A big bipolar cat
You all know what "GT" refers to, don’t you? These highly-comfortable machines also happen to deliver outstanding performance with each jab of the throttle. Well, seeing what the all-new 2010 XKR looks like and is capable of, one could argue that Jaguar has just redefined the concept of "Grand Touring" motoring.
Despite the brand’s takeover by Indian auto group Tata Motors, the magnificent lines originally drawn by Ian Callum were kept intact. Designers simply tweaked a couple of details, such as the front bumper and rear taillights. Of course, there’s also a brand-new powertrain (more on that later).
The voluptuous silhouette conveys a sense of feminity that’s unique to the Coventry-based company. The rear haunches are still powerful and they follow the tapered liftback. Meanwhile, new chrome-ringed intakes flank the always gorgeous front grilles. Other subtle changes include a revised hood and superb 20-inch, twin-seven-spoke wheels directly borrowed from the XF Concept.
All finesse, all luxury
The interior truly lives up to the brand’s reputation. Buyers can choose between Burl Walnut wood, Rich/Dark Oak and brushed aluminum for the dashboard. My tester had so much wood, that I’m starting to fear for forests. This hand-polished trim is less than 0.8-millimetre thick.
Fit and finish are exceptional, especially with the beautiful chrome highlights. Occupants are immediately seduced by the cozy atmosphere and the snug Connelly leather seats. Finding a perfect driving position is accomplished in a flash thanks to the myriad of adjustments, and I must say that the seat cushions are surprisingly firm, perhaps too firm. Forget about the rear seats -- the seatbacks are too upright and there is virtually no legroom available -- the XKR is designed for couples and retirees with no children or grandchildren to carry around.
Like any self-respecting Jaguar, this one boasts a dizzying array of features and amenities. In fact, a full week of testing wasn’t nearly enough to appreciate them all.
The coup de grâce
Once this opulence has sunk in, you can finally press the Start/Stop button and prepare for hell to break loose as the supercharged V8 starts to roar. Meanwhile, the JaguarDrive Selector gently pops up from the center console, allowing you to select transmission functions with a simple push and turn action. As usual, you’ll find the P, N, R, D and, what do you know, an S. Guess which one I choose!
You all know what "GT" refers to, don’t you? These highly-comfortable machines also happen to deliver outstanding performance with each jab of the throttle. Well, seeing what the all-new 2010 XKR looks like and is capable of, one could argue that Jaguar has just redefined the concept of "Grand Touring" motoring.
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| The all-new 2010 XKR looks like and is capable of, one could argue that Jaguar has just redefined the concept of "Grand Touring" motoring. |
Despite the brand’s takeover by Indian auto group Tata Motors, the magnificent lines originally drawn by Ian Callum were kept intact. Designers simply tweaked a couple of details, such as the front bumper and rear taillights. Of course, there’s also a brand-new powertrain (more on that later).
The voluptuous silhouette conveys a sense of feminity that’s unique to the Coventry-based company. The rear haunches are still powerful and they follow the tapered liftback. Meanwhile, new chrome-ringed intakes flank the always gorgeous front grilles. Other subtle changes include a revised hood and superb 20-inch, twin-seven-spoke wheels directly borrowed from the XF Concept.
All finesse, all luxury
The interior truly lives up to the brand’s reputation. Buyers can choose between Burl Walnut wood, Rich/Dark Oak and brushed aluminum for the dashboard. My tester had so much wood, that I’m starting to fear for forests. This hand-polished trim is less than 0.8-millimetre thick.
Fit and finish are exceptional, especially with the beautiful chrome highlights. Occupants are immediately seduced by the cozy atmosphere and the snug Connelly leather seats. Finding a perfect driving position is accomplished in a flash thanks to the myriad of adjustments, and I must say that the seat cushions are surprisingly firm, perhaps too firm. Forget about the rear seats -- the seatbacks are too upright and there is virtually no legroom available -- the XKR is designed for couples and retirees with no children or grandchildren to carry around.
Like any self-respecting Jaguar, this one boasts a dizzying array of features and amenities. In fact, a full week of testing wasn’t nearly enough to appreciate them all.
The coup de grâce
Once this opulence has sunk in, you can finally press the Start/Stop button and prepare for hell to break loose as the supercharged V8 starts to roar. Meanwhile, the JaguarDrive Selector gently pops up from the center console, allowing you to select transmission functions with a simple push and turn action. As usual, you’ll find the P, N, R, D and, what do you know, an S. Guess which one I choose!
 |
| Buyers can choose between Burl Walnut wood, Rich/Dark Oak and brushed aluminum for the dashboard. |