XKR First Drive - Pics n Vids

[triple7]

Had a first drive of the XKR this week, as well as the full Jaguar 'R range. What a cracking line up. Each car perfectly suits a different occasion, hence I would love to have all three. But it was the new XKR that had my full attention. I'm no journalist and my written english is no Shakespeare play, so I won't write a report. But what I will say from just a few laps of the Circuit, the car feels pretty much exactly the same as the XK8, in that it handles beautifully, stops incredibly and is as quiet and comfy a Sports GT as you can get for the money. BUT the power and acceleration of the XKR is truely awesome. Nothing could match it on the circuit that day, the way it out accelerated the XJR's and S-Type R's even in the wet. The track was pretty greasey because of all the rain and Goodwood does need to be repected, but I never had any doubt about its levels of grip. (Maybe the Jag driving instructor next to me did! ) The traction control was in, but I never did I feel it intervene. The noise level in the cabin was perfect. I drove the XKR Convertible (first time for me in any Jag drop top), The wind noise from the wing mirrors was not apparent as I had noticed from a very early use of an XK8, even at 100mph+. No creaks or groans from the car and as you will hopefully enjoy from my crap video segments, the roar of the fully active exhaust sounds magnificent on the outside and on the inside you are aware that the neighbours may either love you or hate you! But no resonance or booming.

All in all from me a Jag lover, the XKR is the package that I just have to have. 23rd Nov is the day you can drive them out the showroom (at least down here in Surrey it is.) Waitlist are 6 months or so, but I heard most dealerships will have a few cars which have already been specced to drive out the door. here are a few pics etc.

The line up.




The XKR Coupe (in Slate if you were wondering!)



The XKR Convertible (not much room to take pic, so just one)


The test car (in Midnight)


Soz probs with the vid at the mo...........

G

[triple7]

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b27

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b27

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b27

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b27

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b27

Can someone let me know if they are able to access the vid links??

G

[fwdracer]

What a pity there was no S/C 3.0L V6 X-Type R with 4wd. It would have tonked the lot of them on a streaming Goodwood circuit. RIP-Another stillborn Jag project.

[pzero64]

Vids work.

Nice sound

[job38]

Nice report

So, t7, what's it to be, XKR or 997?
British beef or German pork....

[NormanD]

777 Thanks for taking the pics & vidio.

I didn't realise how wet the track was then driving the cars,
they all felt so sure footed.

[Happy Monkey]

I get to drive the car at Oulton next Tuesday, can't wait. The XK8 is great, the extra hp must be awesome?

[groomi]

Errrrm, so where was the invite to help evaluate? I assume it got lost in the post, eh?

Anyway, will Jag throw in a decent video camera too?




PS: How you doing, long time no see...

Edited by groomi on Friday 13th October 23:24

[Phil Hopkins]

Great report G, i'll have a look at the vids later!

So when are you getting your cheque book out and giving me a call?

[cardigankid]

Were you out with my opld mates Swain & Jones?

[cardigankid]

Were you out with my old mates Swain & Jones?

[triple7]

Phil Hopkins said:

Great report G, i'll have a look at the vids later!

So when are you getting your cheque book out and giving me a call?

As soon as my lotto numbers come in. Any suggestions??

G

[triple7]

groomi said:

Errrrm, so where was the invite to help evaluate? I assume it got lost in the post, eh?

Anyway, will Jag throw in a decent video camera too?




PS: How you doing, long time no see...

You were invited last Friday, but you said you would rather spend your time with your with instead of the 'R lot!

G

[triple7]

cardigankid said:

Were you out with my old mates Swain & Jones?

Nah HAF.

G