2014 Jaguar XK-RS Review - Video

Posted: 07 Jul 2014 05:00 PM PDT

Mike Schlee Jul. 08, 2014 Photos by Chris Blanchette. Video by Chris Blanchette

When Jaguar released the F-Type last year, the writing was on the wall for the ancient XK Coupe and Convertible.

FAST FACTS

Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V8, 550 HP, 502 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 15 MPG city, 22 MPG highway, 14.7 MPG observed

Price: $138,925 after destination charges, $140,200 as tested.

As much as the F-Type and XK differ, they're both high-powered, stylish performance cars, which is one too many for a smaller volume luxury manufacturer like Jaguar. So, after nearly two decades on the market, the XK will cease production at year's end.

But Jaguar isn't letting the XK go quietly into the night. In 2012 the manufacturer began a run of special performance edition RS models that culminates with the bonkers 2014 XKR-S GT coupe. For those who prefer fun in the sun drop-top motoring, there's good news; Jaguar also produces a convertible version of the beastly XKR-S.

Not Just a Fancy Badge

The most noticeable difference for RS cars over regular models is the new nose. The entire front end is reworked to include thinner headlights, a smaller grille and twin air intakes at the front of the hood. The car sits 10 mm lower to improve aerodynamics and handling.

Jaguar claims to have reduced lift by 26 per cent through various aero tweaks such as a large carbon fiber front splitter and a pair of massive vents bolted to either side of the front bumper. The side sills are wider, a new diffuser is attached in the back and a huge wing with a carbon fiber center section is mounted to the trunk.

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More Power, More Bark

But the best addition for RS models comes under hood. The 5.0-liter Supercharged V8 found in the more pedestrian XK-R model has been reworked to now produce 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque; an increase of 40 HP and 41 lb-ft of torque over the XK-R. This allows the nearly 4,100 lbs. XKR-S convertible to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and continue all the way up to a top speed of 186 mph.

And then there is the sound. Depress the start engine button and the blown V8 explodes into life with a choppy low-pitched rumble that Jaguar has perfected in the past few years. Rev the car in a parking garage and it sounds like it should be lining up for the Daytona 500. On the freeway, a quick stab of the gas pedal unleashes a pissed off V8 growl that pummels unsuspecting motorists as the Jaguar thunders past.

With 500 lb-ft of torque available from 2,500-5,500 rpm not once did the car ever leave us thinking "this Jag could use more power". The downside to the Jaguar's opulent power is its love for gasoline. Any potential owner of this British monster should be prepared for hefty fuel bills as despite far more optimistic fuel economy ratings of 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, we are averaging a deplorable 14.7 MPG.

Drives like a Proper Grand Tourer

Big power and big weight means the XKR-S needs big brakes. The front rotors measure in at 15-inches and the rear rotors are almost as big at 14.8-inches. The initial bite from the brakes is quick and reliable which is well suited for a car that may be driven enthusiastically. However, since this is a grand touring (GT) car and not a sports car, the brakes are absent of any grabby feel associated with some pure performance orientated vehicles.

But just because the XKR-S is a British muscle car masquerading as a GT doesn't mean it can't handle a corner. The stability control, traction control and electronic differential software have all been rewritten to allow drivers to get a little closer to the vehicles limits before intervening. This means the tail can be hung out a bit in corners and some tire slip is permitted, which basically happens during all low speed corners. It makes the RS more engaging to drive than the XK-R and probing the limits a little more reassuring as the safety systems do not need to be turned off.

Speaking of handling, the rear tire is 10 mm wider on the XKR-S compared to the XK-R for improved grip. The steering knuckle has increased camber and castor stiffness to provide better feel. Although all these changes do work well enough to bring a little more feel and precision to the RS, once again it's not a sports car. It doesn't handle twisting roads as well as the smaller F-Type roadster, but the RS is much more comfortable to be in and an easier car to live with day in and day out.

Showing its Age

Inside, the RS receives unique 16-way adjustable seats that include side bolster control. We find they offer a good balance between lateral grip and comfort which is import for a car that could be used for long highway trips or back road shenanigans. One of the few options added to our test car is the seudecloth steering wheel that does its best to hide the giant old school wheel, but mostly fails. We're also not impressed by the buttons on the center console that control items like dynamic mode and traction control as they feel flimsy and cheap. While on the topic of quality, the side mirrors would sometimes fold slightly inward and the center trim piece between the rear seats was removed at some point and now won't go back on properly.

And then there is the infotainment unit. We'll avoid going on another rant about this old school system as Jaguar Land Rover does have a new system and this car is about to be discontinued. But for a car that begins at $138,925 after destination charges, or just over $140,000 for a car equipped like this one here, the display graphics seem so out of date and simplistic. Furthermore, we can't believe there Bluetooth audio streaming is still not included at this price point.

Of course space has never been a strong for the XR-RS. It is bigger than the F-Type and is technically a four-seat car, but with only 27.6-inches of rear legroom that disappears quickly when the front seat is position for human passengers. It's best to ignore the two buckets back there for anything more than small children or cargo. And having extra cargo space is a good thing since the trunk barely has over seven cubic when the roof is down.

The Verdict

Although this car is well beyond its best before date and has a few suspect quality issues, we're still going to miss the stylish brute. It has a certain charm that is lacking in most cars today and the final run special editions like the XKR-S convertible only further exaggerate the car's flashy persona. Hopefully rumors of a new Jaguar GT returning in the next few years are true and more importantly, we hope it doesn't lose the XK's rebellious spirit.

LOVE IT

RS styling changes
Power
Sound
Comfort

LEAVE IT

Could respond sharper
Dated interior
Fuel economy

2015 Lexus NX Review

Posted: 05 Jul 2014 05:00 PM PDT

Mike Schlee Jul. 06, 2014 Photos by Adam Wood. Video by Adam Wood.

In the automotive world, customer's tastes are fickle. What's hot today will be shunned tomorrow. Currently, it's the premium compact crossover that's all the rage. Consumers are snatching these high-riding five-door hatchbacks up as if they are free iPads. Every luxury auto manufacturer wants a piece of the profitable pie and this year has already seen the introduction of the Lincoln MKC and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

FAST FACTS

Engine: 2.0T 4-cylinder makes 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Hybrid powertrain offers 194 total hp.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic or CVT.

Fuel economy: 300h FWD rated at 35/31 MPG city/highway. 200t FWD rated at 22/28 MPG.

Price: TBA.

But one brand was oddly absent from this segment until now: Lexus. Finally arriving late to the party, it's a bit of a head scratcher why Toyota's premium brand waited so long to introduce the NX compact crossover since the company's mid-size RX crossover absolutely dominates its segment.

Based on a modified version of the Toyota RAV4 platform, the NX is 104.7 inches long and 73.6 inches wide. That is a few inches longer than the compact Toyota crossover but exactly the same width. For the North American market, the NX will be available as the 200t and the 300h hybrid.

New Turbo for Lexus

The 200t will use an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder gasoline engine, a first for Lexus. Using a twin-scroll turbocharger designed in-house by Toyota, the new engine produces 235 hp and 258 lb-ft in the NX. That is more power than the boosted 2.0-liter found in the Audi Q5, but less power than the turbos found in the BMW X3 and Lincoln MKC. We have a feeling that this engine will make more power when it's adopted for future applications within the Lexus family.

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Even with its modest output, Lexus claims the roughly 4,000-lb NX will accelerate from 0-60 in seven seconds flat with the optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system or slightly slower when equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD). This seems optimistic as the vehicle doesn't feel that swift. The engine goes about its business with no drama, but feels merely adequate. Those looking for a little more visceral feedback will want to opt for the F Sport model. The engine doesn't make any more power, but there is a turbo noise knob by the driver's right knee that can be adjusted to fill the cabin with turbocharged engine sound effects. Sadly though, the sounds are synthesized.

A Familiar Hybrid with a Twist

If better fuel economy is more important than power, there is the NX 300h. It adopts Lexus' Hybrid Drive system with a 154 hp 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired to a 141 hp electric motor. It's basically the same system as found in the ES 300h, but makes a little less power in this application with the combined maximum output pegged at 194 hp. Unlike the NX 200t that uses a conventional six-speed automatic, the 300h adopts a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Like the 200t, there is an all-wheel drive option for the 300h. However, unlike the conventional all-wheel drive system that splits power front and rear through a differential in the 200t, the 300h has an extra 67 hp electric motor shoved under the cargo floor that powers the rear wheels. Total system power is not altered with the all-wheel drive system, but straight line performance remains the same while traction in slippery conditions improves.

Fuel economy for the FWD hybrid is pegged at 35 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, while the NX 200t FWD receives lower ratings of 22 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. Opt for the all-wheel drive models and fuel economy drops slightly for both models.

Comfort, Not Sport

The NX is available with either 17- or 18-inch wheels, with F sport models receiving slightly wider, performance-orientated tires. Despite Lexus' efforts to position this crossover as a sportier vehicle, it really isn't. Everything it may lack in outright sportiness, it makes up in comfort.

The NX has an uncanny ability to soak up imperfections in the road with the kind of composure a much larger vehicle should. Of course, the cabin is quieter than an awkward first date as the NX does a fantastic job isolating occupants from outside interference.

No Doubt it's a Lexus

From the outside the NX is instantly recognizable as a Lexus. Just as Lincoln grafted the companies signature split wing grille onto the MKC crossover, the front fascia of the NX integrates Lexus's now ubiquitous spindle grille. A pair of LED headlamps, fog lamps, and daytime running lamps surrounds the grille. The rear of the NX features more LEDs in the tail lamps, which are arguable the coolest design features of the vehicle.

Like most other Lexus vehicles on the market, there will be the previously mentioned F Sport editions that include a mesh grille, revised front bumper, machined aluminum wheels, black exterior mirrors, unique interior trim, paddle shifters and sport seats.

Fresh, but Average Interior

Inside, the NX is all about comfort. The front seats are designed with a low hip point for an improved driver position as well as increased headroom. Both the regular and sport seats are very comfortable and support you in all the right areas. Lexus has also added soft knee pads at the base of the center stack to provide some cushion for resting legs. After a long day of driving, I felt zero fatigue or soreness behind the wheel of the NX.

The NX is the first Lexus to offer a wireless charging tray than can recharge Qi compatible phones. This is also the first application of the new Lexus Remote Touch Interface touch pad that works similar in operation to a smartphone and replaces the mouse-like infotainment controller. NX F Sport models receive a G force sensor and boost meter. While it might be unnecessary in a crossover, it keeps with the industry trend toward making premium crossovers look sporty.

Abundant Rear Seat Space

Lexus paid extra attention to the rear seats ensuring adult passengers will fit comfortably. Officially rated at just 36.1 inches of legroom, the NX feels far more spacious in the back than those numbers would suggest and is one of the roomier compact crossovers I've sat in.

The downside to the large rear seat is a somewhat small trunk that only offers 17.7 cubic feet of storage space. But, thanks to the large back seat, total cargo room grows to 54.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down, which can be done remotely with the optional power fold seat. Those who opt for the hybrid NX will suffer a slight loss in cargo space the hybrid equipment with 16.8 cubic feet while the rear seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded down.

As should be expected in this market segment, the NX is available with all the latest safety equipment like a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and lane departure warning.

The Verdict

The compact crossover market is getting crowded, but Lexus is hoping the NX will follow in the RX's footsteps and become a runaway sales success. Even if the NX isn't particularly sporty and offers an interior that feels class average, it does have a lot going for. Passenger comfort and space are top notch and the NX offers more refinement than some of its key competitors. Pricing for the NX is yet to be announced, but if it is class competitive as has been hinted, that may ultimately be the largest deciding factor in the NX's overall success. Regardless, the NX is just one more compelling offering in a crowded segment that is red hot right now.

LOVE IT

Comfort
Space
Refinement
Hybrid option

LEAVE IT

Average interior
Could use more power
Small hatch

Car Reviews

Friday, 11 July 2014