2011 Jaguar XK-R

Jaguar first unveiled the XK (or XK8) and XKR models in 1996 as successors for the old XJS models. Ten successful years after that, the second generation was presented at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, with both versions getting facelifts a few years later in 2009. Then and now, the XK and the XKR are two of the most successful Jaguars on the market.

The XKR really deserves the logo of the wild cat. With a 510 HP V8 engine under the hood, it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. You might say that the XKR is slower than its competitors, but let’s not forget that the XKR is about $20K less than the cheapest competitor and $30K less than the Porsche Turbo.

The model is entering the 2011 model year with the addition of two special editions: the XKR175 Limited Edition, the "XKR Speed Pack," and "XKR Speed and Black Pack".

Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Jaguar XKR.

Exterior

For 2011, customers will be able to choose from two solid colors and eleven metallic exterior colors, with the Kyanite Blue and Salsa being unique for the model. If the customer opts for the convertible version, then they will be able to combine those colors with four standard top colors depending on the exterior shade: Black, Blue, Beige, and Dark Grey.

The XKR version will be distinguished by a set of 19" Tamana alloy wheels as standard (or two 20" wheels - dual-spoke Kalimnos and Nevis styles, and 19" Chrome 10-spoke Artura style) and an active exhaust system in which valves open at higher speeds to provide an even more powerful sound.

Interior

Despite being a sports car, the XKR comes with an interior that combines both sportiness and luxury. It gets luxurious soft-grain leather with contrast stitching offered in three color combination depending on the exterior paint color chosen: Caramel seats with a Caramel upper fascia and Warm Charcoal contrast stitching; Ivory seats with an Oyster upper fascia and Ivory contrast stitching; and Warm Charcoal seats with a Warm Charcoal upper fascia and Ivory contrast stitching.

The sporty look is accentuated by a unique R-style seat design and instruments with red pointers, while all models feature a white instrument gauge illumination. The convertible version has a triple-lined fabric roof that can be powered up or down in less than 18 seconds at speeds up to 20 mph.

Engine

Jaguar unveiled the AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter V8 engines for the XKR’s 2010 model year and it was carried over for 2011. In the supercharged version, it delivers 510 hp and 461 lb.-ft. of torque. A twin vortex system (TVS) supercharger and twin water-cooled intercoolers are efficiently packaged in there as well. The XKR Coupe can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The engine is mated to an electronically controlled, fully adaptive six-speed automatic transmission with the unique cast alloy JaguarDrive Selector as well as the Jaguar Sequential Shift function operated by steering-wheel paddles.

Prices

The 2011 Jaguar XKR is on sale at a price of $96,125 for the coupe version and $102,125 for the convertible. The XKR175 75th Anniversary (Limited Edition) is priced at $104,625.

Competition

Model	Jaguar XKR	Audi R8	Aston Martin V-8 Vantage	Porsche Turbo
Engine	V8	V8	V8	flat six
Horse Power, HP	510	420	420	500
Torque, lbs-ft	461	317	346	480
Weight, lbs	4729	3605	3595	3461
0 - 60 mph	4,6	4,4	4,7	3,5
Top Speed, mph	155, limited	187	180	194
Price	$96,125	$114,200	$124,750	$135,000