As car nuts, all we really need to hear is 4.9 seconds, supercharged V8, rear-wheel-drive, and we’re pretty much sold. Until you get to the part about $85,000, that is. But for people who actually shop in this range, the 2007 Jaguar XKR is worth investigation. The love-it-or-hate-it front end gets a splash of style with a new fascia and mesh grille inserts, unique alloys fill the wheel wells, and the interior features subtle touches befitting the XKR’s place in the lineup. Consider it a poor man’s Aston Martin. Yet what really makes this model shine is the supercharged engine that promises to move the whole package with authority. With an estimated price creeping up on $100,000, the XKR is an expensive ride, but it offers the upscale style and prestige that the faster and less expensive Chevrolet Corvette Z06 lacks, and packs comparable horsepower to the BMW M6 that stickers for about $10,000 more. Photos courtesy of Jaguar
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About Thom Blackett
Thom Blackett joined Autobytel in 2000 as a Research Analyst with the company's data division, Automotive Information Center (AIC). After four years of pouring through press kits searching for minute details, Thom jumped to Autobytel's editorial team. Born and raised in the state of Maine (no, it's not part of Canada and yes, the proper pronunciation of lobster is "lobstah"), Thom has always been a car nut, using his grandmother's potholders as steering wheels to "drive" around the house as a youngster. His biggest sorrow is never getting to know his grandfather's 1959 Caddy, or the '62 Impala Convertible and '69 Chevy Malibu that his parents once owned. As Autobytel's Road Test Editor, Thom strives to write articles that serve to inform as well as entertain. A proud member of the Motor Press Guild, Thom holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maine. Comments may be emailed to thomb@autobytel.com.
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