Article: Jaguar XKR convertible: The stuff myths are made of
The Jaguar XK convertible answers that unasked question: What car would Venus de Milo drive, had she lived in modern times?
Of course, Venus could perhaps be persuaded to drive something else home off the dealer’s lot. After all, love is blind, fickle, and fidelity is not known to be one of Venus’ primary virtues. But, if one can overlook the difference between marble and stamped metal, both Venus and a Jaguar XR convertible share a lot of the same attributes – with or without a top on.
As her statue shows, Venus has curves, balance, and poise. Frozen in position over 2,000 years ago, she has a curious dynamism to her that is visible from the front, back, and side perspectives. Even without arms, this woman exudes style and she knows it.
And then there is the new XR convertible. This is a car that remains in motion, even while firmly parked. The front end of the XR successfully taps the lines of the E series XK from the early 1960s, and given a change of external climate or internal temperament, her top can be removed in 18 seconds.
Both Venus and the XR share a Vulcan connection. For Venus, the god of the forge was her husband. And for the XR, it would be negligent not to comment on the aluminum frame and skin underlying those sensuous curves. Or the 4.2-liter V8 engine under the hood. For a car that is comparable to a museum piece, the XR has the unusual ability to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.3 seconds. This piece of art is indeed a movable feast. Just think of the XR as Venus on the outside, with the Vulcan touch underneath.
Jaguar traditionally follows a technological tightrope: driving performance on one side balancing the aesthetic demands on the other. The XR shows that this can be a win-win situation. The car has collected a bevy of awards alluding to this point, including the UK’s Top Gear magazine “Car of the Year” and “GT of the Year” for 2006. Editor Michael Harvey, not one to mince words in any direction, described the XR as “magnificently beautiful”.
With the XK, Jaguar is acknowledging that it is simply not enough to just look good – although the lighted vanity mirrors for both of the front seat occupants will certainly help with that. From the inside, the XR envelops its passengers with bucket seats fitting the body like the proverbial glove. Seating controls are located on the upper front portion of the door, an unusual but logical location, as the car’s narrow profile would make the traditional locations off to the side inaccessible. In addition to the usual movements, these seats include electronically adjustable side and lumbar cushions.
The instrument panel fits the traditional Jaguar aesthetic of merging simplicity with a touch of chrome elegance. Among those instruments is a Jaguar first – a navigation system for the Czech Republic. However, with a top speed of 250 kph (electronically limited), it shouldn’t take very long to break through borders in about any direction. And with microphones for the Bluetooth system built into the central interior lighting module, keeping in touch with lesser mortals won’t be difficult.
The KR glove compartment is large enough to hold a ladies handbag, while the 20-inch Senta wheels are a bit of overkill. But then, archeologists don’t believe Venus de Milo was content to be dressed in plain white marble – she was decked out in jewelry and all made up. No doubt she would love those wheels, and this car.
