2005 Jaguar XKR Convertible Test Drive

Numerous styling and technical upgrades have been made to the supercharged Jaguar XKR convertible, keeping it on a par and in some ways better than its competitors. Horsepower is now up to 390 but the real reason for owning one can be best appreciated by simply standing back and admiring the classic design. Nothing looks like a Jaguar and nothing could ever be more beautiful. Price is $86,995. Warranty: 4 year/50,000 miles. Mileage: 16 city/23 highway/18 combined.

First Glance

The XKR had been left at the valet parking lot. Along with a small group of airport bus passengers I waited for the attendant to bring the car to the waiting area. When he finally pulled up there was a flurry of interest as everyone tried to guess which lucky person was going to drive away in this gorgeous convertible. Movie star? Sports hero? Wealthy software executive? Little did they know it was just a humble automobile journalist, but what the heck, I could play the part: I'm a 6-footer with white hair, a decent wardrobe, and the know-how to walk the walk. (Used to be a fashion model eons ago.) So with all eyes on me I strolled confidently through the heavy rain, tossed my bag inside, and began to seat myself. Except that my curled-up frame refused to squeeze through the small opening. After three failed attempts I placed a hand on the top of my head and pushed down firmly like a cop forcing a perp into the back seat of a cruiser. What had happened was that the valet was a short person who'd moved the seat forward and failed to raise the tilt steering wheel. Once settled I made the needed adjustments and got out of there quickly, my short-lived "star" image in tatters.

In the Driver's Seat

It may take a gymnast's supple body to squeeze through when the top is raised but once inside, it's worth the trip. Nobody does wood and leather like Jaguar and the XKR is no exception. Burl walnut veneer stretches across the dash, contrasting perfectly with the contemporary instruments and controls, the latter having been applied with restraint though it still demands time with the handbook when first getting acquainted; I spent most of the drive to the hotel hunting for the heater fan control which the dwarf valet had left going full blast, only to discover that it was a good old-fashioned turning-knob. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes electrically; front and front-seat side airbags are fitted; automatic climate control takes care of interior comfort (once you know how to set it). Seats are heated; rain-sensing wipers function automatically; there's an excellent navigation system; an optional heated windshield which came in handy on this trip; an Alpine sound system that played Toronto's jazz station tastefully; textured aluminum surrounds for pedals and footrest; the power top latches automatically and steals little luggage space. In fact every luxury feature you could wish for is yours in the Jaguar XKR.

On the Road

Tough getting in? Turn the key and all is forgiven. A supercharged 4.2 liter, aluminum V-8 comes to life with 390 hp and 399 lb.-ft. of torque ready to launch you to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. (Is it a coincidence that the ultimate version of Jaguar's long-lived, race-winning six was also 4.2 liters?) This blast of power goes through a 6-speed automatic which can be self-shifted, but only on those mythical twisting roads that appear in commercials is it really necessary. There was never any doubt in my mind as to who was boss when I hit the expressways; with so much power and massive ventilated Brembo disc brakes all-round I was totally in command. The Jag's sophisticated suspension and quick steering (2.8 turns lock-to-lock) made child's play of curves. Sightlines ahead were good but caution is required when checking the rear for lane changes. Should you get in trouble you'll be rescued by Computer Active Technology Suspension, Dynamic Stability Control, Emergency Brake Assist, four-channel anti-lock brakes. To avoid speeding tickets use the Automatic Speed Limiter and to keep other vehicles at a safe distance use the Adaptive Cruise Control. What all that means is that the XKR does the driving for you. If that's what you want.

Journey's End

The Jaguar name means different things to different people. To me it represents a history of LeMans victories that began in the 50's and resurfaced in the 90's. The XKR is a logical progression of that heritage, incorporating the technological advances demanded in a new millennium. So what sets it apart from its competitors, most of which offer similar features? Design. Jaguars, with few exceptions, have over the decades been the most beautiful mass-production cars ever made. The XKR is no exception. If you're in the market for a high-end sports car, the sheer elegance of the XKR is reason enough to own one. And while its true that Porsches may be quicker through the curves and Vipers faster in 0-60 sprints, this is the car you want for that drive from Calais to Nice. Or San Francisco to Santa Barbara. Realistically, however, most buyers will do little more than cruise up to the hippest coffee shop. In my case, driving was limited by a blizzard (see photo above) when, even with all the techno-aids, I refused to venture out on high-performance tires. Which left me testing the subway system. Nevertheless I found little to complain about and when I returned the XKR to valet parking I climbed out with dignity and image intact.