NeilC123

Well as i was driving back home I saw a convey of the new 2 seater Jaguar sports cars presumably about to go to their new owners as their wonderful xmas presents.

I have to say first impressions i don't think Aston Martin or even Mercedes have anything to worry about. Sure it is a nice car but it seems a lot more feminine than the Aston Martin V8, the AM seeming a lot more butch and sportier, and whilst the Jag was nice - my feelings toward it was just that - just nice - didn't really get my heart racing or make me go WOW. And I don't know what price the car will be but if it is in the range of the Mercedes SL I have to say i think the SL is a much more beautiful car and with the added bonus of being a convertible!

So basically my first thoughts are - sure they are not bad - but not great and not going to set the car design world alight - I would still prefer the AM V8 or the Mercedes SL.

seattlecarfreak

I thought the XK wasn't coming out until late next year?

~CL500~

Probably released a little earlier in the UK. Here's a pic:

RJC

Go here: http://www.jaguarusa.com/us/en/vehic...ew_2007_xk.htm

Then click on: vist the new XK website.

I like this car a lot and think the "R" supercharged version should be an awesome machine.

NeilC123

The car was released in the UK yesterday. Trust me I agree the pics look amazing but in real life it didn't really look that "awesome" to me. The convoy I saw had the cars in various colours and as i said - looked nice - just nice.

RJC

Seeing this car, or any for that matter, traveling on trailers is not the best way to judge the looks of a new model.

I certainly don't think most Aston drivers will have too much to worry about except when the car mags directly compare the new XK"R" to the AM V8...it will certainly be an interesting comp. from many perspectives

IluvS500

We are getting our first one in early april.

PHYBENZ

Here are some pics I took of one from the South Florida Auto Show.... Doesn't lokk bad in person, but nothing really that special if you ask me.

LovinMercedes

Hmmmm...not to sure about the front?

tiggerfink

I sat in the 2004 model and my head was touching the ceiling and had a very bad blind spot on the passenger side of the window because the rear view mirror was blocking my view. I do not like the front either.

NeilC123

By the way when I said earlier I saw them in a convoy they were not on trailers - they were in fact being driven in a line - 4 of them in different colours.

I agree - the back is ok - but when you get to the front I just thought god that's a bit plain....I can't put my finger on it - but i just feel the old XK seemed more masculine whereas this new one just looks mute - just missing something....

RJC

Thanks for clarifying that Neil.

I think the XKR version is going to be a hot car and the cab will be much nicer than the previous generation especially since the top (when down) is now hidden under a flat hard cover. The front seems to be drawing the most criticism from the automotive press but it's seems somewhat similar to the current car's; I guess Jaguar is trying, once again, to resemble the nose of the XKE as much as they can; the metal grille work of the "R" version should help. I always thought the previous generation looked best in coupe form but both coupe and cab were still a bit on the feminine side (no offense to previous or current XK8'ers). As far as new coupes go, in this case for 2 adults and 2 very, very small children (better for grocery bags etc), this will be a welcome addition and should sell quite well. I've owned many Euro cars in the past but never a Jag however, but I am looking forward to driving this one.

Apparently there is an XKR-R due in calander year 2007, 450+hp and lot's of performance goodies well beyond the standard "R" version.

CY

I had a 99 jag XK and it was the worst car I have ever owned...tensioners busted....4 waterpumps...on and on.

The new one is awesome from the rear...but needs a paper bag on the face...IMO.

I'll take an SL thank you, but the XKR probably will look OK with the mesh grill.

seattlecarfreak

me thinks jaguar is trying to emulate the ferrari 550 maranello.. am i alone?

while searching for the 550, i found this hideous thing..

Auraraptor

Note the details are most definitely Jag, while the overall lines are AM, albeit rounded.

Auraraptor

To be honest, the headlight pattern reminds me of a Tiburon (sp?) in how it sits on the car. Similar can be said about the side intake (though not the side intake bodyline obviously). You can see the greenhouse design is similar too. These are all coincidences though, but annoying ones none the less. You probably can get an aftermarket bumper (they make tons) that is in the new Jag's style, as well as taillights, and in the end you will have yourself a Korean Jag.

Personal note, I like Jags, but this car's only redeeming feature is its rather nice interior IMHO. If the E type once lived, it will be turning over in its grave. Maybe the convertible version will be better though.

WIldcat465

You took the words from my mouth. I love the car's looks until I saw the front. It's kinda like seeing a woman with a hot body from behind but whose face looks like a mule.

WIldcat465

That was my first thought. At first glace, I thought it was the Ferrari.