2000 Jaguar XKR Review
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By Martin Padgett Jr.

Overview

The Jaguar XKR is one of those rare grand touring cars with seemingly endless talents. It makes you a happy driver, it coddles you in comfort while egging you on to insane speeds, and it makes other drivers British racing green with envy.

Based on the lovely XK8, the XKR keeps a secret under its hood - a magnificent 370-horsepower V8, supercharged with a growl entirely appropriate to this brand. While the 290-horsepower XK8 is powerful and expensive enough at $66,200, the $81,800 XKR convertible makes a compelling argument for the best way to spend those future lottery winnings.

Model Lineup

There are two versions of the XKR, coupe and convertible. The coupe is priced from $76,800, including a range of standard features you might never be able to live without. It's got acres of gorgeous wood trim, a CD changer, leather everything, power nearly everything, and a shape so handsome several passers-by in Southern California begged me to pause for just a little longer stare. The sole option is a DVD-based navigation system, with enough information to blanket the U.S. on a single disc.

Though considered separate models, Jaguar's XK8 is well worthy of consideration for anyone who doesn't feel the need for the XKR's power. XK8 Coupe retails for $66,200; XK8 Convertible lists for $71,200.