You know those clever car ads that talk about low ego emissions? The new Jag XK has the opposite problem. There's enough superiority fuming off this awesome car to choke a horse. If you buy an XK, it's a statement that you're basically better, and better off, than everyone else. The new XK design isn't any more swank than its predecessor, but it is different. The front end has a more sophisticated, Aston Martin feel. The rear combines hard edges a la Nissan's Z and a small integrated spoiler like you'll see on the Beemer 6. It's a great looking package, save for the obtrusive turn signal-enhanced side vents.
Call it retro '80s glam plush -- even the storage compartments on the doors are carpeted. The wide and inviting cockpit has a Hollywood exec vibe, with a large center-mounted video screen, dark wood accents and push-button ignition. The seat controls are on the side of the door, not under the seat, a shrewd touch we are seeing more often. The slick, one-button rag top drops in less than 20 seconds. Like many auto makers, Jag touts the XK's two-plus-two seating, but the rear seats are so cramped only a legless mannequin would be comfortable.
The XK's engine gurgles like a cigarette boat, and that awesome growl is a bit of a shocker, considering the XK only sports a 300-horse V8. (We can't wait to test the 420-horse XKR version.) The convertible XK jumps to 60 in a respectable six seconds. While it was quick and powerful from low and high speeds, it had a trifle too much old-school Caddy body roll. The best part? Our XK tester featured F1-style paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and it boasts by far the best transmission of its kind we've ever driven. The neatest aspect was popping it down a gear -- it automatically double clutches so smoothly you wouldn't know you were in a lower gear without glancing at the tachometer.
This Jag is one of the world's most powerful ass magnets.
