2011 Jaguar XKR coupe review

For those folks, there's the Jaguar XKR coupe, powered by a 510 horsepower supercharged V8.

As with Jaguar's other "R" models, the Jaguar XKR coupe has high-performance brakes to improve stopping power, plus a more aggressive suspension setup for a firmer ride, less body roll, and lower ride height.
Standard features include adaptive headlights that swivel in corners, aluminum-finish side window surround, stability control, keyless entry and start, a seven-inch touch screen to control various car functions, and a body-colored spoiler.

Options include a 525-watt Alpine premium sound system, Sirius satellite radio, soft-grain leather, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2011 Jaguar XKR range will get two new optional performance and styling packs, appropriately named Speed Pack and Black Pack.

The Jaguar expected to make its debut will feature both the optional Speed and Black Packs alongside optional Piano Black veneers on the dashboard and red brake calipers.

If you go for the Speed Pack models you have a choice of seven exterior colors: Ultimate Black, Polaris White, Salsa Red, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Kyanite Blue and Spectrum Blue.

The Black Pack models will only be available in Ultimate Black, Polaris White or Salsa Red and boast eye-catching 20-inch gloss black Kalimnos alloy wheels.
Additional exterior changes such as gloss black finishing for the window surrounds and front grilles plus body colored front and rear spoilers and boot lid finisher give the car that little bit more.
“While Jaguars are about beauty, they are also about speed and power. Jaguar’s Design Director, Ian Callum.

Not even your tabby, and most certainly not a Jaguar XKR. The 2011 Jaguar XKR may not be completely domesticated, but it is civilized. If the 2011 versions of Jaguar's XK series -- the naturally-aspirated XK and supercharged XKR, both in coupe and convertible styles -- look little different from the 2007 models that heralded the second generation of the venerable British manufacturer's quintessential grand tourers, look more closely. Again, though, mid-product cycle changes. Which connects, electronically, to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission. Which in turns connects to the newest iteration of Jaguar's AJ-V8 engine. Meaning a car made for easily and comfortably traveling long distances, at speed. Backroads, aka "sports car" roads? City and commute traffic?

COMFORT: As outside, multiple small detail enhancements bring the newest XKR up to date without compromising its grand touring elegance and comfort. A little quirky? Jaguar tradition… and the knob work simply and easily. Jaguar does burled walnut trim in the classic British manner, but textured aluminum is found in the XKR -- appropriately, considering the car's construction and character. Front seats are multi-adjustable, completely powered, and provide top-notch comfort and support.

SAFETY: The 2011 Jaguar XKR protects its passengers with structural strength, front, side, and thorax airbags, huge antilock vented disc brakes, and a multi-mode dynamic stability-control system.

It is a capable, high-performance machine so don't expect luxury-car softness. At just under 4000 pounds, the new XKR coupe is a large, heavy car that responds best to a smooth driving. Long-distance, high-speed touring? High-pressure direct fuel injection is used for the first time in a Jaguar, allowing higher compression for increased efficiency and power. Adaptive shift logic ensures performance minimal fuel use in normal driving. In "D", use of the manual-shift paddles allows over-ride and automatic shifting resumes shortly.