Numerous changes abound for the 2012 Jaguar XK-Series, including a new trim – XKR-S – that features 20-inch wheels, active exhaust with quad tailpipes and 40 additional horsepower eked out of its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. Some package changes have been added as well.

The trim levels available for the 2-door, 4-passenger 2012 Jaguar XK-Series are Coupe, Convertible, XKR Coupe, XKR Convertible and XKR-S, all of which are rear-wheel drive and equipped with a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission (with overdrive and Sequential Shift). The Coupe and Convertible come standard with a 385-hp 5.0-liter 32-valve naturally aspirated AJ-V8 GEN III engine that achieves 380 lb-ft of torque. The XKR Coupe and Convertible trims are equipped with a 510-hp 5.0-liter 32-valve AJ-V8 GEN III supercharged engine that has 461 lb-ft of torque, while the XKR-S’s powertrain is a 550-hp 5.0-liter 32-valve AJ-V8 GEN III supercharged engine that has 502 lb-ft of torque. All run on premium gasoline. The Coupe and Convertible trims are estimated to get 16 mpg city/24 highway, while the XKR trims get 15/22.

Standard for all trim levels of the Jaguar XK-Series for 2012 are dual-zone automatic climate control, humidity control, cruise control (with automatic speed limiter), remote-control central locking, 16-way active ventilated soft-grain leather heated and cooled seats, heated leather steering wheel, auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror, electric windows, message center and trip computer, Smart Key System with keyless entry and start, 525-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound system (with AM/FM radio and 8 speakers, 6-CD changer, portable audio interface, WMA and MP3 disc compatibility), Bluetooth HandsFree system, navigation system with DVD mapping and 7-inch full-color touchscreen, Sirius XM satellite radio (subscription not included), power-fold auto-dimming heated exterior mirrors, LED rear lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, bi-function Xenon headlights (with LED running lights, washers and wipers), front and rear parking aid, rear spoiler with integrated aerial and 19-inch Caravela alloy wheels. Convertible trims have an electronically operated convertible top with integrated tonneau cover and rollover protection.

XKR trims come standard with adaptive front lighting with dynamic pivoting headlights and integrated cornering lights, HD radio and 19-inch Tamana alloy wheels. The XKR-S trim has added standard features such as carbon fiber exterior features (rear spoiler, rear diffuser and front splitter), performance leather heated and adjustable seats, Poltrona Frau leather headliner, stainless steel pedals, performance active exhaust with quad tailpipes, revised springs and dampers, and 20-inch Vulcan forged alloy wheels.

Individual options available for the 2012 Jaguar XK-Series include a jet suede cloth sport steering wheel, heated front windshield, HD radio and the Advanced Technology Package, which contains adaptive cruise control with forward alert and active front lighting. There are also numerous wheel options available, including 19-inch Artura Chrome alloy wheels, 20-inch Kalimnos alloy wheels, 20-inch Selena alloy wheels, 20-inch Takoba alloy wheels, 20-inch Orona alloy wheels – all for the regular Coupe trims. Additional wheels available for the XKR trims include 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels, 20-inch Kalimnos alloy wheels (Black finish) and 20-inch Vulcan alloy wheels (Polished or Black finish). The XKR-S trim can also be configured with 20-inch Vulcan alloy wheels (Polished or Gloss Black finish).

Numerous safety features include front, side and side-curtain airbags, front seat whiplash protection, antilock front and rear disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist, electric parking brake, dynamic stability control, traction control (through engine and brake intervention), dynamic stability control, cornering brake control, engine drag torque control, tire pressure monitoring and a rear-view parking camera.

Owners marvel at the acceleration the 2012 Jaguar XK-Series provides, especially the XKR-S, which some report as being able to go from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The ride quality also rates well with XK-Series owners, with a stiff suspension allowing for good handling but not being so stiff as to provide a jarring ride.

Those who want a robust ride in a luxury sports car but don't want to pay the sticker price that competitors such as the Chevrolet Corvette or Porsche 911 command should look no further than the 2012 Jaguar XK-Series. Even the base Coupe trim has a strong powertrain with ample power. For those looking to spend a little more, the XKR-S is capable of providing a lot bang for those bucks.