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TOUCH OF SILK

The new XKR embodies everything that we know and love about Jaguar; it carries a legacy of seamless elegance yet there’s a modern twist of power and seduction.

You can imagine the delight in our office when we first received news that Jaguar were bringing out a light weight, supercharged XK producing an astonishing 420bhp. It even looks exciting with its youthful and ultra sporty design features like its re-designed front bumper, aluminium-finish grilles and bonnet louvers. The curved spokes of its 19 inch wheels, aluminium mesh air vents and quad exhaust system are further indications of its bold intentions. We know Jaguar can do luxury but demure won’t always sell to the thirty-something executives who want something fresh and edgy. Well, it seems they’ve hit the spot this time; the wilful feline has got out her claws to prove she’ll never be soft in the face of adversity.

Now set to take on the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage, BMW M6 and Mercedes SL55 AMG, it strives to pull in the votes as the best sporting GT in its class. To do this it taps in to its race heritage, bringing us an ultra light weight aluminium monocoque body structure, uprated springs, revised active dampers and an additional suspension brace at the rear.
As well as agility, the XKR features a two-stage traction control system which gives it a more slick and progressive feel as it pounces in to corners. There’s no wariness about it just outright enthusiasm as it pins you to the floor with the force of an industrial sized jet hose. Of course it can be gentle and charming if you ease off its pleasure sensors but so can a house cat and it’s the wild nature that makes it.

You don’t buy a house with a pool just to dip your toe in it once every summer, just like you don’t buy a V8 supercharged Jag to potter down to Waitrose in. It’s not as if the melodic crisp, low notes of its power plant won’t tempt you either. Get carried away and a noise more akin to a jet fighter plane will stimulate your eardrums like the sizzle of bacon the morning after the crazy night before.

Its 0-60mph dart in 4.9 seconds together with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph is a big hint as to its straight-line capabilities. It’s also got 420 horses to thrust it through the air and due to its six-speed automatic transmission, it only takes 600 milliseconds to change up. The steering wheel mounted paddles again make for a sporty and accessible driving experience.
It’s hardly surprising that the new, enhanced engine gives rise to a further 44Nm than its predecessor; bringing it to a total figure of 597Nm. Its mid range power will give you plenty of opportunities to zip past slow moving traffic and slashing the weight by 70kg also adds to its impressive acceleration.

Inside the XKR, you’ll be greeted by an aluminium weave design on the fascia or if you want a more decadent look then the polished burr walnut won’t cost you any extra. To remind you of its performance-orientated philosophy, as if you’d forget, the XKR badge is embroidered on its sports seats. The racy coupe’s latest technology is also in keeping with its rivals, this includes keyless entry and keyless start as well as an advanced Touchscreen trip computer and Active Front Lighting.

Verdict

FOR: Super slick swept back body lines and a fresh, young appeal, chic interior, awesomely smooth supercharged performance, intuitive dynamics
AGAINST: Fuel economy, also travelling in the back seat for anything longer than a trip to the supermarket wouldn’t be enjoyable.
CONCLUSION: Certainly a car that will awaken the senses and keep you enthralled. It has unique appeal and is sure to seduce younger buyers who will love it for its image as well as its silky feel.

Spec

ENGINE: Supercharged 4.2-litre V8
POWER: 420bhp @ 6100rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 450lb ft @ 3500 (est)
TOP SPEED: 155mph
TRANSMISSION: Six speed automatic , steering wheel mounted paddles
TYRES: 19″ and 20″ alloys
PRICE: £67,495
RIVALS: Aston Martin Vantage, BMW M6, Mercedes SL55 AMG