede as well as deep gloss wood trim. There is a proper and complete instrument dash, as well as a center mounted multi-function display that as it turns out, is the only sore spot of this elegant cat. Why? The glacier-like speed of the touch screen responses. Regardless, the XKR is a modern and elegant coupe that offers the best of both worlds; elegance and sportiness both around town and on your favorite curvy road. Rear seats are offered, but if you want to be friends with the person you ask to sit in the back, you better reconsider the request. They are better suited for putting your travel valise instead. Trunk space is good for several soft bags and is limited primarily by the shallowness of the space, so pack accordingly for that special summer weekend in the Hamptons.
The XKR is a large coupe, yet it doesn’t feel large or ponderous. Quite the contrary, it’s nimble, aggressive, agile and ready to pounce when you as it to. The steering feels superb, with the right amount of boost needed to maintain comfort and directness. Brakes and suspension have the uncanny balance of being perfectly compliant without being intrusive or harsh. We tried several threshold braking stops and the binders worked with nary a complaint. The deep V8 sourced burble from the exhaust sends the subtle message: Go ahead-try me. And boy did we ever! Step on it and there is a banshee-like whine from the supercharger that will make even the most jaded car afficionado squirm with delight. During our week-long sojourn with the XKR, we invented reasons to drive, simply so we could use this special cat. Rarely do we get that giddy about a car and the XKR made us feel that way all through the week.
Few sport coupes have the dynamic balance between sport and luxury so well defined as the Jaguar XKR. Add to that, the impressive build quality, plus the noticeable high end materials and you have a feline that will make an owner smile every time it gets driven, regardless of the destination.
The Essentials:
MSRP: $95,150.00 MSRP: (As tested): $101,000.00
Fuel Economy: (Observed): 17.8 MPG
Engine: Supercharged V8, 5.0 liter, 510 HP
Popular Options: Nevis 20” wheels
visit: www.jaguar.com
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http://www.rudolfdassler.com/collection/34982001