Jaguar XKR Convertible Photos, engines & full specs

Jaguar refreshed the first generation of the XK8 in 2002, and along with that, it also upgraded the XKR Coupe and Convertible.

Ian Callum was already in charge of Jaguar’s styling department, and he tried to upgrade the car’s look without spoiling the beautiful lines of the award-winning design XK. While he had fewer options when he refreshed the XK8, he considered that the supercharged version deserved a few more modifications. In addition, the aerodynamics engineers noticed that they could improve the convertible so it could be more fuel-efficient and also look sportier.

As a result, the car’s front fascia went through some mild changes. Its lower bumper sported a similar-looking mesh grille on the oval-shaped air intake that resembled the legendary E-Type. Flanking it were the new fog lamps that had a larger diameter than the non-facelifted version. In addition, the apron received a three-slat air intake that further enhanced engine cooling and also made the car look meaner.

From its profile, the XKR convertible featured new, lower, and flatter side sills that replaced the curved ones from the 1998 model year. There was also a new set of light-alloy wheels available. They revealed the upgraded vented and cross-drilled discs on both axles. Previously, the XKR convertible featured vented rotors up front and solid in the back, with a smaller diameter. The open-top XKR kept the advantage of a retractable, three-layer fabric top with a heated rear window from its predecessor. Drivers could also cover or uncover the vehicle in 20 seconds at the switch of a button while driving with speeds up to 10 mph (16 kph). Finally, the rear fascia’s look was improved with new taillights surrounded by a chromed trim and a spoiler on the trunk lid.

The car’s interior featured new seats with adjustable headrests. Jaguar still kept the leather upholstery for the entire cabin, including the door cards and the rear bench seat. On the dashboard, the recessed dials that fronted the driver featured chromed surroundings, while the steering wheel was available with additional buttons that controlled the infotainment system if fitted. By 2002, the automakers started to provide satellite navigation systems, and Jaguar offered one for the XKR. As a result, those who opted for one had to ditch the three small dials from the center stack to make room for a small color display.

But the most significant upgrades for the car were made under its skin. Jaguar ditched the previously used 4.0-liter V8 engine and introduced a new 4.2-liter one. In the XKR, its power was increased thanks to an Eaton supercharger that raised the power output up to 400 hp (405 PS). Moreover, power went to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox instead of a five-speed one as on its predecessor. As a result, it could rocket from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) in just 5.6 seconds on its way to a capped speed of 155 mph (250 kph).