Question is if you were going to stick some money into an XKR by adding say an LSD, twin screw, pulley upgrades, exhaust etc... would you go with my 07 with 25,000 miles or move into a 5.0? When done I still want a GT car... just one that is quicker.

 

I would buy a 5.0. Over a 100 hp over the 4.2 and better dynamics over all.

 

Think you answered your own question. With essentially the same exterior shape and interior dimensions, the 5.0 is going to have more oomph to start with.

 

So if I were to go with a 5.0 what year would be recommended?

 

If you want the face lift gingerbread stuff go to a 2012-2015 YM. If you just want the power and some of the upgrades from the 4.2 then go to the 2010-2011 YM.

 

In the end, these will be the ones to own. The most options and final iteration of a good evolution. If I were to buy an XK again, I would concentrate on those years.

 

The power in the 5.0 XKR isnt all that usable, and the 4.2 sounds much better IMO especially with the modded exhaust. But then the 2010+ had improvements in the transmission, suspension, and interior.

If it was only spending a couple of grand, I'd work with the 4.2. But the 2012+ is also my pick.

 

Wow, you really just said that? I use mine all the time. If you mostly mean Off The Line, then you must have some seriously lame tires (probably Michelin Super Sports). Sure, the Traction Control will intervene, but try using the power of a S/C 5.0 on anything OTHER than Off The Line. The power is VERY usable AND addictive. It puts 99.6 % of every other car on the road to shame.

 

Yes, I've got those dreadful stock tyres. I thought the ones that were on it when I got the car were old and had gone hard, but when I repleaced them even new I had zero traction, I get back end wiggles at 80kph and it is diabolical gunning the car to enter traffic. On the track the yellow dts (whatever) light was on more than off. I found that I could throw around the 5.0 NA XF more than the XKR, and the 5.0 has similar power to the 4.2 supercharged.


All of that said, I love the 5.0 XKR power and it would be hard to go back to less. It is over the top, just as I like it. Next set of tyres and I might be able to exploit it more...

 

I own several premium sports cars with a 2009 Jaguar XKR 4.2L Supercharged Portfolio Edition Convertible being one of them.

The other 2 are a 2014 Porsche Cayman 981 & 2015 Corvette Stingray

I can say that the Jaguar XKR with the 4.2L supercharged engine has more power than I could ever use. The pedal and throttle is very responsive, and when getting down on the gas pedal, the car will push your head back quickly.

While the 5.0L sounds better as for power, the question to ask yourself......do I need all that extra power and why?

The 4.2L has more power than anyone would need on USA roads & highways.

I am so happy with the Jaguar and the performance of the 4.2L S/C engine. The Jaguar has performed flawlessly and in over 2 1/2 years of ownership. The costs to maintain the vehicle has been less than $200. This expense of less than $200 includes 2 oil changes and 2 new oil filters, and 1 light bulb in the trunk of the car. There has been no need for any other repairs or costs.

Consider the 4.2L, save a few bucks vs the 5.0 and put the remaining savings into a few mods if you like.

 

I think the orign. post spoke of either investing in upping the HP on a 4.2 (assume he meant his 07 XKR) or invest in buying a 5.0 XKR. That being the case if you invest in the 4.2 is it possible to get similar HP results as the stock 5.0. As for the other improvements with the 5.0 cars that would be more of a matter of preference. So I guess it may boil down to cost..

 

That's right. What I was trying to say is that the 4.2 sounds so good that there is an upside to working with that to get more power (subject to cost) instead of going to the 5.0, but then the 5.0 has some other improvements. Sorry if I derailed it all...

 

Having owned an 08 xk and now a 12 xk, I say go with 5.0l model. IMHO the 12 is a superior vehicle all the way around. better engine, suspension and equipment upgrades.