by Jessica Howell

Gorgeous.” Gorgeous. I’m sure that I can hear someone whisper it into the wind as I make my way down Highway One of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, along the rocky coast of the Pacific.

You’ve seen the fast paced Jaguar ads that manipulate television screens in a mélange of sexy women, dashing young men, flamboyant wealth and closely cropped shots of automotive detail. Like all effective advertising does, it speaks to the id in us, connecting almost instantaneously with the explicitly human desire for all that glitters. And the tagline for the product – the all-new Jaguar XK – is splashed in such obvious grandeur across the mast of the ads that it almost seems subliminal: gorgeous. Not simply a word, let alone a meager adjective, it represents a lifestyle.

And I’m sold.

The all-new 2007 XK is Jaguar’s answer to the previous model that was the brand’s fastest selling sports car ever, but ceased production in June of 2005. Even more stunning than its predecessor, the 2007 XK is available as either coupe or convertible – same as before – but offers a lighter, faster and more spacious Jaguar that combines the luxe elements of a grand tourer with the aggressive, but captivating, attitude of a sports car.

Sleeker
Fleeting glances are non-existent on XK’s turf. What might begin as a momentary look-over is sure to quickly develop into a lusty, visual affair. Whether ragtop convertible (top stowed) or classy coupe, the XK is right where Jaguar intended – straddling the line between sultry sports car and elegantly appointed four-seater.

Let’s start with the exterior. The coupe demonstrates classic, low -to-the-pavement proportions that streamline a taut and lean muscular body hugging underneath mechanics. Jag’s oval grille opening standardizes the vehicle’s façade but gives way to a body that highlights aggressive rear haunches and smooth, tapered rear; you’ll also notice Jaguar’s new signature front-wing power vents, a nod to special edition XJ Super V8 Portfolio that will likely pop up on future models as well.

The convertible mimics the same design and gets an even prettier profile with top stowed. XK designer Ian Callum reveals that the convertible was designed first since it’s easier to put a hard-top roof on a convertible than to swipe one off of a coupe. He scores points for unmatched fluidity – the convertible stands secure in its design – hardly the ragtop option that accompanies competitor models. These are two separate machines, both brilliantly designed to accentuate their most striking features.

Inside is a 2 + 2 setup that boasts moderate space for driver and front-seat passenger but offers space in the backseat for little more than the notion of practicality. (The trunk, by the way, was created to be large enough for two golf bags. We didn’t test the theory, but measurements account for ten feet or seven feet in the convertible with the roof down – which stows in 18 seconds with the press of a single button.)

There’s no arguing that drivers won’t be comfortable, however. This is a driver’s kind of car and so it can only be assumed that the cockpit was given special attention and created to be driver-focused. (CONTINUE...)