I want to talk about a hugely underrated GT Super Car that can be had for a veritable bargain now. When new the XKR was over $250,000 AUD, that is some serious coin. For those of you who don't know a lot about Jag's XK/XKR series, the original XK (X100) was released in 1996, replacing the ageing XJS. It was a fresh design and shared its platform with Aston Martin at the time; for this reason it unduly copped some flack as the poor man's Aston.
Come series II (X150), a significant styling revamp was undertaken, taking the original, somewhat heavy styling and transforming it into a truly graceful looking cat. The new XK took everything we loved about earlier Jag coupes and threw in some Aston cues to create a truly stunning looking GT.
With the XKR, the volume is turned up to 11. The 'R' represents the brands high performance series, like Subaru who have the STi for their sports brand.
For around $70,000 to $95,000 AUD, (after haggling) you could be driving a true future classic. What's so great about the XK/XKR series is;
1.They're not that common, so you'll be getting around in something pretty unique.
2.The XKR is a true performance GT which will embarrass a run of the mill WRX or Clubsport R8. And don't forget, you'll be driving a JAAAAAGGGGG.
Just to add to the sauce, how's this for some serious firepower; 4.2litre 8 Cylinder supercharged, DOHC with variable valve timing engine, 313kW peak power output @ 6250rpm, a 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed somewhere north of 280 km/h.
What else could you ask for?
For my money I'd go a Polaris White one.
"This car encompasses everything a performance Jaguar should be; as capable, precise and thrilling on a wet Welsh B-road as it is at the Nurburgring. Every response delay has been minimised in order to give the car a more connected feel in the manner in which it steers, handles, stops and goes."
Car Advice Australia 2012