2009 Jaguar XK

The mystique of the Jaguar is not diminished with the emergence of the sexy exterior lines of the XKR. Just push a button and the XKR's supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 engine roars to life. With 420 horsepower mated to a ZF 6-speed sequential shift transmission, putting the car in drive really does mean you are about to take one of the rides of your life.

The 2009 Jaguar XKR is one of the sexiest, most luxurious, and powerful sports touring cars available. The XKR is the performance version of the XK (both are offered as a coupe or convertible), and both models feature sensual flowing curves, a powerful stance, and exquisite proportions.

The performance-oriented XKR, with its distinctive wire mesh oval grille, louvered hood ports, and specific wheels, provides a look that is both beautiful and menacing.

The sleek aluminum body panels appear to be stretched tightly over the all-aluminum chassis. The construction method utilized to create the XK series was borrowed from aircraft industry methods.

The benefit is a body that is 40 percent lighter and 60 percent stiffer than steel. That translates to better performance and agility.

My 2009 Jaguar XKR coupe test model stood out like a beacon thanks to its radiance red exterior finish and optional ($5,000) 20-inch Senta wheels.

A car as beautiful as the XKR is a sight to behold. My eyes could spend hours taking in its magnificence. However, the real joy comes when you slip behind the wheel and bring this agile cat to life.

Inside the XK, an elegant and stylish cabin greets the driver. Seating is 2+2 but the rear seats are hardly usable for passengers. The overall layout is sporty and driver centered.

The cabin is abundant with sumptuous components and finishes. I quickly became entranced by the wonderful fragrance of suede and leather. Most noteworthy were the lovely suede headliner and pillar trim.

Seating and trim leather is selected from the finest Italian hides and it's handcut by Jaguar master craftsmen.

The front seats are supportive, lavish and comfortable. There's just enough head and legroom for my tall frame.

The dashboard features aluminum trim, or a choice of burl or American satin walnut veneer polished to a high luster. My tester featured the optional ($2,300) burl walnut and it looked fabulous.

The XK series features keyless operation and the start/stop button is located next to the familiar J-gate shifter.

A push of the button and my XKR's supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 engine roared to life. The XKR's boosted 4.2 V-8 delivers 420 horsepower and 412 pound-feet of torque.

Mated to the powerful engine is a ZF 6-speed sequential shift transmission. In both drive and sport mode, the smooth and likable transmission can be operated automatically or manually via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, giving the driver incredibly responsive control of the XKR's powerful engine.

Zero to 60 mph comes in less than five seconds and the feeling and sound that occurs when you mash the pedal is purely exhilarating.

The XKR may not be as agile as pure sport cars, but overall the ride is impressively smooth and mostly taut in corners.

The XKR delivers a ride that is agreeable for long road trips; however, the luggage compartment is fairly small, requiring the driver and passenger to pack lightly.

I thoroughly enjoyed the adaptive cruise control ($2,200), touchscreen (for controlling audio, climate, phone, nav, and vehicle settings), and upgraded audiophile Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system ($750).

I also liked the side mirrors that automatically pivot inward when the vehicle is locked. This helps minimize damage when the vehicle is parked.

The XKR is loaded with an extensive list of safety and technologically advanced systems. Of all the cars I've driven over the years, the XKR is one of the most desirable.

2009 Jaguar XKR Coupe

Engine: 4.2-liter (420 hp) supercharged V-8

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Drive type: RWD

Fuel economy: 15 city/23 highway

Base price: $87,400

As tested: $98,425 (including $775 for handling)

Web site: www.jaguarusa.com