Since Jaguar was sold to Ford in 1989, it has been like a flagging political party, in need of a fresh face and a play to its base. Enter the XKR Portfolio. Limited to only 541 cars worldwide (255 in the U.S.), it could be the long–awaited return to form that sates lusting Jag aficionados.
"You can go and buy a car and get 22–inch rims and personalize it, but that's completely over the top," says Jaguar's Tim Watson. "This is much more of a subtle, understated, British approach to things."
Translation: While those unmistakable haunches may look familiar, everything from the 525–watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system to those alluring brick–red Alcon brake calipers is unique to the six–speed, 4.2–liter V8 XKR Portfolio. Designer Ian Callum also threw in sumptuous Italian leather, five–spoke alloy wheels, and his signature aluminum side vents. Even the chameleon–like "Celestial Black" paint job tantalizes as it reveals navy hues. The goal, says Watson, was to "add petrol to the fire." Looks like the auto–maker's temperature is on the rise.
