2007 Jaguar XK-Series

The Jaguar XK-120 was the first fast, sleek, generally affordable sports car sold in America when the sports car boom began here in the early 1950s. The redesigned 2007 XKR continues Jaguar's tradition of offering a fast, exciting sports car.

While no longer affordable for most folks, the XK was the top-selling Jaguar model through August this year.

The XKR is powered by a 4.2-liter Eaton supercharged AJ-V-8 that delivers 420 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, the XKR bursts from 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds.

The XKR comes as an $85,835 hatchback coupe or as a $91,835 convertible. It has an awesome supercharged, intercooled 4.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower. That engine makes the XKR costlier than the non-supercharged $74,835 XK hatchback coupe and $80,835 XK convertible, which have a 300-horsepower version of the V-8.

Still, the XKR costs less than the rival $99,100-$104,900 BMW M6 coupe and convertible and the $128,800 Mercedes-Benz SL55 convertible.

Both the XK and XKR are loaded with comfort, convenience and safety equipment. They look virtually identical, inside and out. Significant differences for the XKR convertible, which I tested, include a sport suspension with automatic shock absorber control, larger 19-inch tires, aluminum interior trim and rollover bars.

The 2007 XK is the first new XK in a decade and will be virtually unchanged for 2008. It looks more muscular than its 294-390-horsepower predecessor and has advanced aluminum construction, with a very strong all-aluminum monocoque body structure, like a jet plane's. That construction allows a lighter weight and lets the latest XK go faster and handle and brake better, while using less fuel, compared with the last-generation XK.

The new XK is approximately the same length as its predecessor, but is a few inches wider and its wheelbase is nearly 7 inches longer.

The 300-horsepower XK is plenty fast, as I found while testing this early 2007 auto at a media preview of the car in Mexico (May 15, 2006, AutoTimes). However, the supercharged model was months away and just blew me away when I recently tested it in convertible form. The car does 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and hits 100 mph from a standing start in 10.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Entering fast expressway traffic or passing on freeways or highways thus is a breeze.

Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 25 on highways, compared with 18 and 27 for the 300-horsepower engine. Premium fuel is required.

There is only slight supercharger whine, and the engine works with a very responsive six-speed automatic transmission that adapts itself to various driving styles and can be deftly shifted manually with steering wheel paddles.

Hard-core sports car buffs might object to the lack of a regular manual gearbox and clutch, but the XKR has so much power and torque that such a gearbox would be superfluous. Besides, an automatic transmission was offered for the mid-1950s Jaguar XK-140 sports car, which replaced the less comfortable XK-120 in 1954.

Steering is precise, and the brake pedal has a nice progressive action while controlling the powerful XKR brakes. The XKR has sharper handling than the non-supercharged version, but all XKs handle well and all have traction control and anti-skid systems. The XKR's ride is smooth, although some bumps can be felt.

The XKR emphasizes driving ease and luxury to accompany its sizzling performance. Both coupe and convertible have a rear seat, but it's best left to toddlers or small cargo.

The new XK is a rather big, heavy car, weighing about 3,700 pounds, although the power of either engine easily overcomes their weights.

The larger XKR interior comfortably accommodates two tall adults in supportive seats, although the large center console eats up room. The dashboard has been lowered to enhance cockpit airiness, but occupants still sit low and can place elbows on the window sills. Over-the-shoulder room is poor, but large outside mirrors help.

Getting in and out of the low-slung car calls for athletic moves, and long doors are awkward in tight parking spots.

The posh interior has good fit and finish of top-quality materials and powerful air conditioning. Its touch screen information and control center slows radio and climate adjustments, but it isn't overly complicated. Redundant audio controls help. Keyless entry and starting are standard.

The coupe has more cargo room than the XKR convertible's trunk, especially when the soft top is lowered. There isn't much cockpit storage space.

The convertible's thickly padded tight-fitting power top makes it nearly as quiet inside as the coupe and there's little buffeting with the top lowered. Retractable hardtops have become popular, but such a top would have eaten up cargo space when lowered.

Sports cars long have been common in America, so the XKR can't radiate the same excitement as that 1950s XK-120 model. But the XKR is easily the best sports car ever from this British automaker.

2007 JAGUAR XKR

PRICE: $85,835-$91,835.

LIKES: Knockout styling. Very fast. Excellent handling. Posh interior. Easy to drive.

DISLIKES: Over-the-shoulder vision. Long doors.