Jaguar XKR Coupe
“Where are you going now?” my wife asked.
“Just out to the shop,” I replied, innocently.
“Taking the Jag?” she probed.
“Well, I thought I might,” I said.
That’s the thing about being loaned a Jaguar XKR Coupe for a week. Even running out of Parmesan cheese seems like a good excuse for a quick drive.
And there is, by the way, no doubting it – this is a quick drive.
Unveiled at the Motor Show in Geneva last year, the ultra-high performance, supercharged XKR coupe and convertible are two good reasons why Jaguar is recording its highest ever sales.
The Jaguar XKR Coupe has the same body as the XK8 but is powered by a supercharged 4-litre V8 engine. That means it is quicker. Much, much quicker.
I was trying to explain to a friend just how quick that is.
All I could come up with was that when you press the accelerator full down, the car’s front seems to dash off at 100mph. After a short delay, the rest of the car follows.
It’s a little like one of those cartoon cars in the Wacky Races.
But perhaps I should be a little more scientific.
The Jaguar XKR Coupe goes from 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds and from 0-100mph in 12.4 seconds. That compares with 5.6 seconds and 12.8 seconds for the Porsche 911, for example.
In fact, the Jaguar XKR Coupe is not much slower than a pounds 128,000 Lamborghini Diablo which records 4.3 seconds and 9.0 seconds respectively.
But Jaguars are not just about speed although, in case you are interested, the Jaguar XKR Coupe’s top is electronically limited to 155mph. The standard of engineering and the quality of the ride are exceptional.
The five-speed automatic gearbox shifts effortlessly and with the minimum of delay.
And, as you would expect with any car costing over pounds 60,000, the computer-controlled suspension, the power steering and the braking – ventilated discs front and rear – are both smooth and responsive.
Road and engine noise are as low as the levels of refinement inside are high.
The interior is a glorious mix of ivory-coloured leather and deep walnut.
The air conditioning really does keep you at the temperature you set while the front seats heat up if a little extra toasting is required first thing on a frosty morning. It all comes as standard – and I could go on.
Then there are all the little touches.
The interior lights don’t go on and off in a flash. Oh no, they gently fade in and fade out.
The trip computer relays your average speed, average fuel consumption, how much further you can drive with what fuel you have left and anything else you might want to know about your journey.
You can programme in your favourite driving position to which the seat and steering wheel return electronically every time you turn on the ignition.
Finally, and most importantly, we get to the car’s look – distinctively British and uniquely Jaguar.
It has elegant and powerful flowing lines with that distinctive feline stance.
Next week, I report on my recent test drive of the new Jaguar S-type which costs about half as much as the Jaguar XKR Coupe.
You’ll have to wait to see if I think it is half as good.
Jaguar XKR Coupe
How much: pounds 60,050 on the road
How quick: 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds. Top speed 155 mph
How thirsty: Combined 23.1 mpg
Engine: 32-valve, V8, 370bhp
Insurance: Group 20
I like: The look and the power.
I don’t like: I had to give it back.
