Thank you to all who welcomed me to the forum...this type of online community exemplifies what is best about the Internet.

My Reason-For-Being and I were invited to a weekend getaway at Deep Creek Lake, about 140 miles away. The drive is 30% Interstate, then 2 lane highway before branching off into rural country roads. The weather was perfect so down went the top and off we went. Our hosts led the way in their Audi A5 convertible. They left their top up during the initial highway phase while we let our hair flow. Cruising between 70-75 was a joy. Windows down, the buffeting was not intrusive. I devised a clever little hair tie/bobby pin holder to store in the ash tray so the RFB would be able to battle her main convertible complaint. Turns out she brought a lap quilt to work on in the car, and was able to substitute bobby pins for straight pins, and now my County Fair winning quilter has a new favorite method! See how the benefits of motoring reach beyond mere mechanical satisfaction?

We had two instances where near-triple digit speeds were appropriate, and the ease with which this car goes from 75 to 105 is thrilling. I am not new to this sensation as my Audi A8 with 430hp and 444ft-lb puts that same smile on my face. With the top down at that speed the XKR feels rock solid. Nirvana? You bet.

We had fun learning to use the touch screen. It is not nearly as difficult to learn as some website reviewers had brought up when researching the car. The amount of information is a bit lacking, and the Pac Man display of the Nav system is certainly dated, but it functions well and fills the need it was designed for. Yes, the dash readout can wash out in direct sunlight.... I can easily fix that with a hefty application of throttle: Wheeeeee!

On Day II we took three of the four convertibles at the lake house on roads with significant elevation changes that wind through densely wooded forests and plenty of first-gear corners. Nicely paved roads that can narrow down to single-car widths so you have to be diligent of oncoming traffic. The Jag shone brightly here, braking with authority and holding a perfect line through the corners. The throaty roar of the V8 echoed between rock formations and huge trees.... alerting the long-legged rats (errr, deer) to stay away.

As Day III turned to late afternoon the RFB and I decided to take a jaunt into the Allegheny National Forest instead of heading straight home. We managed to turn the 3-hour ride into a five+ hour mini-adventure. She is in love with the seats of the Jag, which is saying a lot as her Volvo XC 60 sport seats are universally praised, and rightfully so. While I like the seats, the lumbar is not quite right for me so I'll have to augment it a wee bit. I am spoiled as my Audi has 22-way adjusters + massage + ventilation.

Our weekend ended up with 436 miles tacked on to the odometer. The computer calculated an incredibly-reasonable 23.4 mpg for the entire trip (I'm guessing it's optimistic, like the Audi). The computer also said we were getting 28.2 during the initial highway-only run before triple-digiting. Let's be realistic: we don't buy these cars for their gas mileage. And we in PA are blessed with 93 octane as the standard high-test fuel. I just have to retrain my senses to keep a closer eye on fuel gauge as the Audi has a 550+ mile range. What truly amazes me is how capable and confident this car is...and my basis for comparison is 7 years newer. Well done, Jaguar.......well done indeed.

Driving this car is why I like to drive..... great acceleration, excellent cornering, confident brakes, supportive seats, well-appointed cabin and hey! No top! There will be a twinkle of sadness in my eye when winter forces me to hibernate the cat.

As you enjoy taking advantage of your car's abilities, make sure that your tires are up to it. With low mileage cars it is quite possible that the tires are original. Tires have a finite shelf life, anything older than 6 years and you shouldn't be doing high speed runs with.

Thanks for the concern. Tires have less than 5k on them. And, being from Akron, Ohio...................

Very nice read, glad you love the car!

Welcome aboard, having grown up in the Pittsburgh area and my folks having a summer place near lake Pymatuning. I am quite familiar with that beautiful piece of USA.
Texas is my home currently and this is one state where you can let that kitty cat stretch its legs if you wish.
Enjoy the car.
wj

I'm a recent "joiner" myself having acquired a 2015 XKR about 3 months ago. After 13 years of driving my 4.2L Audi A8L over 250k miles (and still looked like the day I bought it both inside and out when I sold it), sitting behind the wheel of my 2015 XKR Coupe reminds me of the 70's driving TR6's and Fiat Spiders. Here's to the "good NEW days!"

115 degrees + today here in the greater Phoenix area. Time to take the XKR out for a spin.

Best wishes all.

I don't get it, how can it feel driving a 70's car when driving a 2015 XKR!?
50 years later and 350 less hp, it's an insult to Jaguar.

I believe he is referring to the sense of thrill and anticipation one got when sliding behind the wheel of one of those vs the mundane Plymouth Valiant one had for daily duties.
I vividly remember renting in 1978 a brand-new Fiat Spider when I was 21 on a two-week trip to Los Angeles... I still talk about the fun I had in that car!

peterv8, I agree with you completely. " You don't get it." I guess when I was 15 years old the world and the cars I had access to all seemed bigger than they actually were. Anything with more horsepower than a ride-on lawn mower was exciting to this kid in the 70's! Today I'm lucky enough to be able to enjoy something with significantly more style and power.

My apologies for a comparison of a long ago forgotten childhood, the cars that crossed my path 50 years ago, and a perceived insult to Jaguar. I'll consider future posts more carefully.

JTD