Before the curtain falls ending the 2008 calendar year, India's TATA Motors will become the proud parent of two Ford Motor Co. castaways. The remaining "British Arm" divisions of Ford, Land Rover and Jaguar, return to across-the-pond ownership when India's influential TATA Motors flexes is muscle and buys the pair. The move provides TATA Motors instant access to an established dealer network in the United States while allowing the struggling Ford Motor Co. to pocket much needed cash. The two British siblings never looked quite right in the Ford family photo album.
While Land Rover focuses on luxury sport utility vehicles, the "Leaping Cat" Jaguar Division put the purr under the hoods of coups, sedans and convertibles. Jaguar's 2008 lineup includes the entry X-Type, the soon-to-retire S-Type, luxurious XJ sedan and luxurious XK coupe/convertible. In the 2009 model year, a new XF sedan replaces the sporty S-Type. Ford's 20-year ownership of Jaguar influenced the X-Type and S-Type sedans more so than the pricier rear-wheel drive XK and XJ offerings. Jaguar offers no gas-electric hybrids at this time.
Completely redesigned in the 2007 model year, the sharp-looking 2008 XK adds a third trim level to the mix, the limited-edition XKR Portfolio.
The three 2008 trim level include : XK, XKR and XKR Portfolio. All three come in coupe and convertible body style (technically, its' a three-door hatchback, but the Jaguar folks like the coupe reference). A 4.2-liter V-8 powers all three, although "R" editions enjoy extra horsepower (420 total horses to be exact) thanks to a supercharged engine. The naturally-aspirated version churns out 300.
The engine gets an unusual assist from an aluminum monocoque body structure, reducing body weight and helping the vehicle blast from zero to 60 in 4.9 seconds. It tips the scales at a trim 3,814 pounds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour. Standard is a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual gear changes when desired.
From a driving impression standpoint, it's more a luxury ride as oppose to a sporty one. Get behind the wheel of a BMW 6-Series for a more sporty drive, although the XK's roundly bold rear fenders and a long, 45-degree hatchback design blows most BMWs away visually.
It better look pretty for the $75,500 starting price for a naturally aspirated coupe. Add $6,000 more for the convertible version. Our test supercharged XKR coupe listed at $86,700. Again, add $6,000 for the soft-top convertible. If you're lucky enough to spot an XKR Portfolio on the dealer lot (only 225 are available in the U.S.), have $98,700 ready to go. Yes, fork over $6,000 more for the fun of a convertible. For those counting pennies, prices include the destination charge.
For anyone seeking to drive loads of kids to soccer practice, look elsewhere. Although four leather seats are present, the back is best left for felines and K-9s. No leg room what so ever with the front bucket seats back at a comfortable position for front seat travelers, which for most folks is all the way aft. Small, static windows in back prevent Fido from sniffing outside as the world goes by, so he may be disappointed as well. But the XKR was never intended as a family coupe. It's for those who enjoy traveling in style.
For those adventurous enough to contort in back, front seat backs tilt forward once a top lever gets gently lifted. Seat bottoms don't manually slide forward, so don't take this maneuver lightly. Power seat buttons on the side doors must be used to move seats forward. Static rear seat backs do not fold forward, so the hatch area only provides 11 cubic feet of cargo room. A temporary spare tire is found under the hatch floor but keep in mind, 19-inch run-flat tires are now available in the XK.
The headliner, a suede-like material, also covers the front A pillars. Most heads will never reach the liner thanks to ample room. My 6-foot, 6-inch automotive colleague Don Gryszkowski was satisfied with head and leg room, although front seats do create a snug, cockpit-like feel. Seating is closer to the ground than most conventional coupes, but not so close that your butt feels like it's dragging on the pavement. Even folks above the age of 45 (like Don and me) can slip in without too much back stress. The two-tone dashboard, black and brushed aluminum, contrasted well with the grey headliner.
Two side-by-side beverage holders and the electric parking brake lift handle are found between the bucket seats, and that's all the cup holders one finds. Also close by is an arm rest/storage bin with a top hinged at the rear. The lockable glove box is average sized at best. The relatively small, flat instrument panel has two circular dials and a digital message center in between. The clock and fuel gauge use high-tech graphics to creatively illustrate the time and fuel consumed; a great touch.
Power seat controls are high-atop the front doors near a rather small chrome handle. The center dashboard occupies a standard DVD-based navigation system with seven-inch screen and built-in audio system. The steering wheel incorporates secondary audio controls which come in handy. The navigation system is relatively intuitive to use with a tutorial that's easy to understand. Buttons monitoring the dual zone climate controls are below. All XKs come standard with Bluetooth wireless technology for mobile phones. Push buttons releasing the fuel door and trunk are conveniently located on the far left-side dash, not on the floor. No ignition key is needed. Just step on the brake and press the red Start/Stop button between the front bucket seats. The electronic key fob must be in a pocket, purse or somewhere inside the car.
Despite the long, narrow hatchback design, blind spots are not as bad as expected. Although it's made of lighter weight material, the hatch takes a healthy slam to shut.
One nice visual and aerodynamic update is the radio antenna. Its new, narrow, hump-like bulge near the rear spoiler takes the place of a power, mast-like design. Quad exhaust pipes add to the show and go. Our XKR test model included the attractive aluminum mesh front grill with circular cat-face logo. No hood ornament though. Nineteen-inch Jupiter-style alloy wheels also add a dash of class. Disc brakes get upgraded to performance level in the supercharged "R" edition. Both headlight and tail light housing are narrow in nature. The hood, which opens up from the windshield end, includes two functional air vents. Side fender vents are for show only.
Fuel economy for the naturally-aspirated V-8 checks in at 16 mpg city and 25 highway. With the supercharged engine, miles per gallon dips to 15 and 23 respectively. The tank holds 18.8 gallons of premium unleaded fuel.
Standard safety equipment includes traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes and front-seat head and side air bags.
A couple of option packages are available. Both include an automatic braking, adaptive cruise control system and a front park control, both operated by a radar-like sensors. Sirius satellite radio is optional in the Premium Sound package.
No doubt, the XK is one sharp-looking machine with plenty of get up and go, especially in the supercharged "R" edition. Hefty pricing may turn off some comparison shoppers, but Jaguar loyalists will smile ear-to-ear when this kitty purrs. With so many look-alike body styles on the road, this Cat stands out. |