The 2010 Jaguar XKR was among the most significant debuts at the Detroit North American International Auto Show, but was perhaps outshone by the likes of the Ford Shelby GT500, Cadillac Evoq and Jaguar's own XFR. The 2010 XKR features some big Jaguar innovations, and is worth a serious look for the first time for the suit-and-tie types who want to look good while having a platform that can actually move once the roads get curvy.
From the outside, the 2010 Jaguar XKR is not all that different from its predecessor, but the few changes key in for a very attractive overall package that both makes a singular design statement and brings the XKR more in line with what most of Europe is up to these days.
Like the XF and its new R stablemate, the XKR has turned far from Jaguar's traditional torpedo styling, and that's not necessarily a bad thing as the British marque has finally moved into the modern era.
Echoes of the XKR's roots are found everywhere, though, from the cab-rearward design with requisite long, sloping hood to the red and British Racing Green "R" calipers.
The result is a beautiful design that is more grand tourer than say, a BMW Z4 or Cayman, but should be able to handle itself well in any driving conditions thanks in part to a tricky electronic active LSD, brand new to the storied XK brand.
Power, and there is a big bump from the outgoing XKR, comes from a supercharged, direct injection VVT 8 aluminum 8 cylinder that seems as sophisticated as anything on the market.
Will this powerful new engine, found in naturally aspirated form in the XK and XK Portfolio as well as the 2010 Jaguar XF, help Jag shake its well-earned name for less than average powertrain durability? Time will tell all.
-RSportsCars