Run to the Sun — Jaguar XKR

NWAPA

Imagine driving a very cool new car for a distance between 9 to 25 miles, getting out and then into another very cool car for another 9 to 25 mile leg and then repeating the same routine through 23 cars in a two day period.

Welcome to the 2010 NWAPA (Northwest Automotive Press Association) Run to the Sun held recently in western Washington.? After 23 cars and more than 450 miles of smiles, here are our quick impressions of the Jaguar XKR convertible.

NWAPA

When it comes to sophistication in the automobile business, nothing trumps the Cat.? It is one of the best looking cars built, has unsurpassed elegance and comfort, and some models are so fast it nearly scares us.? Jaguar has gone through three owners in the last 25 years ? BMC, Ford and Tata, and each owner has let Jaguar be Jaguar.? These companies didn?t try to change Jaguar, they only helped it get better and better.? The base XK two-seater has a 385-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 engine and the supercharged XKR is rated at 510-hp and takes only 4.6 seconds to 60 mph.? The XK gets top marks for the ease of use for its new technology and high quality.? The XK convertible is priced at $89,000 and the supercharged XKR is $102,000 — coupes are $6,000 less. ?Barbara?s note:? The Jaguar XK convertible has worked its way up my favorites list and now fills one of the three spots in my fantasy garage.

See the other 22 ?Run to the Sun? Cars here.

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