2008 Jaguar XKR Portfolio: Keeping the Brand Viable
If you read my blog on the Jaguar XJ last week you know I wasn't too impressed. For $13,000 more than a well-equipped BMW 550i you get a sedan with less power, inferior handling, reduced driver's seat comfort and no auxiliary audio input (though the Vandan Plas does have more rear-seat legroom than a 5 Series).
After driving the XJ I was even more concerned about Jaguar's future, regardless of who owns the brand (remember, they still don't have any SUVs or crossovers in the product line-up). But driving a 2008 Jaguar XKR Portfolio convertible last night largely cleansed my palate of XJ after-taste. Maybe it was the driving rain that helped the cleansing process, though it also limited my full appreciation of the XKR's 420-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 and all-aluminum structure that makes for nimble handling. Regardless, this cat proves Jaguar still has at least one or two lives left.
The interior is fully up to 2008 style and function, with an intuitive touchscreen (are you listening BMW...) that makes utiziling the various high-tech options easy. Without cracking the owner's manual I was able to quickly pair my iPhone (and then find and call people by touch), store my favorite Sirius satellite stations and program a destination in the nav system. It was also easy to adjust the climate control and operate the wipers in the sometimes-torrential downpour along PCH.
Handling excercises were limited to a few sweeping turns taken at prudent wet-weather speeds, but these conditions didn't mask the car's excellent steering feel and feedback. If anything, they added to my confidence in knowing that any slight hydroplaning would be instantly telegraphed through the wheel.
Ride quality was similarly impressive, particularly considering the pontential for pavement "crash-through" on those 20-inch wheels that are part of the Portfolio package. I continue to question Jaguar's committment to the "J-gate" shifter that is neither fun nor functional in practice. And by the time you tack on the Portfolio package you're at $104,000. That's SL550/M6 territory, though I'm still not sold on the Bimmer's exterior style (or iDrive, of course) and the M-B doesn't posess the Jag's spritely demeanor. Of course the 911 remains a trusty standby if you're looking for a high-end coupe with classic looks and capable performance.
All of these models are too rich for my blood, but for the target buyer group I don't see an obvious choice...except maybe for the 911...
At least (in this category) Jaguar is still in the game!
I love Jaguar! I think it still has a chance to pull out of this slump, although it better make it a good one...and since it looks like you are driving all of Jags models, will you be testing a XF?
Again, if looks count for ANYTHING at all, Jag is the clear winner. The Mercedes is nice, but that body style has been out for a long time now, and you see them everywhere.
But now the question for me is, what kind of used Ferrari can you get for this money? We've seen what you get for $30K (I'll pass), but what about $100K? Something newer, more reliable, better interior?
I have always liked Jags and I don't like the idea of our world without the brand. I was encouraged by your blog about their welfare until I got to the price......waaaay too high IMO. It's a Jag, it's beautiful and apparently performs well....still too expensive. I would take the M6, the SL, a 911(still my favorite Porsche) or.....the Aston Martin V8 Vantage for that kind or money. For me there isn't a more beautiful car of this type than the Vantage - great perfomance, craftsmanship, and stunning good looks (sounds awesome too).
PS - the Vantage is also the wallpaper on this very computer that I'm typing this comment on.
Wow, what a gorgeous car. I'd probably go for the cheaper (not to mention better-looking) coupe and skip the "portfolio" thing. I agree with rick, though. A hundred thousand is getting dangerously close to the price of a V8 Vantage, and it's not far away from R8 territory (with no markup). Sure, these cars aren't directly comparable to the Jag, but I have a feeling that shoppers in this price range wouldn't count them out. If you really want to drive, though, a hundred thousand will also get you a mighty fine 911.
I can't beleive that car options out for $104,000. Doesn't that seem astronomical for a Jaguar?
I find it a little humorous that a man who owns a Ford GT calls these cars "too rich for his blood." Oh, well, I'd take a GT over any of these others as well.