AUTO SPIES EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: First real-life shots of the new Jaguar XKR in the USA

Some good photos there.

The close-ups of the interior reveal that Jaguar has really got its act together on quality, tight-fitting panels, high quality materials, and the carpeted door cards are a nice touch.

The regular XK sits on a wonderful chassis, and by all accounts is a better car to drive than the Aston Martin AMV8, so the extra power of the XKR should really unlock the potential in this car.

And no Taurus comments, your ignorance is not welcome.

— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 1:39:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

What Taurus? LOL;)it a pretty nice design but I would rather pay a little more $$$ and get the Aston Martin AMV8. It would be really nice if Aston Martin bring the horse power up for the Vanquish S to 650 hp, DB9 to 560 hp and up the AMV8 to 450 hp range.

Lexus

— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 1:56:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The Jaguar-buying demographic doesn't appreciate huge front splitters and boot spoilers.

They want effortless power, fine handling and a elegantly aggressive car to wrap it all in.

They don't need superficial reasons to justify their 'R' purchase, such as other people noticing they have the 'go-fast' version.

Quad-pipes and a mesh grille is more than adequate for a design that doesn't need to be overpowered with marketing-department driven 'enhancements'.

— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 2:05:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I really think Jag has a hot one on their lots. I know a bunch of people will throw the Taurus shot out, but really... Compared to the last generation it is gorgeous.

Damn!! Only $2.07 in the couch....I'm going to need a lot more for that monthly payment.

— Mark (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 6:51:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

There is no E-type grill badge on the grill of the R model, so no one can claim it has a Taurus grill.

— urbansouljah (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 7:47:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

the xk-r doesn't compete with the 55 amg, it's lower than that, but above the 500, yet costs less than both.
it's made of aluminium, so weighs less and requires less power, and handles better than an sl or 6 series.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 8:05:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

The AMV8 and the XK do not share the same chassis. The AMV8 uses the Vertical/Horizontal platform from the DB9 and the XK uses a modified version of the XJ's aluminum platform. This R model has no E-type badge on the grill so how can you say it looks like a Taurus?

— urbansouljah (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 8:06:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

buy a 335i and you will be much happier than buying this pos.

— vcowman (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 11:33:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

.......I have only one thing to say about Jaguar in general, and it is a mouthful.....

..Jaguar quality IMPROVED after FORD took over!!!!!.....'nough said :-(

— shiftright (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 11:44:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The new Jaguar XKR is one of the most beautiful luxury two door cars. Perhaps it may just be the best. We must give Jaguar credit because the company have been creating some stunning cars, lately.

— melsucceeded (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 1:06:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The new Jaguar XKR is one of the most beautiful luxury two door cars. Perhaps it may just be the best. We must give Jaguar credit because the company have been creating some stunning cars, lately.

— melsucceeded (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 1:07:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

i love this car! But... is it me or does that interior look mighty... FORD?

— Sauceboy01 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 2:18:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Beautiful car. I think they look even better in person, and even the regular XK sounds fantastic. This beast must sound even better. Since I don't have much opportunity for hard, hard driving, I think I would pick one of these over something like a 911 (let the flames begin).

— supermoto (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 2:23:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

IS3andMe, I saw the 2006 Jaguar Super V8 Portfolio and it is absolutely STUNNING. The XK and XKR are designed in such a perfect way. I'll take the Portfolio, the XKR, and then the XK

— melsucceeded (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 3:33:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I saw this at the car show along time ago! Nothing special about it... not very impressed.

— JCF110 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 4:35:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

A 335i over a Jaguar XK-R.....


....riiiight.

— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 10:28:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Ian M of Aston Fame who designed this XK for Jag and the Vantage for AM has two distinctly differnt cars here. The XK is larger and eminently more suitable for the demographics of the Mercedes SL/CL buyer. The Vantage, although "light" on the horsepower is more of a "blood & guts" sports car, capable of being driven daily, but more suited as a "vehicle 3 out for the weekend". I agree that the front end of the XK, due to new Euro safety laws, is less than exciting and almost a distraction. More importantly, to compete in this market, Jag needs to play less like Audi and more like Mercedes or BMW. The base model of the XK should be the XKR, and I also agree that the Vantage needs another 40 hp. Buyers in this price range dont like having "almost as much horsepower" as the top dog.

— MBZFAN (View Profile)

Posted on 8/18/2006 10:57:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Gorgeous car inside and out!

— S4Super (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2006 4:13:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

MBZFAN - what's wrong with "playing like Audi"?

— S4Super (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2006 4:14:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Ford murdered the inside... and Jaguar itself...

— Jovi (View Profile)

Posted on 8/19/2006 4:43:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Jovi - What did Ford do to murder the inside? I've actually sat in the car. The interior is high in quality and the dash and doors look very Aston Martin-like. The seats are traditional Jaguar. I do think they should have been more like the seats in the ALC though. I didn't even see any cheap Ford switches in the car like I have in other Jags. The center console and steering wheel is totally orginal to Jaguar. The car is tuly stunning in person. The only cars that can compete in looks are Aston Martins. Nothing else in it's class looks as good from any angles. If you have a problem with the front of the car just take a look at BMW or Mercedes faces that are much worse.

— urbansouljah (View Profile)

Posted on 8/20/2006 10:51:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2