2006 Jaguar XKR Convertible Photos, engines & full specs

Jaguar introduced the second generation of the XKR Coupe in late 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and waited until the 2006 North American International Auto Show to unveil the open-top version of it, the XKR Convertible.

When the British automaker introduced the first generation of the XKR in 1998, the automaker already knew that customers preferred the open-top version of the car since it already had the sales results of the XK8. As a result, by 2005, when the car manufacturer introduced the second generation of this moniker, first as a coupe, it knew that the convertible had to exceed customers' expectations. Even though both versions, including the XK8, carried over the engine and the transmission from the previous model, the rest of the vehicle had to be convincing. And it was.

The car's front fascia didn't have the same fluid lines as the previous model. Its headlights were rounded on their inner side but with sharp lines on the outer ones. Ian Callum placed the same oval-shaped grille that resembled the legendary E-Type model, and like on the previous XKR, it covered it with a metallic mesh where the brand's badge took center stage. Lower, on the apron, the same metallic pattern as on the upper grille adorned the broad, rectangular air intake and the side scoops that housed the fog lamps. On the hood, Jaguar installed new extracting vents that helped cool the engine.

From its profile, the XKR Convertible boasted its raked windshield supported by thick A-pillars that also served as rollover protection. The car's ascending waistline featured an arched line above the rear wheels, only to descend towards the back of the vehicle. Unlike its predecessor, the 2006 XKR Convertible featured a better-integrated compartment for the retractable canvas roof. The driver could cover or uncover the vehicle in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 15 mph (24 kph), which was an evolution by two seconds and five mph (8 kph) over its predecessor. Furthermore, the new mechanism could completely retract and cover the fabric roof automatically. Finally, at the back, the new taillights emerged from the quarter panels onto the trunk's lid, creating a spectacular look for the vehicle. As a sign of sportiness, the XKR Convertible featured two pairs of chromed exhausts peeking from under the bumper.

Inside, the automaker offered customers the option to decorate the car's cabin with aluminum trims, not just with wood grains. The modern-looking dashboard featured a rounded-shaped instrument cluster with large dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked a TFT display between them. Even though it resembled the one from the Ford Mondeo, customers didn't quite complain. To make them even happier, Jaguar installed a new infotainment unit with a touchscreen on the center stack. The high-bolstered front seats were leather-wrapped and the same materials Jaguar used for the rear bench seat. But just like its predecessor, the 2006 XKR Convertible didn't provide enough legroom despite being built on an entirely new platform.

Under the hood, Jaguar installed the same 4.2-liter supercharged engine as on the previous model. It upgraded it, though, to produce more power. Thanks to the refreshed drivetrain setup, which included a six-speed automatic transmission as the only option, the XKR Convertible became more driver-focused. But still, the top speed was capped at 155 mph (250 kph).