This Cat Has Sharp Teeth
March, 1998 -- Two years after the Jaguar XK8's debut at the Geneva International Auto Show, the folks in Coventry decided to introduce an ultra high-performance version of the coupe and convertible at the same venue. Employing the supercharged engine found in the XJR sedan, the XKR coupe and convertible become the fastest production cars ever sold by Jaguar. The XKR arrives just in time for Jaguar to celebrate 50 years as an auto manufacturer.
The visual cues that distinguish the XKR from its normally aspirated siblings include a bright mesh air intake, hood louvers, and a rear lip spoiler. Bright 18-inch alloy wheels and eye-catching red badges also differentiate the XKR.
Although we have been ardent fans of the new XK cars since their introduction, we think that this version stands head and shoulders above the regular model. The supercharged AJ-V8 engine propels the XJR to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and the car's top speed is electronically limited to a lofty 155 mph; enough to push this car to the top of any enthusiast's wish list. Our only complaint is that the XKR is not available with a manual transmission, the gears are shifted without driver input through a sophisticated 5-speed automatic gearbox. We think we could live with it anyway.
March, 1998 -- Two years after the Jaguar XK8's debut at the Geneva International Auto Show, the folks in Coventry decided to introduce an ultra high-performance version of the coupe and convertible at the same venue. Employing the supercharged engine found in the XJR sedan, the XKR coupe and convertible become the fastest production cars ever sold by Jaguar. The XKR arrives just in time for Jaguar to celebrate 50 years as an auto manufacturer.
The visual cues that distinguish the XKR from its normally aspirated siblings include a bright mesh air intake, hood louvers, and a rear lip spoiler. Bright 18-inch alloy wheels and eye-catching red badges also differentiate the XKR.
Although we have been ardent fans of the new XK cars since their introduction, we think that this version stands head and shoulders above the regular model. The supercharged AJ-V8 engine propels the XJR to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and the car's top speed is electronically limited to a lofty 155 mph; enough to push this car to the top of any enthusiast's wish list. Our only complaint is that the XKR is not available with a manual transmission, the gears are shifted without driver input through a sophisticated 5-speed automatic gearbox. We think we could live with it anyway.
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