WHILE Jaguar's volume-selling XF large sedan deservedly earns the kudos for turning Jaguar’s stuffy old image (as well as sales) around, it was the XK coupe from 2006 onwards that really started the British marque’s design renaissance, with progressive styling and an aluminium body underpinned by a thoroughly modern rear-wheel drive chassis. But only the supercharged XKR version realises the Jaguar coupe’s full performance and driveability potential, especially in the face of ever-improving competition like Porsche’s sensational 997 Series II. And, as we eventually found out, there is more to a sports grand tourer than mere styling and barnstorming abilities.