What's New for the 2004 Jaguar XK?
“Portfolio” is the name of the latest in a line of Jaguar XKR limited edition convertibles. Of the 200 Jaguar XKR Portfolios being offered for the year, 100 cars feature Jupiter Red paint and the other 100 versions are dressed in Coronado Blue paintwork. Black soft tops cap both Portfolio models. They’re also distinguished by 20-inch split-rim BBS alloy wheels with 255/35ZR20 tires at the front and 285/30ZR20 rubber driving the rear. Inside, you’ll find R Performance Recaro sport seats and special interior trim pieces featuring color-keyed Boxmark leather inserts in either red or blue to match the car's exterior color. There are no changes for the 2004 Jaguar XK8 models.

Advantages of the 2004 Jaguar XK:

• Irresistibly lovely curves
• Heart-stopping acceleration with the Jaguar XKR
• Available in coupe or convertible format

Objections to the 2004 Jaguar XK:

• Outdated hardware
• Frustratingly complicated stereo and climate controls
• Painfully tight rear quarters

Editor's Advice:
There’s no denying that the 2004 Jaguar XK8 and 2004 Jaguar XKR reside among the most beautifully rendered cars on the road today, despite a design that dates to 1997. Nearly every one of its sleek lines is faultless, either in coupe or convertible form. For most Jaguar buyers, that’s more than enough to make it irresistible. As a bonus, however, a smooth and refined 4.2-liter V8 engine resides under the shapely hood, producing plentiful or ungodly power depending on which model you choose. In the 2004 Jaguar XK8, the motor makes 294 horsepower. In the supercharged 2004 Jaguar XKR, 390 ponies flow to the rear wheels. Discerning buyers and driving enthusiasts may want to make sure to test drive the other vehicles in this class, such as the Cadillac XLR, Mercedes-Benz CL500 and SL500, and the Porsche 911; all offer greater thrills in the twisties. Then there’s the Lexus SC 430, which is a gran turismo like the Jaguar, but possessed with the stone-cold reliability of a Toyota Camry. You may also want to consider waiting a bit for the upcoming redesigned XK that’s rumored to have shed pounds and gained strength.