Jaguar XKR Convertible

The XKR Convertible is the more performance-focused version of the normal drop-top XK. It packs a 510 horsepower punch and features more aggressive touches to its Aston Martin-like styling.

In addition to its massive horsepower rating, the AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter engine delivers a whopping 461 pound-feet of torque. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes just 4.6 seconds.

There's not a lot of space for rear passengers, but the driver and his or her passenger enjoy a luxurious grand touring experience with enough power to give most sports cars a run for their money.

The XKR Convertible owes its handsome looks to a unique design approach taken by Jaguar's team. Instead of designing the Coupe first, the design team began by penning the Convertible. This strategy ensured the drop-top doesn't simply look like a coupe with its roof chopped off.

Like its coupe counterpart, the XKR Convertible has unique styling cues such as a more aggressive front fascia, air intakes on the hood, aluminum-finish grilles, more creases on the hood, and quad exhaust pipes. Customers can chose between 19- and 20-inch wheels for the XKR.

The XKR's roof is a power-latching, self-stowing system with three layers including Thinsulate insulation and a Rakona headliner. When the top is down, an aluminum tonneau cover conceals the canvas roof. While many convertibles are only offered with a black roof, the the XK can be ordered with gray, burgundy, green or dark beige canvas.

The XKR's suspension has been tuned for a more aggressive ride. Changes include up-rated springs and dampers, plus a recalibrated computer to control the dynamic suspension settings.

As is the case with the regular XK convertible, the XKR model is built around Jaguar's ultra-strong "Lightweight Vehicle Technology," which does not need traditional stiffening panels to achieve a sturdy body structure. In fact, the XK convertible is 19 percent lighter than the previous-generation XK drop-top.

A six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddles is standard. On downshifts, the system creates a throttle blip to shorten over-run shifts. An "active" exhaust system ensures the XKR is quiet while cruising, yet still able to create purposeful V8 roar under hard acceleration.

Although they are not a legal requirement, the Convertible features a Roll-over Protection Device consisting of two aluminum hoops that are automatically deployed if the car's sensors detect the onset of a roll-over accident.

Other standard features include adaptive headlights that swivel in corners, aluminum-finish side window surround, stability control, keyless entry and start, a seven-inch touch screen to control various car functions, and a body-colored spoiler.

Options include a 525-watt Alpine premium sound system, Sirius satellite radio, soft-grain leather, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and a heated steering wheel.

All XKRs are fitted standard with an iPod and USB connectivity interface, an air quality sensor, front park assist and electrochromic and heated power fold-back mirrors.