KansasCity.com's view

The first new Jaguar sports car in 21 years is a visual masterpiece. The XK8’s long, lovely snout, reminiscent of the E-type sports cars from the 1960s, charms you immediately.

While its curvaceous, graceful flanks also mimic Jags of the past, the overall look is distinctly modern. Both coupe and convertible versions are offered, although the convertible I drove is the best looking. Prices start at $64,900 for the coupe and $69,900 for the convertible, about $7,000 more than the XJS. Not cheap, but less than competitors from Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Since Ford Motor Co. bought Jaguar, numerous changes throughout the company have taken place, and the XK8 is an example. Simultaneous engineering by teams with different disciplines enabled the new Jag to come to market in record development time. The engine design is exclusively Jaguar, but Ford kicked in needed development money.

In keeping with the XK8’s luxury status, the search for the best quality components led to the use of an engine management system and air conditioning unit made by Nippondenso, instead of Lucas, the English company often chided for unreliability. The convertible’s folding top comes from a German company.

Under the hood, an all-new aluminum, 4.0-liter, twin-cam V8 with 290 horsepower waits to do your bidding. While a V8 is not the usual fare for Jaguar, known in the past for its silken V12s and twin-cam six-cylinders, this powerplant is as sweet as English jam. Twist the key and it settles into a slightly impatient idle. Guide the gear lever through the quirky J-shaped shift gate and you’re ready to roll. The peculiarly shaped shift gate makes no sense to me, but getting used to it comes soon.

Toe the throttle and the engine responds with a creamy smooth power delivery. Punch it and you’re rewarded with acceleration that is satisfying but not as brutal, say, as the new Corvette.

The ZF 5-speed automatic transmission is programmed to give soft shifts, even at full throttle, and it works seamlessly around town.

Traction control and anti-lock brakes enhance foul-weather performance, making this a truly year-round sports car, although I don’t think I would risk its handsome sheetmetal in snow and ice.

On the highway, the XK8 is relaxed and confident. Wind noise with the top in place is reasonably muted, but it is still louder than the coupe. The loudest noise comes from the singing of the 17-inch diameter tires.

In night driving, the headlights were among the best I have driven behind, with the high beams being especially effective.

The cockpit is snug but lavishly appointed. Connolly leather abounds, and the face of the dash is covered in gorgeous wood. The steering wheel and gearshift lever are also wood, and they elicit a tactile pleasure that is peerless.

The seats were among my least favorite things. The bottom cushion did not have adequate height adjustment for me to get comfortable, which was aggra vated in part by not having a place to rest my left foot. A place for your foot is needed because of the legs-straight-out seating position.

The design of the electronic seat controls was among the best I have come across.

Vestigial back seats are suitable for briefcases or the odd bag of groceries, but not much else.

Getting in and out requires ducking to miss the low top. Some folks complained about bumping their heads, but I did not have that trouble.

Raising and lowering the top is a one-touch operation that can be done at speeds up to 10 mph. Wind management is good with the top down, although the recent weather did not allow much alfresco motoring. On cold mornings the heated seats were most welcome.

The stereo had excellent sound quality, but the compact disc changer was in the trunk.

According to Jaguar, about 7,000 XK8’s will be available for sale this year. Considering its sharp looks and powerful V8, I expect them to be sold quickly s buyers rejoice at again having a new English sports car.

Price

The base price of the XK8 convertible is $69,900. Our test car was equipped with the optional all-weather package that brought the sticker price to $72,480, including delivery.

Warranty

The basic warranty is for four years or 50,000 miles.

Vehicles for The Star’s week-long test drives are supplied by the auto manufacturers.

Point: It’s great to have a new Jag sports car. The XK8 is thoroughly modern with its aluminum V8, traction control, anti-lock brakes and 5-speed automatic transmission.

Traditional wood and leather dominate the interior, and the top is absolutely effortless.

Counterpoint: The bottom seat cushions do not have adequate adjustment, the tires are reasonably noisy and the J-shaped shift gate is awkward.

SPECIFICATIONS:

ENGINE: 4.0-liter, V8

TRANSMISSION: Automatic

WHEELBASE: 101.9 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,867 lbs.

BASE PRICE: $69,900

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $72,480

MPG RATING: 17 city, 24 hwy.