The XKR Convertible is the more performance-focused version of the normal drop-top XK. It packs a 510 horsepower punch and features more aggressive touches to its Aston Martin-like styling.
In addition to its massive horsepower rating, the supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter engine delivers a whopping 461 pound-feet of torque. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just 4.6 seconds, while fuel economy is rated at 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
A six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddles is standard. On downshifts, the system creates a throttle blip to shorten over-run shifts. An "active" exhaust system ensures the XKR is quiet while cruising, yet still able to create purposeful V8 roar under hard acceleration.
There's not a lot of space for rear passengers, but the driver and his or her passenger enjoy a luxurious grand touring experience with enough power to give most sports cars a run for their money.
The XKR Convertible owes its handsome looks to a unique design approach taken by Jaguar's team. Instead of designing the Coupe first, the design team began by penning the Convertible. This strategy ensured the drop-top doesn't simply look like a coupe with its roof chopped off.
Like its coupe counterpart, the XKR Convertible has unique styling cues such as a more aggressive front fascia, air intakes on the hood, aluminum-finish grilles, more creases on the hood, and quad exhaust pipes. Customers can chose between 19- and 20-inch wheels for the XKR.
The XKR's roof is a power-latching, self-stowing system with three layers including Thinsulate insulation and a Rakona headliner. When the top is down, an aluminum tonneau cover conceals the canvas roof. While many convertibles are only offered with a black roof, the the XK can be ordered with gray, burgundy, green or dark beige canvas.
The XKR's suspension has been tuned for a more aggressive ride. Changes include up-rated springs and dampers, plus a recalibrated computer to control the dynamic suspension settings.
As is the case with the regular XK convertible, the XKR model is built around Jaguar's ultra-strong "Lightweight Vehicle Technology," which does not need traditional stiffening panels to achieve a sturdy body structure. In fact, the XK convertible is 19 percent lighter than the previous-generation XK drop-top.
Although they are not a legal requirement, the Convertible features a Roll-over Protection Device consisting of two aluminum hoops that are automatically deployed if the car's sensors detect the onset of a roll-over accident.
Inside, the XKR features a simple but elegant cabin design along with the highest quality leather and wood (aluminum trim is optional) and all of the entertainment and convenience devices one could wish for in a luxury coupe.
Standard features include a navigation system with a seven-inch LCD touch screen, a 525-watt, 14-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, a rear parking camera and more.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, traction and stability control systems and electronic brake-force distribution.
Key Competitors
Those looking at the XKR Convertible might also be interested in the Italianate charm of the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, the Teutonic precision of the BMW 650i Convertible and the sumptuous interior of the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG.