adminmotoring experience. In my few hours of driving around in this tiny monster of power, I couldn’t help but feel the adrenaline rush pumping in me from all the speed and power pumping from the strong V8 engines. The pleasing balance of performance and comfort; luxurious cabin with high feature content; quick convertible top operation; less expensive than many peers will make you choose it over any other sports car.
While I drove this vehicle from the Premier Auto show room to the location which I will call “X” for security reasons . . . ha ha since these cars are so expensive naming where I test drive them could risk a hijacking . . . ha ha. It was a fun drive, from the moment you step into the cockpit, with all the sophisticated controls and luxury seats and the crazy powerful engine in tow, this baby just screamed, “take me home with you”.
What frustrated me were the dinky backseats which may prove to be an issue for someone who enjoys having passengers on board.
Personally this is strictly for two people “vane hutsanana” since the leather trim will show the entire dirt if not handled well. Its generous content, muscular performance and the panache that comes with an illustrious history certainly help it stand out in a very illustrious crowd.
The current-generation Jaguar XK heads into its sixth year of production with little substantial change save for the introduction of the limited edition XKR175 Coupe. There’s nothing to worry about, though, as the improvements made to last year’s XK really sharpened up this car’s performance, and the entire line-up continues to be an attractive choice among luxury sports cars.
The direct-injection 5.0-litre V8 introduced last year is powerful yet smooth. Rated at 385 horsepower, it boasts 40hp more than the Porsche 911 Carrera and a better power-to-weight ratio than the Mercedes-Benz SL550.
Beyond the raw numbers, the V8’s broad torque range allows the XK to be useful as either a long-distance cruiser or a back-road burner. It’s a similar story for the supercharged Jaguar XKR, which boasts 510hp, some 10hp more than the mighty Porsche 911 Turbo. Though the Mercedes SL63 AMG has 8hp more, the XKR scales in about £300 less and costs a little less too.
Certainly the XK isn’t wanting for power, and Jaguar backs it up with exceptional road manners. Jaguar Drive Control gives the driver a choice of three modes to alter such performance attributes as throttle response, shift speed and suspension settings. The adjustable suspension and adaptive dampers allow the XK to prowl quietly or cut corners like a cat on a shag rug, and the XKR displays even more control with the addition of an electronically controlled, limited-slip rear differential.
In general I’m quite fond of the new Jaguar XK and find it fully competitive (and a strong value) against already impressive players like the aforementioned Mercedes SL-Class and Porsche 911 as well as the Maserati GranTurismo.
The Jaguar XK is available in coupe and convertible body styles, with each offered in XK and XKR trim levels. Standard equipment on the base car includes 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats and automatic dual-zone climate control. Also standard are a touch screen control interface, bluetooth, a navigation system and a Bowers and Wilkins premium surround-sound system with in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio and USB audio interface. The convertible features a power-retractable soft top and power rear windows.
Options include interior piano black wood veneer, HD radio, heated windshield, active headlights and adaptive cruise control (which is packaged with active headlights for XK models). Except for the heated windshield, these items are standard on the XKR, as are a supercharged engine, active differential control, different 19-inch wheels, bigger brakes and unique interior trim and body colours. Optional on the XKR are 20-inch wheels, red brake callipers (coupe only) and different interior veneers and body colours.
A 5.0-litre V8 that produces 385hp and 380 pound-feet of torque power the Jaguar XK. The Jaguar XKR features a supercharged version of the same engine that pumps out 510hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. In performance testing, an XKR convertible went from zero to 100km/h in a blistering 4,5 seconds — the lighter coupe would be even quicker. On fuel, you will cry but then again those who buy this vehicle don’t even keep tabs on the price of fuel.
It comes with standard safety equipment which includes anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control, and front-seat side airbags. The convertible has pop-up rollover hoops.
When the car is unlocked, the console-mounted start/stop button pulses red and, once pressed, fires the engine to life while the round shifter rises into the driver’s hand. The operation is also a reminder that the XK is a thoroughly modern automobile underneath its svelte skin.
As in any Jaguar, comfort is a priority. The front seats adjust 12 ways and include heating and cooling. XKR models also get an embossed “R” on the front of the front seat headrests. The power tilt-and-telescoping wheel is also heated, which is welcome on frosty mornings or, in the convertible, during those romantic drives under the stars.
The power soft-top takes a scant 18 seconds to lower and is well insulated for a quiet ride when deployed. The infusion of enhanced V8 power created an entire new definition of Jaguar performance.
Even the base XK is impressively potent, with near-instant response and a wide, muscular power band. The supercharged XKR, meanwhile, is a monster, and it can post acceleration numbers equalling some of the world’s best sports cars.
For a price tag of a little over US$150 000, you can be rolling in style. Instead of parking cars at the mall, this Jaguar is for display at the mall.
So if you are opting to display a vehicle so that everyone else is green with envy, then head out to Premier Auto, Manfred Chaniwa and his team will assist and give you more information.
Buckle up and be safe.
l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected], or Facebook page: Torque with Fact Jeke for more information.
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