THE SMOOTH RIDE OF THE JAGUAR XKR COUPE

By Michael Hepworth

Not only will this latest goody from Jaguar ensure plenty of looks from fascinated onlookers as you pull up into the parking lot, but it will also give you a ride that virtually hugs the road. Instant acceleration is always on hand, and the advanced steering and suspension allows you to get to 60mph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. The XKR offers a 25% boost in improvement levels from the XK, but is only 12.5% more costly than its highly rated predecessor. Sales are subsequently expected to be brisk, so this should be one of Jaguar’s top sellers.  That is the least you can expect from a car assembled in the Browns Lane plant and finished at Castle Bromwich in England , with parts from England and Germany accounting for 85% of the total. The impressive bodywork features aluminum-finish grilles and hood vents, and the unique 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs further enhance the overall look of this scene stealer. The twin vents on the hood have significantly boosted the air intake supply to the engine, also improving overall performance. The light blue paint job on the car we drove is superb, and sparkles in the sunlight, and matches the performance level of the car.

  The XKR is an upgrade from the XK that was launched in late 2005, and the monocoque body structure remains, but in addition, the new model boasts a 420bhp (SAE) supercharged V8 engine and a calibrated six speed automatic transmission. At 3,781 lbs, it is 154 lbs lighter than its predecessor making for a smoother ride, which is further enhanced by the uprated springs and dampers. Safety is also improved with the new all-aluminum architecture of the car, with the Chassis being 30% stiffer than its predecessor, and the car is also quieter than the XK.  Superior engine performance comes from the eight-cylinder engine with an Eaton supercharger, and the water-cooled cylinders are arranged in a 90-degree V configuration. Each of the two cylinder heads incorporates twin camshafts operating four valves per cylinder. The continuously variable valve timing helps deliver a wide spread of torque, essential for instant acceleration at any engine speed. Jaguar’s engineers have worked tirelessly by continuously adjusting the timing of the inlet camshaft on both banks of the V8.Some of the interior technologies include a keyless entry, keyless start, advanced Touchscreen and Active Front Lighting and a DVD based navigation system. The design of the standard aluminum interior veneer is unique to the XKR, featuring a ‘weave’ pattern from the Advanced Lightweight Coupe Showcase. There are technically two rear seats, but with no legroom at all, they would only be good for babies, and the head room at 52 inches is also a bit cramped. Trunk space however is more than sufficient, but the audio system is no better than average, and an optional upgrade to the Alpine system is advised.  Aside from a few other little issues such as having trouble closing the hood, and having a spot of bother locking the car with the keyless system a couple of times, this is a car to seriously check out. Fuel economy is pretty good with 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway

MSRP- $85,835

www.myjaguar.com