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What's New: For 2001, a limited edition XKR "Silverstone" model will be offered, equipped with 20-inch BBS wheels, Brembo brakes and unique interior treatments. The Silverstone, as well as the regular XKR Coupe and Convertible, have additional safety equipment in the form of seat-mounted side airbags and an Adaptive Restraint Technology System (ARTS) that ultrasonically detects occupants. There are also standard child seat-anchor points for the rear seats and a reverse parking-control system. A premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer and a GPS navigation system are now standard equipment. Topping things off is a new, no-cost scheduled maintenance program that covers four regular service visits under the four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Type: Compact car Pros: Divine exterior shape, supercharged engine, good balance between luxury and performance. Cons: Cramped interior space, cheap-o plastics, fussy GPS system, mushy brake pedal. Review Attractive shape? Check. Performance-oriented suspension? Check. Pavement-ripping engine? You betcha. Emblem of growling cat? Right there on the hood. Yep, the XKR has the necessary elements for being one of the better Jaguars in a long time. The XKR is the performance version of the XK8 Coupe, much like how the XJR is the performance version of the XJ8. And like the XJR, the XKR's calling card is its DOHC, 32-valve 4.0-liter V8 engine. With a huge Eaton M112 supercharger, twin air-to-liquid intercoolers, and minor structural changes, the XKR's engine cranks out 370 horsepower at 6,150 rpm and 387 foot-pounds of torque at 3,600 rpm. For comparison, the XK8's normally aspirated V8 generates a "wheezy" 290 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 290 foot-pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm. Visually, special trim and 18-inch wheels differentiate the XKR from the XK8. And just like the XK8, the XKR is arguably the best-looking sport coupe on the market. The lines flow smoothly to give the car an aggressive, yet classical feel. With the XKR Convertible, drivers will be able to lower the top to get the feel of wind in the hair. The XKR comes standard with items like traction control, stability control, a performance-tuned suspension with active damping, and speed-sensitive steering. The active damping system is called CATS and Jaguar says the computer-controlled shocks improve both handling and comfort. Like most coupes, legroom for the front passengers is excellent, but rear-passenger accommodations are quite tight. The XKR's luxury materials are impressive, with Connolly leather used on the seats, center console, door panels and steering wheel. The leather is matched up with extensive use of burl walnut wood. Another nice touch is the interior chrome door handles that also have integrated power door locks. Much of the plastic is disappointing, however. It reeks of Ford, and often looks like it was lifted from a Crown Victoria. For 2001, Jaguar has made the 320-watt Alpine sound system and the navigation system standard equipment. The navigation system is fussy to operate, but it is DVD-based, which means it can store considerably more point-of-interest information than a CD ROM-based system. On canyon roads, the XKR offers what you would expect from a luxury coupe that has been modified for performance. The steering is not as communicative or involving as a 911's, nor does the car beg you to explore the limits on every corner. But thanks to the big tires and engine, the XKR can still put a stupid grin on your face. At close to $80,000, the XKR's closest competitors are the 911, the Mercedes-Benz SL500, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK55. If you put up with the tight interior, the XKR will reward you with a monstrous engine, a sexy body and a level of class and grace that the other cars can't match. Styles & Prices at Edmunds.com | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
