And blow them up you will. The “S” setting makes the Jaguar XKR more responsive in the throttle and steering and it also exaggerates the barking exhaust, making the car that much more of a head-turner. The XKR's acceleration is so fast it's almost shocking at times. It could, potentially get the driver into some serious trouble if he/she isn't paying attention. And the 6-speed automatic Jaguar Sequential Shift gearbox is fast and efficient.
Handling in the XKR is fantastic as well. This might seem like a boat of a car, with a curb weight just under 4,000 lbs, making this Jag is a bit of a fat cat – but it feels like a lively kitten when the throttle is heavily depressed. I think the weight plays a part in helping this Jag feel so stable on the road despite the heaps of power and rear-wheel push. Not that the back won't flick out (trust me), but it's got some claws in the road, which help for more spirited jaunts.
Overall, for a car that won't set you back that much over the $100k mark (and really, if you can afford $100,000, what's a few grand more for extras?) that looks the way it does and drives the way it does, I see absolutely no problems with it. The XKR is an automotive work of art with some serious grunt, and if I had that much spare change in my purse I'd be making room in my driveway for one.
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| The XKR is an automotive work of art with some serious grunt. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Handling in the XKR is fantastic as well. This might seem like a boat of a car, with a curb weight just under 4,000 lbs, making this Jag is a bit of a fat cat – but it feels like a lively kitten when the throttle is heavily depressed. I think the weight plays a part in helping this Jag feel so stable on the road despite the heaps of power and rear-wheel push. Not that the back won't flick out (trust me), but it's got some claws in the road, which help for more spirited jaunts.
Overall, for a car that won't set you back that much over the $100k mark (and really, if you can afford $100,000, what's a few grand more for extras?) that looks the way it does and drives the way it does, I see absolutely no problems with it. The XKR is an automotive work of art with some serious grunt, and if I had that much spare change in my purse I'd be making room in my driveway for one.
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