Home / Vehicle Search / Jaguar / 2008 Jaguar XKR Convertible / Reviews
2008 Jaguar XKR Convertible
2008 Jaguar XKR Convertible
Open-Air Elegance
The quick and nimble Jaguar XKR Convertible adds a new Portfolio edition for 2008 with more amenities and high-end styling touches.
• Get a Jaguar XKR Convertible price quote
The XKR goes a step further than the standard XK Convertible styling-wise, adding a unique color-keyed front bumper with integrated fog lamps, aluminum-finished side vents, hood vents, exclusive wheels, and a new rear bumper treatment with quad exhaust tips.
Passengers are treated to extra-supportive sport seats, and the cabin is dressed up with aluminum trim (more-traditional burl walnut is a no-cost option). Meanwhile, the limited edition XKR Portfolio version gets a slightly more luxurious interior, with Spun Aluminum trim (Satin American Walnut is optional), an alloy and leather-trimmed gear selector, contrast stitching on leather surfaces and a high-performance Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
The most significant enhancements to the Jaguar XKR Convertible lie beneath the surface. Foremost is a supercharged version of the standard XK Convertible's V8 engine, which produces 40 percent more power.
• See Jaguar XKR Convertible specs
The Jaguar XKR Convertible shares the same extensive use of aluminum as the standard XK Convertible. The rigid body structure affords sporty but secure vehicle dynamics and a quiet, sophisticated ride. A six-speed automatic transmission allows manual operation via racing-style paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The fully automatic Drive mode adapts to individual driving styles, while a Sport mode can be selected for more-aggressive automatic shifts.
The Jaguar XKR Convertible rides on stiffer springs and dampers than the XK Convertible, and the car’s steering system has been upgraded for improved handling. Settings for Jaguar’s Enhanced Computer Active Technology Suspension have been recalibrated to handle the supercharged engine’s added muscle. As with the standard model, the system in the Jaguar XKR Convertible also lets the driver switch between comfort and sport modes.
• Jaguar XKR Convertible Vehicle Summary
The XKR Convertible gets larger brakes and the top XKR Portfolio edition gets the largest discs installed in a Jaguar for even greater stopping abilities. Electronic brake-force distribution along with hydraulic brake assist afford quick and confident stopping. Dynamic stability and traction control systems are included to maintain stability.
• See all Jaguar models in the Jaguar Showroom
You want to own the high-performance version of a classic British open-roof sports car.
An even more flamboyant model is on your radar; a somewhat less costly alternative would satisfy you, in which case you should consider the standard XK Convertible; you prefer a hardtop — consider the XK or XKR Coupe.
Two adults will be cozy in the nicely trimmed, two-seat cabin; like most low-to-the-ground convertibles, however, getting in and out with the top up can be a problem.
Back in the early 1960s, during a time when Americans were developing a fascination for all things British — from James Bond to Twiggy to the Beatles — Jaguar was best known as the purveyor of the E-Type. Better known stateside as the XKE, it debuted to universal accolades in 1961 and fast became an icon for the company. Pretty much decimated power-wise by federal anti-pollution regulations in the 1970s, it was discontinued in 1975 and replaced by the XJ-S. That model lasted until 1997, when Jaguar, by then owned by Ford, introduced the XK8, which was designed to capture the essence of the original E-Type. The higher-performance XKR version was added to the line for the 2000 model year.
New-Car Pricing
Get a free online price quote from a dealer near you: