You know life has changed when you take a $132,000 car out to buy Pop-tarts.  But for love, it doesn’t matter.  Driving the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S reminded me of what’s like to fall in love.  Feeling my heartrate quicken….racing thoughts….and that tingling longing to spend every waking moment with it.   The most powerful Jaguar built to date with 550 hp and 502 ft-lb. of torque, the XKR-S is Jaguar’s most evolved expression of passion for building fast, beautiful cars.

As Sir William Lyons, Jaguar’s founder, once said, “The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive.”  From the moment one enters the cabin, everything is designed to accommodate the human experience.  Even starting the XKR-S, a pulsing red light, like a heartbeat, glows from the engine start button.  But if this car resembles anything human, it is one angry dude.  A departure from traditional Jaguar styling, the XKR-S takes on a menacing look with carbon fiber front end spoiler and rear wing, air intakes on the hood and 20 inch wheels.   Showcased in a bold French Racing blue, the car reflects Jaguar’s racing heritage.  And while the Ian Callum designed XK has acheived awards for styling elegance, this car is primarily designed for performance, with aerodynamic modifications to achieve a top speed of 186mph.

Now the obvious question – why in the world would you consider this car for a baby? Well, you wouldn’t.  Going out for Pop-Tarts was the extent of my Mom experience.  It does come equipped with latches.  But the sport style pseudo-back seat did not accommodate a rear facing carseat.  A front facing booster might fit, but with such little room, it’s hardly worth it.  The trunk space was small and flat, not much room for gear.

To fully appreciate what this car can do, it really should be taken to its rightful playground – the racing track.  Even so, like any well-trained athlete who moves with grace and composure while simply out for a stroll, the Jaguar hugs curves beautifully on country backroads, yet always ready to perform on a moment’s notice, responding with olympic reflex.  Over 75 mph the car comes alive.  And the best part?  The active exhaust system puts out a note that qualifies as a second sound system.  I barely touched the radio.  Gunning the gas, the melodic rumble exuded a symphony par excellence.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $132,875
engine: 5.0L V8
hp/torque: 550 hp/502 ft-lb
drivetrain: RWD
fuel economy:  15 city/22 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  not rated

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
performance driven luxury

What’s the best thing about it?
the driving experience

What’s the biggest drawback?
no room for baby

Mom-friendliness score: C

Driver-friendliness score:  A+

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Wake me up when we hit 90 mph”