Jaguar XKR: Dazzling lines, exquisite engine sound

With some cars, it’s love at first sight. The Jaguar XK is one of those cars – especially the supercharged XKR and XKR-S. You have to see this English car up close to appreciate its style: in my opinion the photos just don’t do it justice. It’s undoubtedly one of the nicest sports cars on the market and while it’s having a hard time finding buyers (as evidenced by its low sales numbers), its exclusivity is guaranteed.

Aston Martin lines

We weren’t the only ones to fall for this magnificent car. Several people that I met during my week-long test drive were enchanted by its exotic and elegant lines – and almost no one guessed that it was a Jaguar. Time and again, people thought it was an Aston Martin! That’s no surprise, as it turns out, since the XK was created with a little magic from Ian Callum, the designer behind several Aston Martin models dating back to when the brand was part of the Ford family. What fun to drive a car whose lines are reminiscent of those of an Aston Martin, especially considering that the XK is offered at a much lower price.

The XK has few rivals other than the BMW 6 Series and, of course, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the best known model in the luxury coupe and roadster category. It’s no easy task to compete with this car and its rich history and excellent reputation.

The XK has captivating lines, especially when fitted with the optional 20-inch rims. Its stature commands respect and its physique gives you the sense that it could pounce at any moment. It has typical roadster proportions with a rear-set passenger compartment, long hood and short overhangs.

Three engines

Under the hood, the XK houses a 5.0-litre V8 that develops 385 horses and similar torque. Drivers seeking superior performance will turn to the XKR, whose turbocharged version of the same 5.0-litre V8 and some 510 horses transforms the car into a little rocket capable of heady performances. The big news, however, is the arrival of the XKR-S, a veritable beast that, thanks to its 550-horsepower turbocharged V8, puts Jaguar into the running against its fiercest rivals’ sports cars.

Whichever version you choose, the power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an excellent six-speed automatic transmission. Using sequential mode, paddles located behind the steering wheel allow you to shift gears manually. This automatic gearbox proved extremely efficient, taking less than 600 milliseconds to shift into the next gear in manual mode.

The interior of our test model (a 2012 XKR) was classic Jaguar, meaning that it had an exemplary finish and high-end materials. The central console has an integrated touch screen that controls the vehicle settings, including the on-board computer, sound system, air conditioning and navigation system. Considered a 2+2, don’t expect to be able to share the joys of the XKR with several friends at once. The back seats are much better suited to children because of their size and the angle of the seat and seatback. The front seats are comfortable while a series of controls (located in the doors) help you find a good driving position.

Pinned to the seat

At the wheel, the XKR proves undeniably sporty, but its true calling is that of a grand touring car. In fact, it isn’t a pure and simple sports car like the BMW M6 or Mercedes SL AMG. However, if you appreciate a car that offers an excellent combination of performance and comfort, the XKR is for you.

The steering is precise, though a tad over-assisted. The chassis is sufficiently rigid, but you’ll feel the surplus of weight in the front end, which causes some understeer when the car is pushed hard. The XKR’s suspension and sport settings kick up the sportiness a notch, but what really drives this vehicle are its 510 horses. Put the pedal to the metal and you’ll be pinned to your seat and serenaded by the rich sound of the V8. The most striking feature is undoubtedly the power and torque delivered by the engine, even at higher speeds. You get the impression that this car never runs out of juice.

Braking is ensured by large calipers that stop this mass as quickly as it can be launched. In my opinion, the XKR is the most representative of what an XK should be, despites its hefty price tag.

It’s hard not to fall under the spell of the XKR. But while its exotic lines and exclusivity attract a lot of attention, Jaguar doesn’t enjoy the same reputation it once had, as the reliability of its products remains erratic.