2000 Jaguar XK8: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Jaguar adds a supercharged high-performance model and an optional satellite navigation system to its XK line for 2000. These 4-passenger luxury sports cars offer a coupe body style or a convertible with a power soft top and glass rear window with defroster.
All XKs use a 4.0-liter V8. XK8 models have 290 horsepower, the XKR adds a supercharger for 370 hp, plus functional hood louvers and a rear spoiler. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission. All XKs have standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, but get larger-diameter rotors for 2000, and the XKR's 18-inch wheels are newly optional in place of the XK8's standard 17s. Traction control is standard, but this year it uses the previously optional design that modulates throttle and brakes. This replaces the throttle-only system that was standard last year. The XKR has different alloy wheels, a functional louvered hood, and a rear spoiler, plus Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension (computer-controlled shock absorbers). The satellite navigation system operates from a touch-screen display mounted in the dash and uses CD-ROMs to provide mapping for various regions.

COMPETITION

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling. If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.