2006 Jaguar XKR 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A) review: 2006 Jaguar XKR 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl S/C 6A)

2006 Jaguar XKR
The 2006 Jaguar XKR is the last model year of a body style that launched in 1997, to be replaced in late 2006 by the radically redesigned 2007 Jaguar XK. The 2006 XKR bests the upcoming next-generation XK, at least as it will initially be released, in one very noticeable way: pure, raw power. Its supercharged version of the 4.2-liter AJ-V-8 engine makes a maximum of 390 horsepower, with 399 pound-feet of torque. The XKR is a fine homage to Jaguar's heritage in both performance and luxury. And it's one of the last of the big cats to come from Jaguar's venerable Brown's Lane plant, first used in 1951.

Our test car was a 2006 Jaguar XKR coupe, one of a limited number of Victory models released to commemorate Jaguar's successes in Trans-Am racing. In addition to the XKR's standard supercharged engine, four-piston-caliper Brembo brakes with cross-drilled, vented discs, Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), and cosmetic distinction, the Victory package includes carbon-fiber interior trim in place of wood veneer, special soft-grain leather upholstery, distinctive badging, Bluetooth capability, 20-inch BBS wheels and matching high-speed tires, and a Momo gearshift knob. As in all XKRs, a DVD-based navigation system and Xenon HID headlamps are standard. At $88,495 including destination charge, it's not inexpensive, but in the manner of Jaguars from the beginning, it compares very well to the German and Italian competition.

The 2006 Jaguar XKR's styling is pure Jaguar and most influenced by the E-Type, a.k.a. XK-E, of the 1960s. It's a timeless design that has aged well, and its aerodynamic cleanliness ensures stability and low wind noise at speed. The XKR has larger wheels and tires than the XK8, functional cooling louvers in the hood, a bright mesh grille at the front, and a small ducktail spoiler at the rear of the trunk lid. It does an admirable job of combining the contemporary look of high performance with timeless elegance. Inside, the twin traits of luxury and performance continue. No manufacturer does burled-wood trim as well as Jaguar, and the standard XK models feature that material across the dashboard. But, befitting its role commemorating contemporary competition successes, the XKR Victory replaces wood with carbon fiber. It blends well with the overall design.

The design of the stereo and the climate controls have not aged as well as the rest of the Jaguar XKR.

In front, excellent seats, power adjustable in every way but with idiosyncratic controls, are covered with soft leather and provide the expected comfort and long-distance support for the driver and the passenger. But don't expect to use the backseats for anything but packages, as legroom is nonexistent. The coupe does have plenty of trunk space for fast, light touring by two people.

The 2006 Jaguar XKR's age shows only in small interior details. A physical key is used for the ignition, although it is an unusual shape. The side windows operate with the one-touch-down feature but not up. CDs are played by a magazine-type changer in the trunk, which does not play MP3 CDs. There is a cassette deck but no MP3 player or iPod jack. Strangely enough, the cassette deck makes this car more easily adaptable to an MP3 player than newer cars with in-dash CD players.

Although the LCD is on the small side, it's bright, and the controls are easy to use.

The DVD-based navigation system, standard in all XK models, is no relic. It has a simple-to-use interface, and its screen, while a touch on the small side, is easy to see in all lighting, even with polarized sunglasses. Control is simple, via marked hard buttons to the sides of the screen--the cursor can be manipulated by means of a joystick button and zooming by a rocker switch. Destination entry is done by the usual one-letter-at-a-time, joystick-controlled method or from a point chosen on the map with the cursor. The rocker switch for scale control makes the latter method especially quick and easy.

The 2006 Jaguar XKR's navigation system can be programmed to display information in English (miles or kilometers), German, Italian, Spanish, and French. The usual points of interest--ATMs, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and parking lots--can be displayed. Direction finding is typical, and the system will recalculate directions relatively quickly if the suggested route is not followed or if a turn is missed. On the downside, it can take a while to get a fix on the GPS satellites, particularly at start-up, and the display of street names is seemingly random, with major thoroughfares not named while smaller streets are. There is voice guidance but no voice-recognition data entry. Bluetooth mobile-phone connectivity is part of the Victory package.

With its luxury appointment and comfort, the 2006 Jaguar XKR can seem less a sports car than a land-bound executive jet, especially when the accelerator pedal is pressed hard. Then there's the noticeable whine from the Eaton supercharger that sits atop the 4.2-liter DOHC, 32-valve AJ-V-8 engine, which produces 390 horsepower at 6,000rpm and 399 pound-feet of torque at 3,500rpm. It sounds like a jet on a runway, and the big cat's acceleration reinforces that impression. It's progressive, and it doesn't get into its stride until seriously antisocial speeds. At wide-open throttle, there is no question as to why the cat's-head hood emblem is nicknamed the growler. Zero-to-60 time is 5.2 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155mph. Most people considering a car such as this won't be too concerned about fuel economy, but with an EPA rating of 16mpg in the city and 23mpg on the highway, as well as an average of 17mpg in our driving, it is better than the exotics.

The classic Jaguar J-gate puts normal transmission operation on the right and manual control on the left.

Twin air-to-liquid intercoolers keep the 2006 Jaguar XKR's intake charge as cool and dense as possible, and maximum boost is 13psi. Torque is immense and immediate enough that pretty much any gear will do for all but the most extreme driving. The six-speed ZF automatic transmission can be shifted manually through the J-gate shifter.

The 2006 Jaguar XKR has double-wishbone suspension with antidive geometry in front and a multilink setup at the rear that uses the half-shafts as upper links, a design pioneered in the E-Type. All XKR models have Jaguar's CATS, which uses adaptive variable-rate electronically controlled shock absorbers that react in real time to road shocks and body motion. CATS plus stiffer springs gives the XKR a ride that is firmer than the regular XK's but is still far from harsh, with very little body roll. Even with massive 255/35 ZR20 front and 285/30 Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico tires on BBS alloy wheels, the variable-ratio power steering allows a light effort at parking speeds, with appropriately more effort needed at speed. CATS keeps all that rubber well planted for excellent grip.

The big Brembo brakes contribute to performance and safety.

With a curb weight of nearly 3,900 pounds, the 2006 Jaguar XKR coupe is no lightweight, and this shows on tight roads. More open secondary roads and highways are its preferred habitat, where it can cover distance quickly and smoothly, just like an executive jet. When stopping is necessary, the monster Brembo vented discs are happy to oblige. Cross-drilled, 13.98 inches in diameter in front, and 13 inches at the rear, with floating aluminum calipers and braided stainless steel lines, they are quite impressive from both appearance and performance standpoints.

For passive safety, the 2006 Jaguar XKR's rigid monocoque structure utilizes high-strength steel in highly stressed areas for maximum strength with minimal weight. Dual-stage front and seat-mounted side-impact air bags protect the front occupants; those in the rear have three-point safety harnesses. Standard in the 2006 Jaguar XKR are power and handling to avoid trouble--aided by the CATS system--plus excellent brakes for active safety. Electronic driver aids include antilock brakes and traction control, which, with input from allied acceleration and yaw sensors, can be controlled by dynamic stability control to limit oversteer or understeer, or traction loss in slippery conditions. The automatic speed-limiter system can be programmed to prevent the car from exceeding a selected speed, regardless of throttle position. Available but not fitted to our test car is the adaptive cruise-control system, which uses microwave radar to detect slower vehicles in your lane or a vehicle coming into the lane ahead and automatically adjust speed to maintain a safe gap, overriding any set cruise-control speed.

Every 2006 Jaguar XK comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. During that time, scheduled maintenance is complimentary, and 24-hour roadside assistance is included.