The 2010 Jaguar XKR isn't as sporty as competitors, but makes a luxurious touring car. "This is a handsome and elegant coupe that perfectly blends luxury and sportiness," writes Car and Driver. "Interior trappings are first-rate, and the ride is supple yet taut. Rear-seat space is a joke, but the rest of the XK is so well executed that it can be forgiven.The XKR is a seriously quick and competent sports coupe."
The 2010 Jaguar XKR is a performance-tuned variant of the 2010 Jaguar XK, which ranks well in the super luxury sports car class for its comfortable handling, elegant interior and long list of standard safety equipment. However, it lags behind the competition in terms of sports performance.
For 2010, the Jaguar XKR gets an all-new 510 horsepower supercharged V8 engine. While the power increase narrows the gap between the 2010 Jaguar XKR and its high-performance competitors, test drivers find that the Jaguar XKR -- like the Jaguar XK -- still can't compete with sportier handling rivals like the 2010 BMW M6.
The 2010 Jaguar XKR is available in two body styles: coupe and convertible.
"As you might expect in cars probing the $100,000 price point ($96,000 for the coupe, $102,000 for the convertible), Jaguar XKRs are filled with luxury touches (heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, 525-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system, etc.) and driver aids such as front and rear Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Adaptive Restraint Technology System. But don't let this list of driver aids fool you, the XKR is every bit a GT car with high levels of performance, handling and excitement."
"The Jaguar XK is an absolutely gorgeous sports car that will appeal broadly to successful men and women looking for the latest in sleek affordability. We are smitten by this beautiful Jag and the way it drives down the road, changing direction like the big cat it's named for, but coddling the adventurers inside like an English nanny."
"Price-wise, Jaguar's base XKs slot attractively between comparable versions of the BMW 650i and the Mercedes SL550, while XKRs are cheaper than an M6 or SL63."
"A very, very good car indeed."
Tuned more for comfort than sports performance, the 2010 Jaguar XKR makes a great choice for those in the market for a relatively affordable super luxury grand tourer, but not an all-out sports car. The 2010 Jaguar XKR's new 510-horsepower V8 engine, however, edges it closer to the competition.
If you're in the market for a high-performance super luxury sports car that's every bit as capable as it is elegant, test drive the 500-horsepower 2010 BMW M6. It's slightly more expensive than the 2010 Jaguar XKR and puts out similar performance figures, but it features superior sports car handling that the Jaguar XKR just can't match.
If, however, you value luxury touring over high-performance engineering, forgo the M6 and test drive the 2010 Maserati GranTurismo instead. It costs a bit more than the 2010 Jaguar XKR and isn't as powerful or quick to accelerate, but is arguably more luxurious, attractive and a certified exotic. In terms of panache, the Maserati trumps both 2010 Jaguar XKR and 2010 BMW M6.
Performance Dynamics
Test drivers report that the 2010 Jaguar XKR is an exceptional performer, but more of a sporty grand tourer than a track-tuned thoroughbred.
The 2010 Jaguar XKR is equipped with an all-new supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 510 horsepower at 6,000 - 6,500 rpm and 461 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 to 5,500 rpm. A six-speed ZF automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift steering wheel mounted paddle shifting is standard. Jaguar Sequential Shift allows for drivers to choose between "Drive" and "Sport" transmission modes. According to Jaguar, the 2010 XKR has a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The EPA reports that the 2010 Jaguar XKR nets a city/highway fuel economy of 15/22 mpg.
The rear-wheel drive Jaguar XKR features a Bosch Servotronic 2 power-assisted, speed sensitive, variable-ratio rack and pinion steering system. Also standard is Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (eCATS), which automatically and continually adjusts the 2010 Jaguar XKR's shock absorber settings to maintain optimum balance.
Stopping the 2010 Jaguar XKR is a performance braking system with passive brake booster, hydraulic brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. An Anti-lock Braking System is also standard. What's more, Jaguar's Trac Dynamic Stability Control with traction control improves directional stability during hard cornering and adverse driving conditions.
"Fitted with the same drivetrain as the XFR, the convertible version I drove was a delight to the senses, with ample acceleration, brisk cornering ability and sumptuous accommodations. ... The 6-speed automatic transmission performs admirably when left in Drive, but enthusiasts can also take advantage of paddle-shifting capability to thoroughly enjoy the performance of the 510-bhp V-8."
"Jaguar claims the XKR coupe does 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, which seems accurate. Acceleration is strong at any speed aided by a quick-acting automatic transmission that doesn't hesitate to downshift for effortless highway passing. Standard steering-wheel paddles are easy to use and provide even faster gear changes."
"Sent through corners, both the standard XK and the XKR display the advantages of aluminum construction, as both versions of the car feel more agile and precise than their predecessors."
The XKR "[d]eftly transitions from luxury cruiser to back-road villain when called upon. Feels light and agile."
"The ride is more compliant that most sports cars -- though acceleration is beyond brisk, the XKR emphasizes civility over outright racetrack-style handling. That said, it's very happy to tackle winding back roads, but there are less expensive cars, such as the Dodge Viper and Chevrolet Corvette, that are more at home on racetracks."
"[E]ven on a tight leash, the XKR is a quick, efficient, comfortable cruiser, a Gran Turismo in the truest sense of the term."
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