Disclaimer, I do not condone street racing. Always go to a racetrack and don't speed in busy public roads.

It's no secret amongst us that the XKR is quick for its time. However, today I found out it is also still fast by modern standards. It was 6 am, today is a Holiday, and the roads were empty. I decided to have some fun and go for a spirited drive on the XKR.

I was sitting at a stop light when a new, I assume Curva Red (although it looked like New Formula Red), Acura NSX hybrid pulled up next to me. Keep in mind that this is a 573 HP instant torque monster that does 0-60 in 3.1 seconds. We were alone, and then the stop light turned green. Let me tell you, the XKR transforms into a different car altogether when you motivate the throttle. I got the jump on him and mashed the gas pedal. The NSX immediately followed suit. It was a short drag race at about a 15º upwards incline. The XKR held it's own might. I was ahead for about one car length for part of the race. The NSX caught up but the XKR didn't miss a beat. I was doing 85 mph by the time I let up on the go pedal. By then, the NSX was ahead by only 1 car length. From the exhaust sounds, I think it was safe to assume that both cars were gunning it. When we made it to the next stop light, the guy in the NSX looked at me bewildered. He rolled the window and asked me if the car was modified. To which I replied, it only has some minor exhaust modifications and is otherwise stock.

The XKR is down 173 HP compared to the NSX and 76 lb-ft of torque. However, not counting the hybrid system, the difference is only 100 HP and 6 lb-ft of torque. The XKR is 10 Kg heavier, and is rear wheel drive vs. the NSX's all wheel drive. Despite this, the XKR is no slouch and could keep up with modern machinery. I suspect that an LSD with shorter gearing and a supercharger upgrade, be it a pulley or a twin screw, would've had me neck and neck with the NSX.

After the race the Jag behaved spectacularly. No warning faults, no weird sounds or smells. It was back to being its relaxed and composed self. Business as usual. I drove home with an ear to ear grin and my heart pounding in my chest. I was completely impressed.

Henceforth, my XKR shall be known as the Silver Bullet.

 

thumbs up, a great performance no matter who would have ultimately won!

 

I think most people just don't expect a Jag to do those kind of things and you surprise them. I mean it looks so good, it couldn't possibly go fast too, right?

Plus a supercharged V8 pulls in a different way than does a NA or turbocharged engine, makes them into a real beast when you stick your foot in it and get them motivated.

Good for you having some fun and proving that classic beauty can still hang in there with the high tech new kids.

 

Yessir.

 

The X100 is a great car and in any trim that's a blast to own, but once you've had the pirate models, you don't want to give up the fun of mashing the throttle and getting that low end SCed V8 torque. The 5s 0-60 in the R is still PLENTY powerful, especially if someone isn't expecting it; but that NSX likely was surprised that you wanted to play and didn't get a launch but rather a roll start.

 

I concede that a straight up launch would not have been as close.