FOR ONLY A FEW SELECT PEOPLE
Driving a brand new Jaguar XKR convertible is one of the privileges of this business. It is one of the very few exotic cars that I get to drive once in a while. Consequently, I felt like I had to treat it with respect. It's ironical because most journalists might take advantage of the 370 horsepower its engine will pump out to get one "helluva" thrill. For some reason that I find hard to explain, I wanted to drive this car as if I owned it. Maybe one day...
The XKR sport convertible was introduced last year with sleek new lines. I always thought that Jaguar cars had unique design, lines that might never be mistaken for another car. This rear-wheel-driven beauty is powered by a strong 4.0-litre DOHC V8 that pumps out some 370 horsepower thanks to the support of a Roots-type belt-driven supercharger. This power plant is hooked to a five-speed automatic transmission that can be used (almost) manually thanks to its J-gate shifter. Unfortunately, downshifting to first gear is impossible. Power gets to the pavement by a 3.06:1 rear-end connected to big Continental tires. Obviously, we are talking about a very performing car that can reach the 100 km/h mark in some six seconds (that's what I did without even trying hard other than de-activating the traction control). Top speed hovers around 250 kmh but this is not what attracted my attention.
The interior of this Jag is what I liked the best. Definitely, those British designers know how to come up with classy looking interiors. The dashboard is very simple with an almost flat front fascia only disturbed by the round holes of the instruments. But its wood finish is unique. Part of the center console is occupied by the radio and climate controls that are discrete but easy to understand. It then flows to the floor console to the rear. The front leather seats are comfortable and very supportive. They were really designed as sports car seats. But the two small rear seats are definitely not designed to accept passengers unless they are some two or three years old and their legs do not go further that the seat bottom. My son, who is twelve, was able to sit in the rear but only because my right passenger had accepted to slide his seat forward for a short ride. The trunk space is good enough for at least two golf bags.
Driving a brand new Jaguar XKR convertible is one of the privileges of this business. It is one of the very few exotic cars that I get to drive once in a while. Consequently, I felt like I had to treat it with respect. It's ironical because most journalists might take advantage of the 370 horsepower its engine will pump out to get one "helluva" thrill. For some reason that I find hard to explain, I wanted to drive this car as if I owned it. Maybe one day...
The XKR sport convertible was introduced last year with sleek new lines. I always thought that Jaguar cars had unique design, lines that might never be mistaken for another car. This rear-wheel-driven beauty is powered by a strong 4.0-litre DOHC V8 that pumps out some 370 horsepower thanks to the support of a Roots-type belt-driven supercharger. This power plant is hooked to a five-speed automatic transmission that can be used (almost) manually thanks to its J-gate shifter. Unfortunately, downshifting to first gear is impossible. Power gets to the pavement by a 3.06:1 rear-end connected to big Continental tires. Obviously, we are talking about a very performing car that can reach the 100 km/h mark in some six seconds (that's what I did without even trying hard other than de-activating the traction control). Top speed hovers around 250 kmh but this is not what attracted my attention.
The interior of this Jag is what I liked the best. Definitely, those British designers know how to come up with classy looking interiors. The dashboard is very simple with an almost flat front fascia only disturbed by the round holes of the instruments. But its wood finish is unique. Part of the center console is occupied by the radio and climate controls that are discrete but easy to understand. It then flows to the floor console to the rear. The front leather seats are comfortable and very supportive. They were really designed as sports car seats. But the two small rear seats are definitely not designed to accept passengers unless they are some two or three years old and their legs do not go further that the seat bottom. My son, who is twelve, was able to sit in the rear but only because my right passenger had accepted to slide his seat forward for a short ride. The trunk space is good enough for at least two golf bags.