The Jaguar XK replaced the XJS, but is really descended from the much-loved E-Series. The 2009 Jaguar XK-Series does not disappoint. Jags grand touring machine gets virtually nothing but rave reviews from the people who drive it. Competition for the XK-Series includes Aston Martin V8 Vantage, BMW 6-Series, Infiniti G37 and Maserati GranTurismo. The XK-Series is rear-wheel drive and sports a 300 horsepower 4.2 liter V8 engine, the first V8 ever in a Jag. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually for those in the mood. Its 16 miles per gallon city and 25 miles per gallon highway is among the best in its class, in spite of needing an electronically controlled top speed. XK comes in four varieties - XK and XKR in both coupe and convertible. The biggest difference is that the supercharged XKR is even faster than the XK. The XKR also has a number of performance refinements, an aluminum mesh grille and quad exhaust outlets. Standard features on the XK-Series include adaptive suspension damping, rear parking sensors, touchscreen navigation, leather seats, power heated front seats with driver memory, Bluetooth, six-CD/MP3 in-dash changer with six speakers. As good as all that sounds, it can get better. Optional equipment on the XK-Series includes several different wheel designs, adaptive cruise control, better quality leather and a premium Alpine surround-sound system including satellite radio. An Enhanced Luxury Package offers sixteen-way power seats, a heated leather steering wheel, leather-trimmed instrument and door inserts and power folding mirrors. The XKR version of that package offers up twenty-inch wheel and either a specialized aluminum or a walnut interior trim. If you can't have fun driving with all that, I can't help you. NHTSA crash test numbers are not available for the Jaguar XK-Series. Safety features on the Jag include four-wheel antilock brakes, depowered airbag, side airbags, traction control and stability control. It comes with a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty including roadside assistance and has free maintenance for 1 year/10,000 miles. The Jag is traditionally a car for the well to do, and the XK-Series is no exception. Base price on the XK Coupe is $74, 835. The price goes up from there with base for an XK convertible set at $80,835, the XKR Coupe at 86,035 and the XKR convertible at a stinging $92,035. That being said, if you have an extra hundred grand laying around that you didn't have anything else planned for, the 2009 Jaguar XK-Series is a great way to spend it.