Jaguar XKR Mark 1, 1998 - 2005
Jaguar had previously launched the new XK model at the Geneva show in 1996 to critical acclaim, taking inspiration from the E-Type with the curvaceous styling, and based, along with the Aston Martin DB7, on a heavily modified version of the old XJS floorpan. With both companies being Ford owned, models were strategically positioned not to compete with each other, but it was deemed that there was sufficient air between the £49,995 XK and the £80,000+ Aston to introduce a performance version of the XK, using a similar recipe to that used in the XJ saloon - more power, better handling, aggressive looks, and hence the Jaguar XKR was born.
The Mark 1 XKR, introduced in 1998, took the graceful looks of the XK, added a pair of bonnet vents to help the engine breathe, a stainless steel mesh grille, larger 18" alloys, and a discreet boot lip spoiler, to give the car more visual menace. The XK's 4.0 litre engine had a supercharger bolted on, to take power from 290 bhp up to 370 bhp, and the 0-60 time to 5.1 seconds, and a top speed limited to 155 mph. Brakes were beefed up to handle the extra performance, and the Jaguar CATS (computer active technology suspension) suspension system was fitted, reducing body roll and helping increase cornering speeds significantly. All cars featured automatic gearboxes only, something that sports car purists have bemoaned, but the auto gearbox suited the relaxed Grand Tourer nature of the Jaguar XKR perfectly.
The XK's interior was carried over relatively unchanged, with optional perforated leather sports seats, the walnut wood on the dashboard being stained black, and some XKR detailing on the steering wheel. This meant the cabin was a well appointed comfortable place to spend time, but the rear seats were still cramped and suitable for children only.
The XKR was facelifted in early 2001, introducing uprated suspension, a more direct steering rack, new 2 piece seats with separate headrests (early versions had an all in one headrest) with side airbags fitted. The extra thickness of these seats due to the side airbags meant that rear legroom was reduced still further to laughable proportions - although this didn't bother most buyers, of more concern to them was that the boot still had room for 2 sets of golf clubs. other options were made available such as satellite navigation and larger alloys.
Later in the XKR's life, more options became standard equipment, power was upped from 370 to 400 bhp, the V8 engine enlarged from 4 litres to 4.2, a newer eaton type supercharger fitted, and a vastly improved 6 speed ZF gearbox was also added. Several special editions were available throughout the Jaguar XKR Mk 1's lifetime, the XKR Silverstone, the XKR 100, and XKR 4.2-S.
The Jaguar XKR mark 1 ended it's production run late 2005, and was replaced by the XKR mk 2.
