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JAGUAR XKR Convertible Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 5
First production year: 1998
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
JAGUAR XKR-S Convertible photo gallery

Jaguar released the coupe and the convertible versions of the XKR-S' second generation at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and customers were eager to get their hands on them.

When the British car manufacturer introduced the first generation of the XKR-S in 2008, it didn't know if customers would pay the price for it. But it quickly sold them all, and then it launched the open-top version of it, which was also sold as fast as its hard-roof sibling. So, for the second generation of this nameplate, Jaguar didn't want to try the market. It launched both versions at the same time, so customers could choose their flavor: with or without a retractable roof. The convertible wasn't aimed to win any races, but it was still capable of keeping up with serious sports cars. On the other hand, it provided a high level of luxury that could make its customers understand why they paid the high sticker price for it. On top of that, it behaved like a muscle car, especially thanks to the loud exhaust and the supercharged V8 under the hood.

From the outside, the XKR-S Convertible kept the same front fascia as its coupe brother. It featured an oval-shaped mesh grille on the upper side of the bumper that resembled the famous E-Type Roadster from the '60s, albeit broader. On the lower side, below the transverse slat that supported the license plate, the automaker installed a carbon-fiber splitter that increased the downforce on the front wheels. On the forward side of the hood, the automaker installed two gaps that also helped to cool the car's supercharged engine.

From its profile, the XKR-S Convertible boasted its black 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/35 tires at the front and 295/30 ones at the back. The automaker installed thick A-pillars to support the windshield since they also served as rollover protection systems. Behind them, the car's ascending waistline ran towards the back, only to descend slowly on the deck where the automaker installed a wing on the trunk lid. From its rear, the XKR-S Convertible revealed its four exhausts integrated into the carbon-fiber rear diffuser under the bumper.

But Jaguar knew that its customers were looking for luxurious interiors, so it created a leather-wrapped cabin with sports seats and integrated headrests for the front occupants. Like on the rest of the open-top XK range, there was hardly any room left for rear passengers. But still, the British automaker installed a bench seat profiled for two, upholstered in the same type of leather as the front seats. The dark aluminum trims on the dashboard sported the R-S badge in front of the side passenger.

Jaguar's engineering team delved into the five-liter engine to increase its power output. It incorporated a Roots-type supercharger and adjusted the injection mapping, so the result was a 550 PS (543 hp) V8 engine. It paired it with a six-speed automatic gearbox that sent the power to the rear wheels via an adaptive differential.

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JAGUAR XKR Convertible photo gallery

Jaguar introduced the facelifted version of the XK lineup in 2009, and besides aesthetic and interior upgrades, it also improved the engine lineup, including the highest-powered version, the XKR.

The British automaker was under Ford’s umbrella in 2005 when it introduced the second generation of the XK range. Then, in late 2007, the American automaker sold the brand to Tata Motors, which secured the funding for the further development of the brand and its products. Furthermore, Europe was ready to switch to the Euro 5 emission standards that required automakers to receive type approval by September 2009. As a result, Jaguar complied and launched the facelifted version of its grand tourer, offered as a coupe or a convertible.

Ian Callum designed the XK, and it was difficult to improve an already beautiful and appreciated vehicle without spoiling its clean lines. Still, there were several areas where the automaker could add some modifications and get better results. At the front, the car featured a new bumper that sported vertical side scoops that created an air curtain around the front wheels, improving aerodynamics. In addition, the automaker added a Speed Pack as an option that introduced a lower front splitter that enhanced the car’s stability at high speeds.

From its profile, there were no significant changes for the great-looking convertible. Still, a keen eye for detail could notice the new door mirrors that featured slim horizontal turn signals. The body-colored vertical vents mounted on the front doors extracted the air trapped inside the wheel wells. Jaguar made the XKR Convertible with thicker A-pillars that also doubled as roll-over safety systems, and there were no other arches to interrupt the sideline of the vehicle. Jaguar made the canvas roof with three layers of Thinsulate material, creating better weather and sound protection. The power-operated rag-top could open or close the canopy in 18 seconds at the touch of a button.

