Will be driving the XKR-S shortly ...

 

PLEASE tell us about your experience when you do.

I have been unable to find one locally to do this.

(And, no I don't care that the GT-R is 5+ secs faster around Top Gear's test track)

 

I like it....and the 2012 versione with a 5.0 V8 is very good too! I'd buy it also for the great sound!

 

You won't for a while I think. I made a connection after NY show that is bringing me to Jaguar's NA HQ in NJ tomorrow morning to drive it. I'm guessing it will be the blue one that's been in the mags but hope it's the white one I saw at the show. I hope they have some kind of test-track or something and then let me take it out on the streets. Stay tuned as my report will follow soon...

 

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/at-the...t-nurburgring/

 

Not much of a review by Jay, but here's mine: Car looks very cool and I got to see red, white, blue and black. Only gray wasn't there. Looks best in red IMO, but it was more red delicious apple (metallic) than regular red. Carbon fiber touches are nice and the exhaust note, the biggest surprise, is outrageous. Power is Jekyl/Hyde in that tip-in isn't aggressive but once past halfway you really get the power. Suspension tuning is almost perfect compromise of firm enough, but doesn't beat you up on the streets and highways. Steering is a bit light and not as direct as I'd like. The transmission, a regular 6-speed auto with paddles is decent. Interior is beautifully done and the seats are quite comfortable. A very,very nice car but not OMG for me, so the Aston stays (for now)

 

Does the auto feel like an auto? Or is it a single clutch sequential, with automated clutch feel? To me, these are totally different experiences.

Also, let me ask - if you didn't have the Aston, would you consider the Jag?

 

It is a regular auto, albeit a good one. I like some of the "boy racer" aspects but not sure it's worth 35+ K over the XKR I drove. Not sure if either would be for me but it is a VERY livable and enjoyable car. It's price point doesn't have a ton of options but maybe SL63, 911 variants, Vantage and R8 come to mind.

 

Thank you for your perspective. I know the wife and I are interested in this car.

We both are looking at the XKR-S, R8, and 911. She doesn't like manual, so we are looking at the auto (or preferrably dual-clutch) versions, as opposed to the manual versions. I may have to check out the XKR-S. The problem is trying to look at one in Fayetteville. Won't happen. So my search is going to take a while.

 

Yeah, I don't like your chances. With 100/yr. slated it will be tough. I'd suggest doing what I did: go to Jaguar NA sight where they actually give links to e-mails of administration and send an inquiry. There are at least a dozen in the US right now and most of them were in NJ. These cars go out all over the place via press cars and other stuff so one might get close to you. There's a lot to like and it would be the most extroverted of your three, depending on color. Was in the Audi showroom same day and they had a silver V10 R8 there. Great interior and so many good things written about the drive but the styling is not my taste. You can never go wrong with a 911 and oddly enough I've been finding myself attracted to a "simpler" car as in 911 C2/4 S and NOT Turbo, GT-3 etc. After having a wild 911 with color, wings & wheels screaming "look at me" I'm done with that. Good luck in your search and don't forget to try a basic XKR...

 

Great information. And I appreciate your opinion as well. Thanks! I'm going to try and find out what I can about the 'S', and perhaps revisit the XKR.

 

With 510 hp, the acceleration on this car is sick. When we took my XKR for a test drive, I found a remote highway and just hit the gas. The acceleration was almost scary. What's really great about this car is that if you just want to cruise around, grandma-style, it will do that for you too. It's really very versatile, with the best fit and finish on the interior that I've seen in a long time. It might even be more luxurious than my husband's 911 Carrera S.

Even if you're not in the market to buy a Jaguar - you should test drive an XKR. It's a phenomenal driving experience.

Sandy

 

Several people have told me that if you drive one, you will be hooked. I can't wait to see if they are right.

 

The XKR-S comes with 550HP.

 

Yes - but I'm not sure that the additional 40 horse warrants the additional ~$30 K that Jaguar is asking for. My 0-60 is 4.6 seconds and the XKR-S is 4.2. Not sure that I would ever notice the .4 second difference.

All this being said, I wouldn't turn down an XKR-S if someone wanted to give me a nice present!!