Rolling through Detroit in a Jaguar isn’t as big a deal as it might have been a decade ago.    That’s because Ford’s world headquarters is right here in town, and because Jaguar’s a part of the Ford family, all of the executives and engineers can get Jags at employee-discount prices.  Thus, there are perhaps more Jaguars roaming around the Motor City than you’d expect, and our silver-blue XK8 coupe created nary a stir as I prowled my hometown.

That’s kind of a shame, because the XK8 is one of those rare cars that deserves to make heads turn as it purrs past.  If you’re looking for a comfortable grand tourer for two with enough performance to be entertaining, and enough luxury to comfortably carry you across the country, the XK8 is just about the best thing going for the price.  Cadillac’s retractable hardtop XLR is close, but lacks rear seats, and the competition from Lexus, Mercedes and BMW just can’t match the XK8′s pure charisma.  A Porsche 911 offers more brutal performance, but is as likely to make the folks on the curb sneer as smile.  This British 2+2 rolls like it knows it’s something special, and that’s half the fun.

The XK8 pulls off the difficult task of being unanimously gorgeous.  I didn’t find anybody who doesn’t like the way this car looks.  The classic long-hood, short-deck arrangement is emphasized by taut, edgy sheet metal wrapping a low and lean aluminum spaceframe structure and a choice of 18″ or 19″ wheels.  The unique, aircraft-like construction methods that are used on the XK8 also mean that the vehicle is almost completely free of traditional welds, and provides a sturdy and uncluttered appearance inside and out.  Ignore the wags who say that the grille is shaped too much like a Taurus’–they’re just jealous.  Jaguar’s signature front-fender “power vent” puts a handsome accent on the side profile.  From the rear, the XK8 coupe is still stunning, with wide flanks and a steeply raked rear window that seems to go on forever.  This is the look that the Chrysler Crossfire tried and (some say) failed to pull off.  There’s a surprising amount of cargo space in the hatchback area, which is nicely finished with quality carpet all through and metal luggage runners.

The cabin is equally well-appointed; leather-wrapped in all the right places with a choice of dark burl walnut or light poplar wood.  The cockpit is snug, and the rear seats are useless unless you’ve got a short friend willing to sit sideways across them.  Is any of that important, though?  Like other Jaguar products, the XK8 does its thing with a strong sense of atmosphere.  The instrument panel is printed in elegant lettering, and centered between the classic gauges is a multi-color driver information screen.  Bluetooth wireless device connectivity is standard.  The J-gate shifter falls easily to hand.  Even the navigation system’s seven-inch touch-screen controls are less fussy than they’ve been in previous Jags.  Optional equipment includes adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, and an eight-speaker Alpine sound system.  The XK8 is more of a grand tourer than an outright sports car.  One look out the narrow windshield at that long hood, and I was ready to chase the horizon.

Grand tourer or not, the XK8 is no poseur; it is more than willing to oblige your desire for rapid transit.  Power is provided by a 4.2 liter V8 engine that exhibits all of the best things about Jaguar’s powerplants.  With 300 horsepower on tap and double overhead-cam construction, the 4.2 liter V8 is responsive and powerful.  Variable cam phasing offers lighting-quick throttle response, and a new, more efficient fuel injection system also improves power.  Did I mention that the XK8 sounds good, too?   Thanks to a carefully tuned exhaust system, the 4.2 V8 is a great singer, and it provides plenty of urge for this big coupe.  Most noticeable is the six-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth yet aggressive, one of the best I’ve felt in a performance car.  Paddle shifters allow immediate gear changes, without the clunky feel we’ve experienced in some German products which shall remain nameless.  It’s an excellent blend of performance and luxury.  The driving experience leaves little to be desired.

The fully independent suspension uses unequal-length double wishbones all around.  No complicated air suspensions for this cat; Jaguar uses coil springs and standard shock absorbers to provide the XK8 with positive feedback.  This car drives with the immediacy of a classic sports car.  That doesn’t mean that there’s no modern refinement, of course.  The XK8 is also equipped with Jaguar’s Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS).  CATS is a two-stage damping system that adjusts the shocks based on the car’s attitude over the road.  With independent control of all four corners of the car, the XK8 can react to changing road conditions and driver inputs, providing a balance between comfort and control.

If you’ll pardon the somewhat tired expression, the Jaguar XK8 is one cool cat.  This grand tourer provides style for days, impressive performance and enough refinement to more than justify the bottom line.  If the ailing Jaguar brand can find a way to infuse the rest of its lineup with the same spirit as the XK8, it’ll go a long way toward re-establishing the brand as a significant luxury-sport player.  Pricing on the XK8 starts at $75,500 for the coupe and $81,500 for the convertible.  My test car featured the Luxury and Advanced Technology packages, which added a heated wood steering wheel, leather on the dashboard and other fun stuff, and the final price was $83,175.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2007 Jaguar XK.
Length:  188.6 in.
Width:     81.5 in.
Height:     52.0 in.
Wheelbase: 108.3 in.
Curb weight:  3671 lb.
Base price:  $75,500
Price as tested:     $83,175
Engine:  4.2 liter DOHC V8
Drivetrain:  six-speed sequential automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:  300 @ 6000
Torque:  310 @ 4100
Fuel capacity:    18.8 gal.
Est. mileage: 18/27