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2007 Jaguar XKR First Drive
Design

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TO THE POINT What's New? New styling, increased dimensions, more power, added features
Selling Points: Quality materials, manually-interactive transmission, handling, mid-range power
Deal Breakers: Rear seat, Aston Martin look-alike styling
Our Advice: If you'd like a less aggressive M6 or seek the Aston Martin look without the price, consider the immensely capable 2007 Jaguar XKR.

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Click to enlarge. Design Accenting the Aston Martin-esque body are reworked fascias, unique grille work, quad tailpipes, subtle hood and aluminum side vents, and special 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels.

Following the introduction of the redesigned 2006 XK, the 2007 Jaguar XKR arrives looking much the same with the exception of a few tasteful styling enhancements. Accenting the sleek, Aston Martin-esque body are reworked front and rear fascias, the former set off by a silver grille finish and lower insert as well as vents below the fog lights. Changes to the rear are less pronounced, consisting of quad instead of dual chrome tailpipes separated by a body-colored panel and a subtle R badge positioned below the right taillight. The XKR's side profile differs little from the base XK, though an eye for detail might notice the angled hood vents with Supercharged script, side vents set in an aluminum rather than body-colored finish, unique 19-inch or optional 20-inch alloy wheels, and the fog lights set closer to the outer edge of the front bumper. Unlike the more common approach to creating a sporting variant, Jaguar has added only select muscular styling cues to demark the XKR as something more than a sexy European machine – no massive wings, outlandish body kits, or go-fast bonnet stripes here.

In keeping with that theme, the 2007 Jaguar XKR's interior is equally subtle. As expected, quality leather coats most surfaces and the few plastics feel durable and substantial. The R logo is embossed into the front headrests (there are no rear headrests), atop the gear shift, and due north on the tachometer. Aluminum dash, instrument panel and center console panels feature a unique weave pattern, though burl walnut is available as a no-cost option.

Technically, the XKR is a four-passenger coupe or convertible. Realistically, putting a dog back there for any amount of time would draw the ire of PETA. Even with the front seats adjusted completely forward, rear leg room is almost non-existent, getting in and out is guaranteed to require a visit to the chiropractor, and if/when you do make it back there, you'll be greeted by a hostile vertical backrest and sharply angled bucket. Head room is…well, just don't go there. There are accommodations for fitting car seats in the rear, and except for the occasional small package or hostage, that's about all one should consider appropriate for the space. Unfortunately, the rear seatback doesn't fold down or split because directly behind it the rear structural brace runs the width of the vehicle. As a result, cargo area is limited, especially when considering the sleek angle of the trunk lid, though there is room for a large suitcase and a decent-sized overnight bag. That's with the coupe – the soft-top convertible, which requires 15 seconds to lower and 23 seconds to raise the roof (including all side windows), provides less storage space.


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