What's new? With the much-admired new Jaguar XK already considered a future design classic, Jaguar's creative team had a great starting point for the XKR. Jaguar has beefed up the all-aluminium chassis stiffness by an astonishing 30 per cent. A supercharged version of the 4.2 engine means the XKR has 120 more bhp than the normally-aspirated model in the XK and 20bhp more than the outgoing model.
It's also 80kg lighter, which is enough to knock its 0-60mph time below the 5-sec mark. The new-generation machine also gets aluminium mesh air-vents, a revised rear bumper with space for the quad tailpipes.
What are the options? Not many. But, the gearbox offers an array of options itself. Jaguar's Sequential Shift ZF unit uniquely combines the speed of a sequential manual gearbox with the comfort and convenience of a full automatic. The system consists of steering wheel-mounted paddles and a conventional gear selector lever, allowing the driver to switch between three automatic or paddle-operated gearbox modes. Manual mode is activated by simply operating one of the steering wheel-mounted paddles, and delivers a manual gear shift feel from the automatic transmission.
You can opt for the stark modernity of aluminium weave trim or the classy drawing room feel of walnut burr or polar.
Who is it for? It's for people with £70,000 who want a £100,000 car. What's it like to drive? It's phenomenal. The ride has nothing like the harsh feel of an Aston Martin but handles with all the tenacity in 99 per cent of situations.
I drove the XKR around Oulton Park as fast as I dared and, even on a damp track, the car inspired confidence. Two-stage traction control means if you want a modicum of wheelspin and oversteer thrills, it's all there at the touch of a button.
The auto gearbox is a marvel. In Drive mode, the XKR can feel almost docile, as compliant as a friendly tabby. Shift into Sport, and the domestic cat goes wild.
What else do I need to know? This is the best Jaguar since the E-Type. What would make you buy one? Interest-free credit or a Lotto win.
Marks out of 10? Eleven
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