Jaguar XKR Portfolio: Quick Test

The Jaguar XK-E coupe is one of only six automobiles on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art. With a long, curvaceous hood, generous dash-to-axle proportion and fastback styling, the E-Type stunned the world when it was introduced in 1961, provoking even Enzo Ferrari to call it, "The most beautiful car ever made."

But since 1974, when the XK-E reached the end of its production line, Jaguar has struggled to offer up a successor.

Three decades later, the "successor" label falls to the fastest and most exclusive member of the current Jaguar coupe family - the limited-edition XKR Portfolio.

Largely the work of former Aston Martin designer Ian Callum, the XKR borrows both proportions and several design cues from its iconic XK-E forefather.

While at the front, there are "issues" - notably the headlights and heavy mesh inserts - we are treated at the rear to what may be the most beautiful fender form on a current production car. Looking truly feline, the XK-R is both muscular and elegant, evoking thoughts of the classic XK-E.

The R-Type's V-8 growl and supercharger whine are baffled far too effectively by an active exhaust, but while its sounds are conservative, its accelerating and braking performance most certainly are not.

With 420 horsepower and a healthy 413 lb. ft. of torque, the supercharged XKR’s 0-to-60 and quarter-mile times mark it as a true performance Jaguar worthy of the leaping cat badge.

Brakes, meanwhile, are the largest ever fitted to a production Jaguar: 400mm front rotors and massive Alcon calipers all around combine to bring the XKR's 3800 lbs. to a halt very quickly. Repeatedly. And without complaint.

Cornering is not quite as impressive despite its active eCATS suspension system, but the R-Type's mission is more "grand touring" than "canyon carving".

Thanks in no small part to its fantastic ZF-supplied, 6-speed automatic transmission, the Jag coupe (also available in a convertible version) covers ground very quickly while staying completely civilized.

Inside, the civility continues: Hand-crafted oak veneers and soft-grain leather lend a "super-premium" look and feel. Even the floor mats are leather-edged, while the fuzzy, suede-like headliner reminds of your favorite childhood blanky.

The XKR - supercharger and "R" badge aside - is still a luxury coupe first and a performance car second, mixing traditional British luxury with Jaguar's sporting heritage in near-perfect proportion.

With sensuous curves, clean lines and long-hood proportions, it gets its fair share of seductive glances. While it may not live up to its XK-E forbear in terms of all-out gorgeousness... what car does?

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Jaguar XKR Portfolio

Performance
- Acceleration: Big horsepower and torque from the supercharged V8 plus BIG traction from the 285 section rear tires add up to instant acceleration
- Handling: Active eCATS suspension helps when speed builds, but only to a point - more GT than sportscar
- Braking: Big optional Alcon six-piston calipers bring things to a standstill immediately with zero fade in road use

Design
- Exterior: Great looking rear 3/4 and side view - slightly less successful from the front - some excellent detailing, some less so
- Interior: Typical Jaguar opulence - the world's best headliner

Utility
- Comfort: Great seats and every convenience item you'd expect
- Space: Headroom a bit limited in cozy cabin - back seats as useful as Humpback whale's pelvic bone

Safety
- Dynamics: Chassis leans toward luxury more than sport, but there's plenty of moves here to avoid trouble
- Technology: Active eCATS suspension plus traction and stability control and all of the requisite airbags

Value
- Price: Suspect at just over $100k loaded, but competitors cost more - if the past is any indicator, depreciation might be an issue
- Mileage: Big V8 and supercharger would have you think big appetite, but not too shabby considering - six-speed auto helps

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Lovely to look at and plenty fast, but doesn't quite stir the soul
- Fun to spank: Prefers a brisk cruise to hooligan behavior - out of sorts at silly speeds

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 4.2 liter, supercharged V8
Power (SAE): 420 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 413 lbs-ft @ 4000
Redline: 6250 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3820 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.2 sec.
1/4 mile: 12.6 sec. @ 111 mph
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 15 city / 23 highway
Base Price: $ 95,675
Competitors: Maserati Gran Turismo, BMW M6, Mercedes-Benz SL550