There are countless directions one could take in discussing why the XKR matters. Among them is Jaguar’s relationship with Ford Motor Company. Ford’s troubles are not exactly breaking news, so it stands to reason that every car within every one of the company’s brands (think Volvo, Mazda, Jaguar, Ford etc.) needs to be a winner. There’s no room for unprofitable or poorly-received models. Jaguar, including the 2007 XKR, is important to Ford’s bottom line.

And then there’s Jaguar’s image in the marketplace, something that has been a bit cloudy in recent years, especially with the entry-level X-Type serving to dilute the brand’s bloodlines. Jaguar wants and needs to regain its reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, timeless styling, and top-notch performance. Depending on your perspective of the front end styling, the 2007 XKR looks to be taking a step in the right direction.