First Drive: 2011 Jaguar XKR175

2011 Jaguar XKR175 Sport Coupe

The cabin is a bit closed in, particularly in charcoal gray, with high window line and limited rear-quarter visibility. At least it's well finished inside. Jaguar has recently given the XK the twist-knob gear selector introduced on the XF, and frankly it's a less sporting solution than a typical gear lever. We're also not enamored of the highly animated touch screen, which demands too much of the driver's attention and has sucked up too many functions better left to individual knobs and switches. Still, the XK, and particularly the XKR, is a more serious sports GT car than its image suggests. With its black paint, more aggressive aerodynamic aids, and distinctive wheels, the XKR175 -- which is available only as a coupe -- better represents the Jaguar within. The extra top speed would make a better bragging point if it weren't 1 mph shy of the car's name, but perhaps exclusivity alone is reason enough to make buyers pony up the extra $8500 over a standard XKR. 2011 Jaguar XKR175 On sale: Late 2010
Base price: $104,500 Powertrain
Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V-8
Power: 510 hp @ 6000-6500 rpm
Torque: 461 lb-ft @ 2500-5500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive: Rear-wheel Measurements
L x W x H: 188.7 x 79.8 x 52.0 in
Wheelbase: 108.3 in
Cargo capacity: 11.7 cu ft
EPA fuel economy: 15/22 mpg