The Sport mode allows manual control of the 6-speed ZF autobox through the steering wheel-mounted paddles. Barely touching them with your fingertips is enough to perform gear changes. This transmission is absolutely remarkable, with smooth, nearly seamless shifts notwithstanding your driving style.
The aforementioned V8 engine of the 2010 Jaguar XKR produces 510 horsepower (90 more than the previous model!) along with 461 pounds-feet of torque. An electronically-controlled active differential comes into play to ensure all that power is delivered in civilized fashion by limiting the slip between the rear wheels. Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are cut down to only 4.6 seconds. Amazing!
While the engine sounds refined and muted from the cockpit, the unmistakable purr always reminds you that a mighty V8 sits under the long hood. One second you’re peacefully cruising down the boulevard without offending the big feline, the next second you’re unleashing a pavement-shredding beast with phenomenal thrust.
Surgical like a sharpened claw
The steering is the third key element in the XKR equation. It’s an exceptionally sharp and responsive unit that always stays calm and never lets the monstrous torque send vibrations through the steering wheel.
Sitting in the driver seat, one feels totally safe and secluded. It’s hard to get an idea of how fast you’re going… except when Jaguar’s Automatic Speed Limiter (ASL) brings you back to earth during a spirited passing manoeuvre. The car’s incredible balance and handling also contribute to this odd speed impression. However, with so much power on tap, respect and caution are musts. You have to keep a cool head at all times despite the exhilaration the XKR provides.
In other news, Jaguar replaced its CATS suspension technology with a new and much more capable system called "Adaptive Dynamics." As for the brakes, they’re gigantic and downright tireless.
Competition
Starting at $107,000, the 2010 Jaguar XKR is almost a steal when compared with direct rivals. These include the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (about $130,000, 420 hp), BMW M6 ($121,300, 500 hp), Maserati Gran Tourismo ($184,500, 433 hp), Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG ($159,000, 518 hp) and Porsche 911 Turbo ($165,300, 500 hp).
Wrap-up
The various improvements made to the Jaguar XKR translate into a much higher-performing and more balanced car. At the same time, it’s extremely smooth and sophisticated. Call this a bipolar disorder or an iron fist in a velvet glove, but the fact remains that Coventry successfully achieved the purest form of GT motoring. What a car!
photo:Bertrand Godin
The aforementioned V8 engine of the 2010 Jaguar XKR produces 510 horsepower (90 more than the previous model!) along with 461 pounds-feet of torque. An electronically-controlled active differential comes into play to ensure all that power is delivered in civilized fashion by limiting the slip between the rear wheels. Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h are cut down to only 4.6 seconds. Amazing!
While the engine sounds refined and muted from the cockpit, the unmistakable purr always reminds you that a mighty V8 sits under the long hood. One second you’re peacefully cruising down the boulevard without offending the big feline, the next second you’re unleashing a pavement-shredding beast with phenomenal thrust.
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| The aforementioned V8 engine of the 2010 Jaguar XKR produces 510 horsepower. |
Surgical like a sharpened claw
The steering is the third key element in the XKR equation. It’s an exceptionally sharp and responsive unit that always stays calm and never lets the monstrous torque send vibrations through the steering wheel.
Sitting in the driver seat, one feels totally safe and secluded. It’s hard to get an idea of how fast you’re going… except when Jaguar’s Automatic Speed Limiter (ASL) brings you back to earth during a spirited passing manoeuvre. The car’s incredible balance and handling also contribute to this odd speed impression. However, with so much power on tap, respect and caution are musts. You have to keep a cool head at all times despite the exhilaration the XKR provides.
In other news, Jaguar replaced its CATS suspension technology with a new and much more capable system called "Adaptive Dynamics." As for the brakes, they’re gigantic and downright tireless.
Competition
Starting at $107,000, the 2010 Jaguar XKR is almost a steal when compared with direct rivals. These include the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (about $130,000, 420 hp), BMW M6 ($121,300, 500 hp), Maserati Gran Tourismo ($184,500, 433 hp), Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG ($159,000, 518 hp) and Porsche 911 Turbo ($165,300, 500 hp).
Wrap-up
The various improvements made to the Jaguar XKR translate into a much higher-performing and more balanced car. At the same time, it’s extremely smooth and sophisticated. Call this a bipolar disorder or an iron fist in a velvet glove, but the fact remains that Coventry successfully achieved the purest form of GT motoring. What a car!
photo:Bertrand Godin
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