2011 Jaguar XKR Convertible: One Wild Cat

Highlight: Jaguar was just named one of the top three brands in the J. D. Power 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $103,375 (Base Jaguar XKR Convertible starts out at $103,000)

Major Standard Features: 19-inch wheels; an electronic parking brake; a push-button starter; steering wheel mounted shift paddles; 16-way power memory leather front seats; a heated steering wheel; heated and a/c front seats; power folding canvas top; a touch- screen navigation system; Bi-Xenon headlights; a 525-watt audio system with Satellite radio; Bluetooth compatible

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 5.0-liter, 8-cylinder/510

Standard Fuel Mileage: 15-city/22-hwy

Competition: BMW 6-Series Convertible, Maserati GrandCabrio Sport and Mercedes SL Class (roadster)

What’s New:

Since the sporty, luxurious convertible was reworked during the 2010 model year, it’s basically a carryover this model year. The only new addition to the extensive equipment list is Jaguar’s Platinum Coverage, which includes 5 years (or 50,000 miles) of complimentary schedule maintenance on brake pads and disc replacements, oil and brake fluid changes and windshield wiper blade replacements, a 5-year (or 50,000) bumper-to-bumper warranty and year-round roadside assistance.

Pros:

Inside the Jaguar, the vehicle exudes luxury, with its handcrafted stitched leather interior surrounded by the Burl Walnut veneer to its slick-looking rotary-dial electronic shift lever. In last year’s model, the XKR stepped up its game, substituting the conventional shift gear lever for an easy-to-use rotating knob. In fact, when I turned the vehicle off, the vehicle electronically placed itself in park. That’s right! No shift gear lever exists in this cat.

Furthermore, to match the smooth-riding wild cat’s aggressive look and power, when the model was reworked last year the XKR added a new active exhaust system, which let’s everyone in your presence knows what’s under the hood every time you step on the gas. Yes, this is one kitty that shows out on-demand!

Moreover, with the standard 16-way power, three-position memory front seats, it was easy to find a comfortable seating position, especially in the buttery-soft heated (and ventilated) front seats, which were a welcome addition during Georgia’s warm days and cool evenings, when the top was down. And, you won’t be disappointed with the audio system whether the top is up or down, its one of the best factory installed radios we’ve experienced in a drop top.
s:

Also we were disappointed that a $100,000 automobile didn’t offer a back-up camera. Yet, to Jaguar’s credit, they offered their signature Front and Rear Park Control, with graphic designs and audible alerts, although it’s just not the same as being able to visually see what’s lurking in the rear. For a luxury car in this price range, a back-up camera should be standard equipment.

Moreover, we’re surprised that Jag doesn’t offer this convertible in a hardtop. I can only imagine how this would change the appearance of this vehicle.

The Verdict:

Unlike the last time I had an opportunity to spend personal time behind the wheel of this wild cat, the weather didn’t cooperate. However, this time the weather was on my side, just perfect to experience all that this vehicle had to offer, while rolling around in this high-dollar convertible. With the top up or down, I found this to be one solid vehicle that handles well at all speeds.

And this vehicle is all about details. From the leather and chrome rotating gear selector to the suede cloth sun visors with a (parking) ticket holder to the a suede cloth headliner to the vented hood louvers to the soft grain leather door trim panels and instrument panel fascia to the touch-screen navigational system to the insulated color coordinated convertible top, the British handcrafted automobile left no stone unturned, as it relates to details. Yes, there is no other brand on the market today that says class like a Jag, especially the supercharged convertible I tested.

Besides the omission of a back-up camera, which wasn’t an available feature on our Jag, the only factory options we could have added were a set of 20-inch wheels and a radar-controlled cruise control system.

Other than the noted missing features, this is still undoubtedly one of the best premium priced convertibles on the market today. Now, if 510 horses isn’t enough power to tickle your fancy, at this month Geneva International Auto Show, a 550-horsepower XKR-S coupe was introduced. It’s slated for the U. S. as a 2012 model later this year. The vehicle is expected to zoom from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds. With the extra horses, expect a higher price tag. I’m not sure if the S-model will be available on the convertible.