PERFORMANCE cars don’t come much cooler than the Jaguar XK. Distinguished rather than flash, expensive but not extortionate, it’s a grand tourer of the highest order, and being totally honest the big cat has never looked better. The coupe has the poise of a panther, and when you floor the throttle the roar of something altogether more ferocious fills the air. The latest generation of a model range that’s been around since 1948 sees the previous 4.2-litre engine replaced by a new AJ-V8 5.0-litre unit that brings significant improvements in both power and torque without compromising fuel economy and emissions. In the case of the 385bhp 2+2 coupe that means 26 per cent more punch and 23 per cent better pulling power. And while the maximum speed remains under electronic control at 155mph, the XK’s lightweight aluminium body combined with the power and torque gains sees the coupe’s 0-60mph acceleration time lowered from 5.9 to 5.2 seconds. An average fuel return of 25.2mpg – and you need to be very lucky to record that figure – is also appreciably better than close competitor the Mercedes-Benz SL500. A simplified model range now comprises a choice of three – XK, XK Portfolio and supercharged XKR – each with a specific choice of trim, colour and fine detail along with a distinctive new front end design and LED rear lights. The interior is also a more interesting place to be thanks to the JaguarDrive Selector, a rotary shift control first seen on the XF sports saloon. Step inside either the coupe or convertible and you see the car’s heart begin to beat as the Start button pulses red. Press to fire up the engine and the alloy gearshift rises gently into the palm of your hand. From there the auto transmission functions are easily selected by turning the control. The driving experience is also par excellence with a really positive feel from the steering plus the advantage of Active Dynamics whereby the driver can engage modes for different conditions or moods. Ride quality is also improved as the system monitors wheel position 500 times a second and automatically increases the damping rate as the suspension creeps closer to the limit. And the transmission has a fully adaptive system that provides seamless gearshifts that adapt to driving style – controlled either by full auto mode or steering wheel mounted paddles. It all comes together to ensure the XK remains one of the most imposing and enjoyable sports models on the market. A seven-inch touchscreen for the climate control and audio systems is standard fare along with emergency brake assist, six airbags and a choice of five alloy wheel designs while the front seats are electrically adjustable. The coupe even has a pair of small seats in the back – so young kids can come along for the ride. FAST FACTS Jaguar XK Coupe Portfolio Price: £66,955 Mechanical: 385bhp, 5,000cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox Max speed: 155mph 0-62mph: 5.2 seconds Combined mpg: 25.2 Insurance Group: 47 CO2 emissions: 264g/km BiK rating: 35% Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles | 
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