As car nuts, all we really need to hear is 4.9 seconds, supercharged V8, rear-wheel-drive, and we’re pretty much sold. Until you get to the part about $85,000, that is. But for people who actually shop in this range, the 2007 Jaguar XKR is worth investigation. The love-it-or-hate-it front end gets a splash of style with a new fascia and mesh grille inserts, unique alloys fill the wheel wells, and the interior features subtle touches befitting the XKR’s place in the lineup. Consider it a poor man’s Aston Martin. Yet what really makes this model shine is the supercharged engine that promises to move the whole package with authority. With an estimated price creeping up on $100,000, the XKR is an expensive ride, but it offers the upscale style and prestige that the faster and less expensive Chevrolet Corvette Z06 lacks, and packs comparable horsepower to the BMW M6 that stickers for about $10,000 more.

Photos courtesy of Jaguar