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| Jaguar
XKR |
Broadcast
dates : 17th October 2004
21st October 2004 |
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One of the most outstanding
attributes of our Jaguar XKR test car is undoubtedly its
colour. The pale metallic blue is evocative of the E Type
Jaguar of the 1960s, many of which were finished in this
classic hue.
The XKR is similar in spirit to the E Type in other ways. It
is a largish car which demands a purposeful driving style,
rather than a nimble sharp handler.
Its rather soft suspension makes it difficult to sense through
the steering wheel in some circumstances.
This criticism aside, when pedal is pressed to metal, the XKR
justifies its existence.
There is nothing quite like the whine from the supercharged V8
engine.
The accompanying whine when the blower comes into play is the
sound of millions of air molecules being compressed by the
rotating blades of the supercharger and forced into the engine
at high velocity.
Exciting stuff, especially if you’re a petrol head, and the
XKR is delivering its claimed maximum of 298 kiloWatts at 6
100 rpm and 553 Newton metres of torque.
Sub-six second 0-100s are on the cards at sea level, where the
XKR also has the advantage of running on higher-octane fuel.
Top speed is 250 km/h, more than enough if you have the top
off.
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David didn’t like the classic top folding system with the
canvass tonneau cover, but it’s easy enough to use.
Jaguar fans would say it’s in keeping with the car’s
old-world heritage, as is the mesh grille and the bonnet vents
designed to expel at least a portion of the under-bonnet heat.
The XKR has been with us for some time now and this refresher
course has improved its looks. The slight restyle at the
rear-end, the frontal treatment and these macho 20-inch wheels
make it look as if it means business.
It’s a difficult car to categorize: It lacks the sharp
handling of rivals like the SL 55 AMG and even the BMW 645i
Convertible, and the brakes could do with some beefing up.
But it has a very unique character, and for those who admire
the British way of doing things, they won’t be disappointed.
Jaguar XKR
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Engine: Supercharged V8, 4 196 cc
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Power: 2298 kW @ 6 100 rpm
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Torque: 553 Nm @ 3 500 rpm
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Transmission: Five-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
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0-100 km/h: 5,2 seconds (claimed)
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Top speed: 250 km/h (limited)
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Fuel consumption: 16,0 litres/100 km (estimated)
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Price: R1 051 000
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Car Torque is
produced by
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