The seats are very comfortable and, included in the 16-way power adjustable feature, are variable side bolsters to keep the passengers snugly in place. The driving position is not ideal; I could not lower the seat sufficiently or likewise raise the steering wheel high enough to comfortably clear my knees. There is plenty of room in the first row for the occupants and that is all. The symbolic rear buckets are designed to better hold your day-bag than any human no matter its size. There is little or no space in the cockpit for the usual junk (maps, cell phones, wallets, etc) and the trunk is tight especially when the roof is down. Does it really matter in the end?
A purrin' V8
The Jag's big-sounding 4.2L V8 was the first that I made with the
Mustang. The moment the engine churns to life, it settles to a loud deep fast idle that is not unlike that of the Mustang's 4.6L V8. Producing 300 hp and 310 lb/ft of torque, the XK Convertible hits 100 km/h in just under 6.5 seconds. The 6-speed ZF automatic transmission which can be controlled via steering-wheel mounted paddles is an agreeable partner to the engine. In Sport mode, the manual shifts are crisp and free of hesitation. The only downside is that the gearbox will upshift upon reaching the redline instead of holding the gear. In normal automatic cruising, the powertrain is unruffled by any requests the driver may have of it.
The letters GT which stand for Grand Touring are perfectly upheld by the XK's pleasurable road manners. This is the other characteristic that reminded me of the Mustang. The Jaguar, as they have just about always been, is soft and smooth. The fully independent wishbone suspension is
pliable and perfectly adapted for Montreal and British (so I've read) B roads. There is no jostling about in the car and because the car was designed as a convertible and not as coupe, I found there to be no rattles whatsoever. As for the speed-sensitive variable ratio rack and pinion steering (what a mouthful), it is communicative and progressively well-weighted. The XK is a more relaxed driving experience than the 650i however the BMW is racier and sportier.
R
As you read these lines, the R version of the XK will have arrived. For a premium over the standard cars, the owner will be entitled to 420 supercharged ponies, R race seats, higher performance braking gear, 19" wheels and other unique accents. Acceleration times are said to be chopped by a solid second which should prove the high-end XK to be all the more entertaining to drive.
The XK Convertible's price range starts at $113,000 to about $130,000 for a loaded version with options. The Coupe runs from $103,000. The XKR Coupe and Convertible have retail prices of $117,000 and $127,000 respectively.
Good stuff:
Drop dead gorgeous
V8 sound
Snappy transmission
No so good stuff:
Small back seats and trunk given the overall size of the car
Competitors:
BMW 6-Series
Porsche Boxster
Mercedes SL-Class
Cadillac XLR
A purrin' V8
The Jag's big-sounding 4.2L V8 was the first that I made with the
 |
| 2007 Jaguar XK Convertible (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
The letters GT which stand for Grand Touring are perfectly upheld by the XK's pleasurable road manners. This is the other characteristic that reminded me of the Mustang. The Jaguar, as they have just about always been, is soft and smooth. The fully independent wishbone suspension is
 |
R
As you read these lines, the R version of the XK will have arrived. For a premium over the standard cars, the owner will be entitled to 420 supercharged ponies, R race seats, higher performance braking gear, 19" wheels and other unique accents. Acceleration times are said to be chopped by a solid second which should prove the high-end XK to be all the more entertaining to drive.
The XK Convertible's price range starts at $113,000 to about $130,000 for a loaded version with options. The Coupe runs from $103,000. The XKR Coupe and Convertible have retail prices of $117,000 and $127,000 respectively.
Good stuff:
Drop dead gorgeous
V8 sound
Snappy transmission
No so good stuff:
Small back seats and trunk given the overall size of the car
Competitors:
BMW 6-Series
Porsche Boxster
Mercedes SL-Class
Cadillac XLR
Article Gallery