Jaguar XKR Preview

Jaguar XKR: Preview – It’s tough being a supercar buyer. Despite rising gas prices, an increasing number of sub five-second cars are hitting the market, making it darn near impossible to decide which one to take home. Do you grab a Ford GT before they’re gone? A Chevrolet Corvette Z06 for the weekends, leaving enough cash left over for a regular ‘Vette as a daily commuter? An iconic Porsche 911? The new BMW M6? So much for unlimited funds making life easier.

Whether or not it simplifies the decision-making process is a point to ponder on a rainy day, but joining the fray of exquisite and breathtakingly fast motorcars is the 2007 Jaguar XKR, available in coupe or convertible form. Based on the recently-released XK, the XKR adds a 420-horsepower supercharged engine, a stiffer and more controlled suspension, added steering response, bigger brakes, and a host of tasteful visual tweaks. Blending the brute engine power with a lighter body allows the XKR to reach 60 mph in only 4.9 seconds in coupe form, or five seconds flat in rag-top guise.

Official pricing is still to come, though Jaguar suggests a 12.5-percent premium over the XK. At current prices, that puts the 2007 XKR coupe at about $85,000 and $92,000 for the convertible.