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Jaguar XKR

Model Tested: Coupe

Rating: 6 (out of 6)
Damage: $102,000
Power: 510hp, 481 lb.-ft.
0-60: 4.6 seconds
Gas Cash: 15 city, 22 hwy
Miles Driven: 620 miles

Keep a close eye on the XKR’s fuel gauge—it drops faster than the Times Square ball on New Year’s Eve. But any worries about upsetting a few “greenies” will quickly become afterthoughts once you fall in love with the earth-shattering clamor blasting out of its quad rear pipes. The intoxicating sound comes courtesy of a new, third-generation, 5.0L supercharged V8 that pushes out a time warp–inducing 510 horsepower. Separating itself from the OG XK, the “R” edition adds 125 supercharged ponies, a new electronically controlled rear differential, adaptive suspension, and a special XKR front bumper and hood with dual matching embossed “Supercharged” louvers to extract the extra heat this cat is putting out, figuratively and literally.

But when you’re not romping the go pedal, this cat will purr at highway speeds, while its phenomenal eight-speaker, 525-watt Bowers & Wilkins stereo keeps the cabin humming as well. Staying true to its racy looks, the XKR does itself right in the twisties, but if you get too deep, the “R” performance brakes behind the big 19-inch wheels, along with Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics, will reel you in. Though a pricey breed indeed, the XKR makes every dollar you’ve spent on it feel worth it through refined luxury, a bangin’ sound system and one of the best exhaust notes outside of a Detroit muscle car. - MICHAEL CRENSHAW

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