New/Notable:

• Three variations: XK, XKR, and XKR-S
• Offered as a coupe or convertible
• All use Jaguar’s 5.0-liter V-8 (supercharged in the XKR and XKR-S)

The 2014 Jaguar XK coupe/convertible is a luxurious sports car that offers a robust combination of creature comforts and speed.

For 2014, changes to the XK are minimal; a new Performance Pack is available as an option for XKR models, adding an active exhaust for a more robust exhaust note, red brake calipers, and diamond-pattern stitching on the leather seats. There is also a limited edition model of the XKR-S called the “XKR-S GT Coupe” which will be available in very limited numbers: 25 cars for all of the US.

The XK’s look is familiar, it hasn’t changed much over the past several years. A long hood and short rear deck give it classic sports car proportions and it has a low, oval version of Jaguar’s grille that harkens back to the classic Jaguar sports coupes of yore. 19-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 20-inch alloys optional. Bi-xenon HID headlamps, dual exhausts, and power-folding side mirrors with auto dimming are standard. The convertible features a power-folding soft-top with extra insulation that helps to keep the interior quiet and isolated.

Under the hood, all of the XK’s models have a version of Jaguar’s 5.0-liter V-8 engine, which makes 385-hp in XK models. The high-performance XKR and XKR-S add a supercharger to the engine, making 510-hp in the XKR and 550-hp in the XKR-S. Each comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The XKR and XKR-S get additional suspension tuning for better handling, and the XKR-S also add an electronic differential and is lowered by 10 millimeters for even tighter control.

Inside, the XK seats four passengers in a “2+2” configuration, but the backseat is more for show than anything else; don’t expect to put any people back there unless they’ve severely wronged you. Leather upholstery, navigation, and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard. Adaptive cruise-control, a leather appointed dash, and heated steering wheel are optional.

Safety features include side-impact airbags, active front head restraints, daytime running lights, antilock brakes and traction control, electronic stability system, front and rear parking sensors, and an available collision warning system.