The Jaguar XK convertible is one of the most graceful droptops around, but you might be surprised by how engaging a driver's car it is — especially the XKR version, which packs a big punch thanks to its supercharged V-8 engine.
On the other hand, while the XKR's driving experience is everything you could want from a convertible sports car, some elements of its cabin leave a little to be desired, especially considering its $100,000-plus starting price.
The XK is available in two body styles — coupe and convertible — with a 385-horsepower V-8 (XK) or a 510-hp, supercharged V-8 (XKR).
Styling
The 2011 model year is the fifth for this generation of the XKR, and it has aged remarkably well. It received some mild styling tweaks centered on the front bumper last year, but even though it looks pretty much the same for 2011, the presence and beauty this car possesses haven't been diminished. It's a design for the ages.
Convertible Commentary
The XKR's fully powered soft-top roof lowers or raises in roughly 20 seconds. It stores beneath a body-colored hard cover when lowered, which gives the XKR a clean look that enhances the convertible's lines.
The cabin is breezy at highway speeds, with some occasional wind buffeting, but the windshield does a good job of protecting front occupants from excessive wind rush. You'll have no problem leaving the top down for a long highway drive.
For a convertible this big, the XKR has a pretty stiff body. It doesn't squeak or rattle over bumps and, for the most part, it lacks the body shudder that plagues the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, among others.
Supercharged Fun
The XKR is startlingly quick. Jaguar cites a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.6 seconds, and it feels that swift. What's particularly impressive about the car is how much power the supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 has in reserve when cruising on the highway. Jab the gas pedal partway at 70 mph and the transmission quickly kicks down. Before you know it, you're doing 85. In everyday driving, there's little need for full-throttle acceleration because part-throttle produces such a powerful response. The XKR demands great restraint — if you don't respect it you could quickly find yourself at odds with law enforcement.
The XKR features a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, and it functions well in this high-powered convertible, regardless of whether you're cruising or driving aggressively.
Its shifts are smooth and unobtrusive during leisurely motoring, but if you want to take control of the transmission you can do so with the steering-wheel paddle shifters. Pull either the downshift or upshift paddle and the transmission responds quickly; there's no waiting around for the gear change to happen, like there is with some clutchless-manual systems. Because it's so responsive, you'll probably be more inclined to use the paddles when traveling your favorite winding road.
The XKR gets an EPA-estimated 15/22 mpg city/highway and takes premium gas.
Ride & Handling
The XKR is pretty large for a car with sporting intentions — it's longer than some midsize SUVs — but you don't feel its size when sitting in the driver's seat. It masks its size well, driving like a car three-quarters its size.
Loading...
Comments