So in the 1,500 miles or so I've driven my XKR, it's been fun cruising around with the top down and gunning it on the occasional freeway on-ramp, but after seeing the video linked below (skip to 1:38 ), I'm feeling a need to find the car's edges.


It's been 10 years since I've had a performance car, and one of my favorite experiences with my old Boxster was taking it on an autocross series hosted by the local Porsche club. I know the XKR isn't necessarily an ideal autocrosser, but I'm thinking it'll be fun to take on a couple runs and was wondering if anyone else on here has.

 

Now I wish I knew more Deutsch than I do. It's still easy to tell by his emotions though.

 

Autocross and Road Tracks are not exactly the same thing, and that looks more like a road track than autocross. I just misssd having my control arms rebuilt in time for a January track day. I'll be taking the XK to the next track day in May.

I'm positive I don't have enough testicular fortitude to induce that much oversteer, the wall comes up way too fast when you screw up. Not really the fast path around the track anyway, although it does look pretty cool.

 

First, I hate even watching testers burning up tires by silly sliding around the track. Being a long timer racer over tracks and autocross, for me, when the tire is sliding the car is losing cornering speeds.

I did have a chance to run a few autocross laps in a 5.0 SC XKR. While I had fun, the XKR is really not an ideal autocross car. It is a heavy GT car and rather traction limited. I remember all too easily breaking loose the rear-end even with the traction controls turned ON. It just can't aggressively put the power down on corner exits. If you are serious you'll get some wider wheels and wider R compound autocross tires that could help with the traction issues.

 

I have had my XKR on the track several times over the 3 years I've owned her. The Hooked on Driving event at Buttonwillow probably being my favorite event. I have been at several events with SoCal Audi as a friend is President. I also let a friend race it at Willow Springs. It's certainly a capable track car if you're not out at its limits, although the traction control needs to be dialed down considerably to not have it intrude on almost every curve. I've also done several canyon runs through the Santa Monica Mountains (with a group of F-type owners) and through the San Gabriel Mountains with various groups. Haven't done either in about a year or so, just seem to have conflicts in scheduling, hopefully back on the track later this year.

 

Yeah, I know drifting and sliding around every corner like that isn't the fastest way around, but you gotta admit it's fun to see a "classy" little Jag thrashing around like that. Kinda like seeing your wife tossing back a bunch of tequila shots and jumping on the table.

 

Ahhh yes, the good ole days.

 

I've Autocrossed in an F Type R and it was lots of fun. I don't think I would do so in my XKR as it is a GT not a Sports car. I have done maybe a couple of dozen laps at the Sonoma Race way in all of Jaguar's current R's plus an XKR all at the Jaguar Performance Driving Academy. Lots of fun and educational too. Also better doing it in Jaguar's cars than mine.

 

I did the driving academy too. It immediately became apparent that the XKR is not a good track car. Just too heavy to hustle around the track when compared to the F-type.

 

Granted the f type is a better track car that is stock vs stock its actually heavier than the xkr

 

The f-type coupe weighs 3455 and the xkr coupe weighs 3968. 500 lbs. more. Where are you getting that the f-type weighs more? It's very apparent on the track that the f-type is very nimble and the xkr feels like a lead slug in comparison.

 

Details are provided via car sales

All figures are of the RWD and s/c variety

Xkr 4.2 - 1686kg
Xkr 5.0 - 1753kg
F-type 5.0 - 1764kg

 

I took my son out to toss my little Honda about an autocross, and figured I might as well take the Jag (XK) to see what she could do.
I had a great time, and the car did surprisingly well, but then, I've been with the local AX club for 26 years and am comfortable in any car I toss about the cones. As you can see, the Base XK has a lot of body role, but she settles quickly and predictably.

Vince