It might be pursuing electrification just as hard as the rest, but Jaguar hasn’t given up on the traditional sports car yet. But if the 2022 F-Type R is too extreme and expensive, used Jags offer more approachable and affordable speed. Plus, plenty of stylish luxury. And there’s just such an inexpensive, sleek, and supercharged sports car up on Bring a Trailer this week: a 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible.
2010 saw the sleek and supercharged Jaguar XKR get even faster
2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible front 3/4 | GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images
The 2010 Jaguar XKR’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8 | Jaguar
| 2010 Jaguar XKR | |
| Engine | 5.0-liter supercharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 510 hp |
| Torque | 461 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic |
| Curb weight | 4085 lbs (Coupe) |
| 0-60 mph time | 4.6 seconds (claimed, Coupe) 4.0 seconds (Car and Driver, Coupe) |
Technically, the Jaguar F-Type isn’t a direct XK/XKR successor. The former is a straight-up sports car, while the latter is more of a sporty grand tourer. However, alongside the final-gen XJ, the 2007-2014 X150 XK and supercharged XKR launched Jaguar into a new aluminum-intensive era. And at the time, the 2+2 coupe/convertible was the British brand’s sportiest car.
Yet while it was more than capable of slinking around curving roads, the 2007-2009 XK and XKR weren’t quite as fast as their rivals. So, for 2010, in addition to some exterior and interior changes, Jaguar gave the XK and XKR bigger engines. Instead of 4.2-liter V8s, both GTs got 5.0-liter ones. And with the added supercharger, the 2010 XKR is faster than the V12-powered Aston Martin DB9.
A few years later, Jaguar further sharpened the XKR’s claws with the even sportier and more powerful XKR-S. However, as noted earlier, the ‘regular’ 2010 XKR is quite an athletic cat, too. The steering is a bit light but very precise, the brakes are “instant-on,” and the transmission is smooth and responsive. Also, thanks to the aluminum chassis’ “startling” composure and improved rigidity, gratuitous slides are easily controlled, Car and Driver says. And with the adaptive shocks, the fun handling never comes at the cost of a composed, comfortable ride. It is a luxury GT, after all.
You can bid on this XKR Convertible on Bring a Trailer
Now live at BaT Auctions: 41k-Mile 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible. https://t.co/2cJBikE2SG pic.twitter.com/uR02SgSyWw
— Bring a Trailer (@Bringatrailer) April 26, 2022
Speaking of luxuries, the 2010 Jaguar XKR is a well-equipped aristo-cat. Besides leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control, navigation, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system were all standard features. So was a new rise-up rotary gear selector. And as a 2010 model, the XKR Convertible currently listed on Bring a Trailer has all these features and more.
In addition to its power-operated soft top, this 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible has xenon headlights with washers, oak-wood interior trim, and a six-disc CD changer. Also, a heated steering wheel, 7” center touchscreen, LED taillights, front and rear parking sensors, and dual-zone automatic climate control. And since it’s an XKR, this convertible has a trunk-lid spoiler, vented hood, paired dual exhaust tips, R-specific mesh grille inserts, and upgraded brakes.
Apart from a rock chip in the windshield and a paint chip on the hood, this 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible is basically pristine. Furthermore, it has a clean, zero-accident history and less than 41,000 miles on the clock. The seller also says it’s a life-long California car and has plenty of service records on hand.
Will a used 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible be a reliable luxury sports car?
As of this writing, this 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible is listed at $15,000 with four days left in the auction. That’s less than the average BaT for an X150 XKR, which hovers in the $20,000-$40,000 range these days. Also, as of this writing, the cheapest 5.0-liter XKR Convertible with similar miles on Autotrader is over twice as expensive. In short, this is a certified bargain luxury sports car.
Since it is a used Jaguar, a pre-purchase inspection is still recommended. However, it’s worth noting that the X150 Jaguar XK and XKR are noticeably more reliable than their predecessors. The 5.0-liter V8s are particularly stout, with no odd timing chain-related issues. Plus, this 2010 example doesn’t appear to have any issues with its electronic handbrake or variable valve timing parts. I’d check the service records for evidence of automatic transmission fluid changes, though.
Nevertheless, this 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible should be a steal of a stylish, speedy, luxury sports car. And that makes it one cool cat.
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Keyword: Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible