2008 Jaguar XKR Review

The 2008 Jaguar XKR is a gorgeous sports car with super powers. Furthermore, it is an appealing vehicle due to its relative affordability. Available as a two-door coupe or convertible, the XKR is an enhanced version of the XK. The Jaguar XKR builds upon the XK with a supercharged version of the 4.2-liter V-8 that makes 420 hp, along with a modified suspension that firms up the ride but sharpens the handling. Other changes include a modified exterior with plasticky mesh grilles, modified fog lights, larger wheels, quad exhaust and dual hood louvers. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and Jaguar says the XKR accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the convertible). The XKR combines Jaguar's new modern design style with traditional luxury car touches like genuine wood and supple leather. For 2008, the Jaguar XKR is largely a carryover.

XKR Trim Levels and Options

The XKR is available in several trims and packages. XKR Portfolio adds Alcon-brand brakes, a Bowers & Wilkins premium stereo and exclusive black paint. This is a limited trim that only saw a few hundred imported into the U.S. The Luxury Package for the XK adds 16-way power seats with adjustable bolsters, soft-grain leather interior, heated leather steering wheel, leather gearshift knob, power-fold exterior mirrors, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Aluminum Luxury Package for the XK combines the soft leather 16-way seats with aluminum interior trim and 20-inch alloy wheels. Advanced Technology Packages for the XKR add adaptive cruise control, front park control. The Premium Sound Package comprises an eight-speaker, 525-watt Alpine Premium Dolby surround sound system with Sirius satellite radio. Several wheel options are available as stand-alones, including 19-inch alloys, 19-inch chromed alloys, 19-inch chromed alloys with run-flat tires, and 20-inch alloys. The Portfolio limited edition for the XKR adds Alcon brakes with six-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers in the rear, 20-inch polished alloy wheels, polished aluminum power side vents, leather-edged floor mats, a 525-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system with Sirius Satellite radio, and Celestial Black metallic paint. Buyers can choose American Walnut or engine-spun aluminum interior trim at no extra cost. Also included is the XKR Luxury Package.

Power and Handling of the XKR

 Powered by a 420 hp 4.2-liter supercharged V-8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the XKR can accelerate to 60mph in less than 5 seconds. Safety features include antilock brakes, brake assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, run-flat tires and an anti-whiplash headrest system. XKRs come with high-performance brakes, active front lighting, and 19-inch alloy wheels. With its Eaton supercharger, the XKR develops 420 horsepower at 6250 rpm, and 413 pound-feet of torque at 4000.It also rides more firmly than the standard model, with spring rates increased 38 percent in front and 24 percent in the rear; and its steering is tuned for higher effort and quicker response. Additionally, the front brake disc diameter is increased from 12.8 to 14.0 inches, and the thickness from 1.2 to 1.3 inches, not only to improve braking performance but also the system's resistance to fade. Top speed is still electronically limited to 155 mph. EPA estimated fuel economy dips to 15/23 mpg city/highway, but the XKR still avoids a guzzler tax. The limited-edition XKR Portfolio takes braking and handling to the next level with standard 20-inch wheels and tires, and an Alcon braking system that includes massive 15.7-inch discs up front with six-piston calipers; and in the rear four-piston calipers squeezing 13.8-inch discs. Crescent-shaped grooves cut into the surface of the brake discs prevent a build-up of deposits on the brake pads and improve braking performance under extreme use.

Design of the Jaguar XKR

The exterior of the XKR is distinguished by a deeper front valance, mesh grille inserts, and body-color hood louvers. The Jaguar XK has been a design icon since 1949, and the latest version looks very much the part. The overhangs are shorter, but the signature voluptuousness is in every panel on the car, and the tires and wheels are more prominent in the design. The stowaway power convertible top added some width to the rear end of the car to accommodate the steel top cover, but both the coupe and the convertible are stunning cars.

2008 Jaguar XKR Cabin

Inside the XKR are sport seats with added lateral support, polished stainless pedals, a suede-like Alston headliner and aluminum trim. Part of the total engineering revision introduced for 2007 involved stretching the wheelbase by almost six and a half inches to afford much more interior space. Inside the latest XKR, everything is roomier. Everything inside was new for 2007, from the new shifter with a Sport slot to the new dashboard and instrument layout, to the standard touch-screen navigation system. The seats were given a major redesign, and are much the better for it, with longer cushions, more power adjustments, more enveloping bolsters, and generally more long-distance comfort built in. They're upholstered in Jaguar's traditional leather, of course, and set off by the buyer's choice of walnut veneer, poplar veneer, or aluminum trim panels on the doors and dashboard. The instruments have more engaging graphics, the layout is better, and the switchgear makes more sense now because of the opportunity to redesign it.

Conclusions

Safety features for all XKs include front and side air bags, ABS with EBD, traction control, dynamic stability control, and tire-pressure monitor. Also included on convertible models is electronic roll-over protection: If the convertible should roll over, two rollover bars come blasting up through the rear glass to stabilize the rear of the compartment. With its significant updates for 2007, the 2008 XKR continues to be an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful, luxurious, and affordable vehicle, furthermore, the XKR carries the Jaguar nameplate well. For more details, read a 2008 XKR First Look by MotorTrend.