Vehicle Overview The Jaguar XK is a high-end luxury sports car that drives as well as it looks. The XK comes as a coupe or convertible. There’s a higher-performance XKR version and an XKR Portfolio edition that’s only available in limited numbers. Competitors include the Cadillac XLR and Mercedes-Benz SLK.
New for 2009 The 2009 XK now features a standard 525-watt audio system with a USB input and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Exterior The oval grille opening is similar to that on other Jaguar models, but the broader front bumper distinguishes it from the preceding generation, called the XK8.
19- or 20-inch alloy wheels
Power, heated mirrors with automatic-dimming function
Automatic headlamps
Dual exhaust
Interior The XK’s interior isn’t the roomiest in its class, though its front-seat legroom is far better than average and its dimensions are more than workable for adults. The backseat is such only in name. There’s no legroom at all unless the front occupants slide forward, and the seat cushions have oddly shaped contours. It’s a “2+2,” which means Jag doesn’t expect you to think they’re real rear seats. The convertible’s soft-top is thick enough that interior noise isn’t much different than the coupe’s.
Leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel and levers
Available real wood or aluminum trim
Navigation system
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Optional adaptive cruise control
Optional leather-appointed dash
Optional heated steering wheel
Under the Hood The XK can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
300-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 with 310 pounds-feet of torque
Six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift function
Safety
Side-impact airbags
Active front head restraints
Daytime running lights
Antilock brakes and traction control
Electronic stability system
Front and rear parking sensors
XKR Jaguar’s XKR builds upon the XK with a 420-hp, supercharged version of the 4.2-liter V-8. There’s also a modified suspension that firms up the ride but sharpens the handling. Other changes include a modified exterior with a mesh grille, modified fog lights, larger wheels, quad exhaust and dual hood louvers. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and Jaguar says the XKR accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the convertible).
In addition to the exterior and interior upgrades, the XKR Portfolio adds Alcon-brand brakes, a Bowers & Wilkins premium stereo and exclusive black paint. Only 385 will be imported to the U.S. Back to top
