EDMUNDS.COM 2005 JAGUAR XKR
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Still more a grand tourer than a sports car, the supercharged XKR is nonetheless smooth, sleek and sexy.
Pros
Divine exterior shape, supercharged V8 power, comfortable seats, opulent interior.
Cons
Cramped interior space, some low-grade interior materials.
What''s New for 2005
Subtle refinements for the XK-Series this year include freshened exterior styling elements, new wheel designs and a standard driver-controlled automatic speed limiter.
Overview
Introduction:
When Ford acquired struggling Jaguar in late 1989, no one could have predicted the modern-day Reformation that is now upon us. Jaguar had been cranking out luxury sedans along with the aged XJS for years under the management of British Leyland Motors, and more recently, as an independent company. Under the guidance of the Blue Oval, the XK was unleashed upon the world and heralded a new era for the British brand. When Jaguar introduced its XK coupe in 1996, hearts quavered and salivary glands went into overdrive as we witnessed one of the most beautiful vehicles ever introduced. Replacing the 21-year-old XJS, the XK hearkened back to the sinuous lines of the spicy E-Type and XK120 (the former residing in the Museum of Modern Art as an example of the pinnacle of automotive design). Also debuting was the impressive AJ-V8 engine, only the fourth all-new engine in Jaguar''s history, which is the unit that powers the current XJ8 and S-Type 4.2. For the 2000 model year, Jaguar spiced up the already powerful XK8 by adding a supercharger to the mix to create the high-performance XKR. Available in both coupe and convertible form, it offers a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and nearly a 100-hp improvement over the normally aspirated XK8. The XKR is still more of a grand tourer than a sports car, but it''s perfect for quick weekend getaways for two.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Available as a coupe or convertible, the XKR comes fully loaded. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a computer-controlled active suspension, high-intensity discharge headlamps, leather upholstery, wood and aluminum trim, 12-way power sport seats with heaters and memory for the driver, automatic climate control, a 320-watt Alpine stereo with a six-disc CD changer mounted in the trunk and a DVD-based navigation system. A power-operated top is standard on the convertible. On the options list, you''ll find an assortment of pricey 20-inch wheels, Recaro seats, adaptive cruise control, a Momo steering wheel and shift knob, drilled aluminum pedals and a handling package that sets you up with Brembo brakes (with visible red calipers) and firmer suspension settings.
Powertrains and Performance:
The XKR''s 4.2-liter V8 is energized by an Eaton supercharger, twin air-to-liquid intercoolers and minor structural changes over the normally aspirated version in the XK8. Output is rated at a prodigious 390 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque. A standard six-speed automatic transmission routes power to the rear wheels. EPA ratings are 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Safety:
Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes supplemented by ABS and BrakeAssist are standard; a higher-performance Brembo set is optional. Other standard safety features include stability and traction control and seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants. Missing from the equipment list of this $80,000 vehicle is a rollover protection system in the convertible.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The XKR''s cockpit is an attractive blend of luxury and sport, with supple leather used on the seats, center console, door panels and steering wheel. The leather is matched up with extensive use of burl walnut wood. You can opt for Recaro sport seats, drilled aluminum pedals and a Momo steering wheel and gearshift knob. Amongst all the rich surfaces, you''ll find some low-grade plastics that seem more appropriate for a Ford than a Jaguar. Front occupants will find ample room to stretch out, but the small rear seats are best left to shopping bags.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Given the XKR''s ability to sprint to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds and flash through the quarter-mile in under 14 ticks, this cat should be quick enough for anyone short of an Air Force test pilot. The six-speed automatic is quick on the draw, though the traditional J-gate shifter is not well suited for manual shifting. Although the XKR has serious wheels and tires, it''s still not a full-on sports car. The steering is light, precise and quick, and the XKR handles curves with ease, with the active suspension keeping body roll to a minimum. Still, it doesn''t urge you on like a true sports car would. Fine for most people, but enthusiasts will prefer the 911 or even an SL500 roadster.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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