I took a test drive in an XKR recently and noticed that the steering was quite a bit lighter than the XK8. Anyone know the cause for this and why Jaguar did it? Thanks!

 

still waiting on your new one to arrive?

 

Yes, the dealer had just gotten it when I called about it, and he's had it in and out of a shop (Special D's) going thru it and taking care of the alignment, servicing it, diagnostics, etc. Even had a guy come in to do some paint touch up on the nose and detail the rest of the car.

Supposed to ship Wed, the last items being getting the brake light in the rear window tightened to stop a rattle and then off to one other shop to double check the alignment. The dealer admits to being particular about things.

Going a littlle nuts, yes, haha. Anxious to get it here.

 

Skid Mark I believe the following information about the steering for the R Package is as follows.
The electronic control unit of the variable-ratio, speed-sensitive power steering system is tuned for enhanced precision and feel, and the mounting bushings of the steering rack are stiffened for this application. That's why the XKR feels different than the XK8

 

I had a '98 XKR and an '05 R and the steering on the R seems way tighter than on the 8. Much more precise and harder to turn in general.

 

I don't really notice the difference much in just the steering wheel. They both have a similar feel. The XKR turns noticeably tighter with much less sway. That's due to stiffer bushings and 20" rims on larger tires than the 16" XK8.