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| 2012 Jaguar XK Coupe |
For 2012, Jaguar even turns the dial up a few more notches with the range-topping XKR-S coupe. To create a dedicated, high-performance sport coupe, Jaguar has bumped up the output of the supercharged V8 to 550 hp, retuned the suspension and added a rather aggressive-looking aerodynamic body kit that includes several pieces fashioned out of carbon fiber. It's a different sort of beast to be sure (especially with its firmer ride), but the XKR-S shows Jaguar can hang with the big boys on the track as well as on the boulevard.
When it comes to luxury sport coupes and convertibles, the 2012 Jaguar XK gets just about everything right. It starts with the exterior. The XK may not be as adventurous as its newer XF and XJ Jaguar siblings, but its sleek silhouette is often compared to the Aston Martin DB9 (never a bad thing). Inside, the XK isn't quite as grand as the newer Jags, but there's no denying the quality of leather, veneers and other materials that make up its cabin. This year the XK has also been updated with Jag's new rotary shift knob and the latest electronics features.
Those are just aesthetics, however. Under the skin are a finely tuned suspension and a rigid aluminum structure that provides excellent handling and a refined ride. All this aluminum also minimizes weight so the 5.0-liter V8 engine can do its best, whether it's the potent 385-horsepower version in the XK or the effortlessly explosive 510-hp version in the XKR. In R form, the XK hits 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
Essentially, there's no way to lose with these cars. But if sleek styling, balanced performance and a reasonable price are priorities, the Jag XK is a great choice.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2012 Jaguar XK is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 385 hp and 380 pound-feet of torque. As with every XK, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic are standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. The convertible achieves 16/22/18.
The 2012 Jaguar XKR gets a supercharged version of the same engine, bringing output up to 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. In performance testing, an XKR convertible went from zero to 60 mph in a very rapid 4.5 seconds (the lighter coupe would be even quicker). EPA-estimated fuel economy is 15/22/17 regardless of body style.
The 2012 Jaguar XKR-S gets a more powerful version of the supercharged 5.0-liter good for 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. Jaguar estimates that it'll hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Fuel economy is identical to that of the XKR.
Driving Impressions
It's no surprise the 2012 Jaguar XK is an impressive straight-line cruiser. However, the advantages of its lightweight aluminum construction and adjustable suspension become most evident when the roads get twisty as the XK carves precise lines through the corners. The XK might not be as responsive as a Porsche 911, but it's much more nimble than the Mercedes SL.
The current lineup of V8 engines has created an entire new definition of Jaguar performance. Even the base XK is impressively potent, with near-instant response and a wide, muscular power band. The supercharged XKR, meanwhile, is a monster, and it can post acceleration numbers equaling some of the world's best sports cars. If the XKR is a monster, then we're not sure what that makes the XKR-S -- some sort of British Mothra, perhaps. It's a taut, dedicated driver's machine that boasts a lot more than robust power. Some may find its firmer ride to be out of sync with the expectations for a Jag, however.
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2012 Jaguar XK's cockpit is well-tailored and inviting. This year's addition of the rotary shift control (it's also in the XJ and XF) is a nice touch. There are some ergonomic glitches, however. The multipurpose touchscreen that operates audio, climate, navigation and phone systems is nice in theory, but in practice we've found it slow to respond and fussy to use. Another downside is getting in and out of the tiny backseats. They can certainly accommodate small children, but most adults will gripe about the accommodations. The cabin can also be a little claustrophobic given its rakish greenhouse and slim windows.
The XK's power soft top takes a scant 18 seconds to lower and is well insulated for a quiet ride when deployed. The XK coupe's trunk can hold about 11 cubic feet of cargo -- much larger than the trunks in the 911 or Mercedes SL-Class and just slightly smaller than the 6 Series or Mercedes E-Class cargo holds. With the top down, the XK convertible can still hold a respectable 8 cubic feet.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2012 XK lineup includes traction and stability control, antilock brakes and front side airbags. Side curtain airbags are not offered. The convertible adds pop-up rollover bars. In brake testing, the XKR with 19-inch wheels and tires came to a stop from 60 mph in an excellent 111 feet.
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