The current XK represents the first step in redefining Jaguar for the 21st century. Although it certainly includes design details inspired by Jag’s storied past, this is a whole new kitty. While the interior has not Ye Olde swath of veneered wood stretched across the dash.Oh, there are plenty of felled timber on the screen, but it complements the more modern designs instead of dominating it – Aluminum trim is still available. This newfound design direction is refreshing, but it is the competent and refined driving ways to make the 2009 Jaguar XK a serious player in the sub-$ 100,000 luxury coupe and more than just a beautiful way accessories.The XK put out by boasting an all-aluminum structure and body parts, which makes it not only lighter than the XK8 it replaced, but also less portly than its competitors. Jaguar also claims that the aluminum structure adds body stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and crashworthiness. While we took a pass on testing the validity of this last assertion, we can confirm that the ride and handling is class-competitive.
The lower weight also pays dividends with the XK’s two V8 engines, although the base 300 horsepower mill not impress as much as it could have 10 years ago. On the other hand, the 420-horsepower Supercharged XKR has an entire Costco case of oomph on hand for matching (or business) competitors like the BMW 650i, Mercedes-Benz SL550 and Porsche 911 The strong straight-line performance does not mean that Jaguar coupe and convertible can quite match those cars in terms of being fun to drive – it’s more of a Grand Tour with the ability to casually meet a Curvy road. But this year’s new XKR Dynamic Handling Package should certainly narrow the gap with the more athletic competitors, especially BMW 6 Series.
In a recent comparison test with BMW, we placed the XK Coupe 2nd Because of its higher price and relative lack of efficiency and functionality. But the 2009 Jaguar XK and XKR should strike a chord among those who seek out high style and a certain type of heritage and prestige – even if not as much varnished wood to shine.
Article Source:Carguru.com
