Envy Man Magazine Online

Ten years ago, Jaguar thought they outdid themselves with the XK8. As the years went by, their opinion of what they created changed. Instead of upgrading the XK8 each year, they started from the wheels up. What they created was a jawdropping machine with striking curves and gorgeous angles. The entire package is surfaced with sheet metal pulled drumtight over the mechanics.

The new 2007 Jaguar XK is available both as a coupe and a convertible. Regardless of which model you choose, this car combines traditional British luxury, modern architecture, and the class of an Aston Martin DB9. The convertible’s top disappears behind the second row of seats under a steel cover. The coupe’s sticker price is around $75,500 and the convertible’s sticker is $81,500. What you receive is a long list of standard features that one would expect from a luxury vehicle.

A 4.2-liter, V-8 engine, mated to a reengineered six-speed automatic transmission, is standard. The paddle shifters (which allow you to shift from the steering wheel) are a feature that one is beginning to expect when riding in luxury. Additional standard features also include 18-inch wheels and tires, keyless entry and ignition, DVD navigation, Bluetooth capability, and a six-disk in-dash CD changer. The driver’s seat has an 8-way power seat adjustment available, with the passenger seat having 4-way power adjustment. Inside, the shifter is wrapped in chrome and leather, and the rest of the interior is genuine wood veneer and leather. The safety features include anti-whiplash head restraints, side-impact airbags, brake assist, directionally adaptive headlights, a Traction Control System, and Dynamic Stability Control system.

The above features are considered basic although even the basic seems a bit extravagant and would make any driver pleased with his purchase. However, for those who want additional luxury, there are additional features available.

Jaguar XK8

Additional options for the Jaguar XK that are available include adaptive cruise control with Forward Alert and a sensor system that will warn the driver of a potential collision via an audible warning. Larger tires for additional support while on the road are also available. Other features include 12-way power driver’s seat with power thigh and side bolster supports.

Our test drive was nothing short of spectacular. The large interior made for people of all sizes to feel at home. The adjustable seating option holds the body close at every turn. The touch screen command center is stylish and easy to navigate through. In fact, all of the high tech features were easy to manage with little to no audible frustrations. The climate control is fantastic, with all parties feeling comfortable at all times.

Due to the keyless ignition, your flight starts with a simple press of a button. 0-60 mph happens within 5.9 seconds, and a quarter of a mile has been clocked in 14.4 seconds. Maximum speed is 155 mph. On the highway the Jag is slated to receive 25 miles per gallon. Not bad at all!

The 300-horsepower Jaguar XK is not the fastest or most powerful car in its class, but due to only a 3,600-pound body this car entitles the driver to be pushed back into his seat when accelerating. Starting from a standstill and at lower revs, we found that the V-8 displayed an inkling of throttle delay when called upon for brisk acceleration— perhaps a by-product of Jaguar’s drive-by-wire engine management system.

Without doubt, the all-new 2007 Jaguar XK is simply breathtaking and a complete joy to drive. This sleek sports car would make any guy look like a man. We are simply smitten by this beautiful new Jag and the way it drives down the road, changing direction like the big cat it is named for, but coddling the couple of adventurers inside like an English nanny.