One of my favorite modern sports cars of all time is the Jaguar XKR coupe. I have fond memories of riding in and driving my uncle’s 2000 XKR and being in a state of pure amazement of the quality, speed, and handling that this Jaguar achieved. When Jaguar unveiled the new XK, I was a little sad to see the “old” design go. Jaguar modernized the classic design of the XK coupe in 2007 with a noticeably edgier and simplified style. In 2008, they released the whiplash inducing XKR version featuring the powerful 5.0-liter supercharged V8 power plant capable of producing 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft. of torque.
AUTOArt recently released this new version of the XKR in beautiful Ebony black with aluminum inserts and nice exterior details. The wire mesh grill and headlights are well done in true AUTOArt fashion. Although hard to see on this black version, the hood vents do feature the SUPERCHARGED script as featured on the prototype model. The side vents just behind the front wheels feature side marker lights and JAGUAR script on the aluminum inserts with XK and R badges on the rear trunk lid.
The model features opening doors, hood, and trunk. The prototype engine bay is spartan; even by most modern European sports car standards, it is quite plain. So there was not a lot of challenge to AUTOArt in getting this to look right, which I believe they did. It is interesting that Jaguar designs their engine bay with all of these moldings, yet features images of the pistons and exposed engine detail on their web site. The undercarriage features full length exhaust pipes from the headers to rear chrome tipped exhaust outlets. The underside also features a molded fuel tank and different colored suspension pieces.
The interior is well done, and I was pleased to see AUTOArt issue this model in the Caramel leather seats with aluminum veneer inserts, although I would have preferred the burl walnut veneer as featured on the convertible version. This interior color combination goes well with the glossy Ebony black exterior. The trunk lid opens completely to reveal a carpeted trunk.
AUTOArt has also given another wonderful set of wheels, this time with forked 5-spoke wheels complete with Jaguar badges over disc brakes and red brake calipers with correct “R” logos. The wheels look nice and go well with the brushed aluminum accents featured elsewhere on the model.
AUTOArt has captured this design of this car with precision, and it will look great next to some of their other great modern sports cars they’ve released over the past few years. Legacy Motors has the black and liquid silver with black interior available for purchase now. The issue price is $115.
-Bryan Miranda-Bryan Miranda