Looking for the differences between the 2 models. I realize that the engine has a supercharger on the R, but are there any other differences? What comes stock on the R that is an option on the XK8?

I am absolutely going to buy one of the two. I have drooled for these long enough, and I just sold my Porsche as I am done with my racer faze.

I live in a fairly-rural but-kind-of-city area, without the option of driving at 150 mph. If the 8 gives me good power (a relative term, I know), but not incredible power, I could live with that. I don't intend to smoke the tires. What I don't want is an underpowered Jag. I can see adding to an 8 a new exhaust and intake kit if it would boost the power at the wheels somewhat.

All replies appreciated.

 

Besides the engine, the XKR has the CATS suspension, larger brakes (Brembo), 12-way heated front sport seats, the mesh grill, Xenon headlamps, leather-wrapped R gearshift knob, rubber studded aluminum pedals, and the R badges. Also, most of the XKRs out there seem to come with the 20" wheels.

Doug

 

Nice doug, I think the biggies are the suspension, wheel size and brakes. Minor is the mesh grille, and those cool louvers on the hood. however, just a minor correction, the xk8 also has the same seats, heated and all, plus the xenons are standard on her (at least on my 03, don't know why they'd change it for later years) I wonder what the power on the xkr would feel like, as I'd imagine it is pretty impressive. The standard xk8 is still pretty quick.. if you can drive both, please do. gittyup!

 

So the CATS is worth having? Even for regular and somewhat spirited driving? For those of you who have an xk8, do you feel that there is more than adequate power, or are you searching for reserves when you need it?

I will be buying through a friend who is a hi-line auto buyer, and he will be sourcing one of these through lease-returns and auctions in CA, AZ, NM and NV. I pay him a flat 1K over cost and shipping. I gave him colors that I wanted, both interior and exterior, mileage, and needs to have existing warranty still intact. I do have to say that the bottom has dropped out of the lux market at this point, as I am seeing 25K xkr coupes go for 20-23 at auction.

Any other suggestions or comments?

 

Ah, sorry, that was supposed to be '05 xkr's (above).

 

Go drive both at the dealer and you decide
and you can never have enough power, you dont have to use it but if you want it and its not there wishing will never get it. Kinda like credit, you dont have to use it cause you have it, but its nice to know you can if you want to

 

Banton,

like you I went from a Porsche 996 Turbo to an '06 XK8 and was really disappointed in the performance --- but loved the looks .... I went from the 8 to my '08 R and love it... seems like a perfect blend of the Turbo and the 8. I wanted an R when I bought my '06 but couldn't find one... I'm a coupe guy.......

IMHO, I would hold out until you find the right R .......

good luck

 

Hey Banton,
If you are already concerned about having enough power.........I think that you are answering your own question. Prices have dropped, and the "R" offers many desirable upgrades. I think that in the long run you would be much better served buying the "R" and not running the risk of regretting your purchase. Just my .02 cents. Either way.......enjoy!
Brian

 

Thanks, Guys-

It would seem that the small extra investment in the R over the 8 would be justified considering what these are selling for now. Hard to believe that prices have fallen this far, this fast. I'm not one to trade on others' misfortunes, but the reality is that all lux cars have taken a massive hit and this is a great market to be a buyer. I'm not in a hurry, and will wait for the one that I want-or it will find me. BTW, I sold the Porsche. Thankfully, I found someone that wanted a classic and was willing to pay for a quality restoration.

 

I recall it was discussed on the board that the one cannot upgrade a car fitted with the CAT suspension. I don't know if this is confirmed.

Perhaps there's some special construction to the car that once a CAT suspension is installed, this prevents common suspension parts to be installed later. again, not sure if this is true.

 

it depends if your Porsche was a proper 911 or a regular boxster, an XK8 will waste the boxster... but you will want an R if you liked to run your 911 hard...the great thing about the Rs is they get pretty much the same MPG as the regular 8....try finding that on most other cars with different size motors!

 

What, exactly, is the CATS suspension? Why is it better and how much of a premium to the ride capability is there?

 

CATS stands for Computer Active Technology Suspension which is an adaptive air suspension basically it means the car can be soft for cruising or stiffens up for sporty driving...it will by no means be a sports car in the corners but it helps and will firm up noticeably