Undergoing a change of shape and engine upgrade alongside its XF sedan siblings are the Jaguar2010 XK and XKR coupes, which will get to South Africa later this year. The XK models are regarded as the sportier segment of Jaguar whereas the XF carries a more gentlemanly approach to the Jaguar enthusiast.

The XK is available in two variations and shares the same powerplants as the XF. Standard XK gets the 5.0-litre V8, 283kW and 515Nm of torque, propelling it to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds, some seven-tenths faster than the old model. The XKR model carries the 375kW and 625Nm 5.0-litre supercharged V8, capable of smacking through the 100km/h mark in just 4.8 seconds, around four-tenths faster than the previous model.

Chassis wise the XK will benefit from the advanced aluminium body architecture, which is strong and lightweight and the key to optimising performance, dynamic agility and competitive CO2 emissions and fuel economy. The gearbox of the XK is changed to the state-of-the-art six-speed automatic transmission that has seamless gearshifts plus, for the first time on the XKR model, an electronic differential to optimise traction and dynamic performance.

The surprise of the launch proved to be that XKR. What a car! Firstly, it simply does not feel like any of the German hot-shot trio's performance cars. It's different in that it feels as close as you can get to the 'competition feel' without losing composure and smoothness. It makes you feel you're very much part of the car and part of the action with ultra positive ride and feel.

Being supercharged its responsiveness must felt to be appreciated. What's more, engine performance at our elevated altitudes is electrifying. The sound coming from under the bonnet is another feature of the car — and enough to strike fear in unaware, unsuspecting passengers.

The normally aspirated V8 instead was a fine experience too, but after the drives in the new XF V6 diesel and then the blistering XKR could unfortunately not emulate the levels of enjoyment its siblings offered. But on a different level it should offer another option to the common as sheep German alternatives.

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