The new XK models are fitted with a choice of 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels and tires. Base tires are Continental P245/45ZR18s front and P275/40ZR18s rear. Optional Dunlop SP Sport 01 asymmetric high-performance tires are fitted on XK models with 19-inch wheels, 245/40ZR-19 tires on the front and 275/35R19s on the rear. Optional Dunlop SP Sport Maxx ultra-performance tires are 255/35ZR20s for the front and 285/30ZR20s for the rear.

The XK's new ABS brakes are much larger than those on the previous model, and much more powerful, considering the reduced weight of the car, with braking starting at the very top of pedal travel, where we like it. No fade whatsoever after a long downhill switchback workout.

Although the weights and balances between the coupe and the convertible versions, which we drove back-to-back, are close, there's really no discernable difference in the way they drive, except that the convertible with the top down generates more sound in the cockpit and more admiring glances from the other drivers than the coupe.

Summary

The all-new 2007 Jaguar XK is an absolutely gorgeous sports car for today that will appeal broadly to successful men and women looking for the latest in sleek affordability. It has a couple of styling and design items we'd change instantly if we bought one, like the badges on the front fenders, but otherwise, we are simply smitten by this beautiful new Jag and the way it drives down the road, changing direction like the big cat it's named for, but coddling the couple of adventurers inside like an English nanny.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this story from Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Jaguar XK 4.2 Coupe ($75,500); Convertible ($81,500)

Engines:300-hp 4.2-liter V8

Transmissions:6-speed automatic with manual control

Safety equipment (standard):electronic stability control, ABS, EBD; frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags

Safety equipment (optional):none

Assembled in:Coventry, England