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2005 Jaguar XK/XKR
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| First Drive |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:53:07 |
| Rating |
 264 ( -34 -12.87% ) | | Author | Dan Lyons |
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Description:
2005 Jaguar XK/XKR
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2005 Jaguar XK/XKR. The normally aspirated motor makes 294 hp (@6,000 rpm) and 303 lb. ft. of torque (@4,100 rpm).
2005 Jaguar XK/XKR. Rear bumpers are deeper for '05 and the spoiler on R cars is more pronounced. Exhaust tips are bigger (XK) and more plentiful ( R ).
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2005 Jaguar XK/XKR. Profile view shows off 20" BBS Seprang rims. The optional 15 spoke alloys and tires are classy and pricey: $6,000 for the set.
2005 Jaguar XK/XKR. The interior is unchanged - think of an upscale, English pub on wheels.
XK/XKR
Jaguar's slinkiest cat, the XK first rolled onto the world stage in 1997. Total sales to date exceed 70,000 units worldwide (with 40k plus in North America). In what is likely the final freshening of this generation of XK's, 2005 is a year for mid-course corrections - not major surgery; refinements - not radical change. Recently, Jaguar invited us for an early drive of their 2005's, in Texas hill country.
Outside
Some minor tweaking for 2005. Gloss black surrounds frame the windows on all models (formerly grey). The front bumper design has been revamped, along with the lower air intakes. XK's now have a full length splitter running east/west in the grille. Mesh is still the tip-off that you're looking at a supercharged, XKR. Rear bumpers are deeper, and up above, the deck lid spoiler on "R" cars has grown slightly larger. The dual exhaust outlets have a wider mouth on XK's, and quad finishers on XKR's. Seen side on, the news is rolling stock. Standard on XK are 18", 7-spoke Aris alloys. 19", 9-spoke Atlas alloys are optional. The top wheels are the 20", 15 spoke BBS Seprang's available on XKR. A set of four (with suitable rubber) will set you back $6,000. In all, the XK's are still stunners, refined and athletic looking, with more than a passing resemblance to the classic, 1st generation E-types.
Inside
The interior is unchanged - think of an upscale, English pub on wheels. Driver and passenger sink into well padded, leather swaddled bucket seats, surrounded by wide slabs of wood. Carpeting is thick, hides are supple and even the plastic bits look good. Center dash is a busy intersection of switchgear - a casualty of all the technology on board. The on-board navigation system (standard on XKR, optional on XK) works well, though the clock face that also shares screen time looks like a decal - out of place, in this space. The +2 back seat is made for parcels, not people. The coupe's trunk measures 11.5 cubic feet, compared to the convertible's 10.8. Big enough for a couple of bags of golf clubs. The convertible top powers up and down with a minimum of fuss. The soft boot gives a nice, finished appearance when fitted, but there are fewer and fewer convertibles that require drivers to do it themselves these days.
Hardware
An Automatic Speed Limiter can now be dialed in to keep the driver from exceeding a predetermined pace, regardless of throttle input (full pedal kick-down cancels ASL). Aside from this, all is largely status quo on the mechanicals. Following 2003 updates to engine and transmission, there are two versions of the AJ, 4.2 liter V-8. The normally aspirated motor makes 294 hp (@6,000 rpm) and 303 lb. ft. of torque (@4,100 rpm). The supercharged AJ is rated at 390 hp (@6,000 rpm) and 399 lb. ft. of torque (@3,500 rpm). Linked to both, the seamless, 6 speed ZF transmission. "R" cars are stacked with performance upgrades, and XK buyers can buy specific R options (Recaro buckets, cross-drilled Brembo brakes, 20" BBS wheels, etc.) to personalize their cars.
Impressions
Sailing across wide open Texas hill country, the XKR swallows roads in great, galloping gulps. Power flow is silken, lag free and nicely distributed by the 6-speed transmission. Wind turbulence in the convertible's cabin with top down never rises above moderate. Top up, they are snug and quiet. With their wind-cheating fastback shape, coupes feel as they look - more slippery than the convertibles, with improved rear visibility, thanks to a larger backlight. XKR coupes are particularly sporty. With a stiffer body structure and beefed up suspension, the coupes are sneaky fast. They'll cruise with style and comfort, but can accelerate with surprising force (0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds) and corner tenaciously, despite their heft. Meaty tread ably assists in these efforts and tire noise on coarse pavement is just about the only noise you encounter under way - other than a nice growl from the AJ eight, when prodded. Substantial feeling, well powered, comfortably luxurious, XK's are Grand Touring Cars in the classic sense.
Numbers & Dollars
2005 XK on sale date: June 1.
Model / Estimated sales mix / Price
XK8 coupe:
4% sales/$70,495
XK8 conv.:
66% sales/$75,495
XKR coupe:
4% sales/$82,995
XKR conv.:
25% sales/$87,995
The Competition
Cadillac XLR, BMW 645 Ci, M-B SL500
---Story by Dan Lyons
---Photos by Dan Lyons
© 2004, Dan Lyons, All Rights Reserved. |
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