Inside, the automaker created a whole new leather-wrapped cabin centered around the driver. At the front, it installed a pair of high-bolstered seats separated by a narrow center console that housed the gear selector, a couple of cup holders, and a cubby storage under the center armrest. Up on the center stack, Jaguar placed a standard touch-screen display for the infotainment system. Depending on the market, it offered the XKR Convertible with either a satellite radio or a DAB Radio. Inside the instrument cluster, the automaker placed large dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked an LCD that showed data from the car’s onboard computer. In the back, the automaker added a bench seat profiled for two, but with such a minimal room that a person could hardly fit there.

The most significant upgrade for the 2009 XKR Convertible was found under its aluminum skin. Thanks to the adaptive suspension, the car could provide higher cornering speeds and a more comfortable ride. While that was available for the entire range, the engine was unique. It was a completely new five-liter V8, helped by a supercharger fit inside the engine’s V. As a result, it provided quicker acceleration response. The new powerplant delivered almost 25% more power than the non-facelifted XKR, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

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JAGUAR XKR Convertible photo gallery

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).

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JAGUAR XKR Convertible photo gallery

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).

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JAGUAR XKR Convertible photo gallery

Jaguar tried its best and offered a supercharged version of the beautiful XK8 that it launched in 1996 at the Geneva Motor Show, and in 1998, it brought the XKR as the spiced-up cousin of its open-top grand tourer.

When Ian Callum penned the XK8, he had the E-Type in mind, so the result was a vehicle that sent shivers down the spines of Jaguar’s fans. While the car was designed in the late ‘80s, its new owner, Ford, didn’t agree to sell it to the public before being offered as an Aston Martin, a brand that the blue-oval company also owned. As a result, after the DB7 was released, the XK8 came alive in 1996. But there was something missing from it, and that was the performance. After all, the British brand was known for its racing pedigree, and the regular, naturally aspirated XK8 just couldn’t provide. As a result, the automaker added a supercharger to the V8, improved other technical parts, and unveiled it in 1998.

The new version featured a slightly different front fascia than its non-supercharged brother. Ian Callum installed a metallic mesh on the oval-shaped grille that stretched on the lower side of the bumper. Above it, the front-hinged hood (or bonnet, to keep it British) featured a pair of exhaust vents that helped release the hot air from the engine compartment. A pair of stretched-back headlights with standard Xenon lighting was also installed on the car.

From its profile, the XKR boasted its 18-inch alloy wheels that featured a unique design with ten spokes. But still, the car was quite subtle in its appearance to an untrained eye. It featured thick A-pillars that also served as protection in the event of a rollover crash, and that was the only structure that raised above the elegant flowing waistline of the bodywork. Behind the cabin, the automaker placed the storage area for the retractable roof, and customers could conceal it with a leather cover. Out back, the automaker installed a tiny lip spoiler on the trunk lid, which was flanked by a set of rounded taillights. Under the rear bumper, the car featured a set of side exhausts with chromed tips.

Inside, the high level of craftsmanship, expensive Conelly leather, and wooden dash caught the customers’ eyes. Fronting the driver was the instrument cluster with three recessed dials, where the speedometer took center stage. In addition, the center stack housed another two gauges and an analog clock. The sound system featured a cassette player and a CD changer, the latter being installed in the trunk. A set of bucket seats mostly designed for comfort hugged their occupants and kept them in place for long journeys. In the back, not so, since there was very limited legroom or headroom, especially with the ragtop up. Driver could open or close the canvas roof in about 20 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 10 mph (16 kph).

Under the hood, the automaker installed its newly developed 4.0-liter all-aluminum V8 engine. While the naturally aspirated version didn’t reach the 300 hp mark, the XKR reached up to 370 hp (375 PS). Jaguar paired the engine with a five-speed automatic gearbox that sent all the oomph to the rear wheels. But still, despite its more powerful engine, the XKR was mostly a grand tourer with more power, not a sports car.

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