Jaguar's XK twins elegantly luxurious

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"Jaguar is not just a car. Jaguar is about elegance and luxury," according to a Jaguar executive. True, but the Jaguar XK convertible and coupe are more than that.

After driving these two beauties 180 miles over hilly, twisty roads and on high-speed straightaways, my description of the two all-new 2007 models include such words as power, performance, handling, refinement, convenience, and styling.

One reason the XKs handle and perform as they do is because of the all-aluminum body structure. Russ Varney, Jaguar's chief program engineer told me, "The lighter weight not only allows the engine to provide better performance, aluminum also offers better crash protection." He said they're building these cars on experience from the all-new flagship XJ sedan

Under the hood is a 4.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 300 horsepower. This is connected to a six-speed epicyclic automatic transmission, which is widely regarded as one of the best automatic transmissions in the premium sports car market.

Not only does the XK do 0-to-60 mph in just under six seconds, it provides excellent highway passing acceleration by downshifting, either by moving the gearshift lever or by touching paddles conveniently located on the underside of the steering wheel. Mr. Varney told me the XK has a top speed of 155 mph. Although I didn't attempt to confirm his statement, I was quite impressed with how quickly the XK responded when passing.

At high speed, both the convertible and coupe hugged tight turns in the road like glue, giving me a very secure feeling. Although the convertible's top can be lowered or raised by the touch of a button in under 18 seconds, my preference is the coupe for its quiet interior plus more storage space for four passengers. Because storage space is limited, some might opt for run-flat tires, enabling them to store additional luggage in the vacant spare-tire space.

The steering wheel contains redundant buttons for sound and speed-control systems. Power-seat controls are located on the door and personal settings are easily locked into memory. In the center of the dash panel is a 7-inch navigational screen that also displays other data.

As with all cars, safety is a primary concern. I asked Mr. Varney about safety and he rattled off many features, but I couldn't make note of all of them -- while driving. However, I recall his saying that the XK has a traction control plus Trac DSC, which uses selective braking and controls engine torque output to prevent both engine oversteer and unwanted wheel lock under hard engine braking. This is the very latest technology -- plus numerous other safety devices.Other technological improvements in the $75,500 car include Forward Alert that warns the driver of a potential collision, and adaptive cruise control, which uses microwave radar technology that monitors the road ahead, plus rear parking aids with sensors in the bumper.

Obviously, the XK is a leader in the automotive safety field. But it's the design that is going to lure customers to the Jaguar showrooms. The interior has luxurious material, such as finely stitched leather and light poplar wood panels. The entire layout is driver-focused and sporty with body-hugging seats set into a low waistline to give a strong cockpit feel. All this sets on a long wheelbase with eye-catching styling.

Mr. Varney made another comment that has thoughtful merit. He said, "I believe that the XK has the potential to be rated the Number One car with J.D. Power and Associates." I agree with him wholeheartedly but only time will tell.