Luxury Autos: The dynamic duality of the 2007 Jaguar XKR is absolutely breathtaking. While its presence is magnificent, its performance is equally exhilarating. The vehicle comes directly down the middle of the road and scores colossally on both sides of the track. The XKR lives up to its pedigree of refinement, yet offers no apologies for its unbridled ferocity. This is a luxuriant well-muscled car that packs an exceptionally powerful bite. It is clearly capable of tussling with the "big cats" of this upper-echelon marketplace.

This Jaguar's roar is not subtle. Powered by a six-speed, sequential-shifting ZF automatic transmission with paddle shifts, the XKR's 4.2-liter DOHC supercharged V8 engine growls exuberantly. It boasts 420 horsepower, which is 120 more than the XK models. The ZF transmission allows drivers to choose standard drive, sports drive, or full-manual control. With its solid-body, all-aluminum construction, the 2007 XKR sets light on its 19-inch standard aluminum-alloy wheels. The recalibrated CATS suspension is stiffer with firmer springs and dampers. Standard DSC and traction control also contribute to a smooth, stable ride at all speeds. Fortunately, the disc brakes also were upgraded to match the XKR's extra power.

Its exterior lines define the XKR's over-the top essence. From the front and centered "R" in the aluminum-mesh grill to the hood louvers to the chrome side-vent trim to the jutting chrome quad tailpipes and perfectly shaped wide rear fascia, it is both brutish and chic. Coupe and convertible Jaguar XKR models are available.

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Performance Friction Brakes are a special class of brake pads and rotors designed to be abused relative to the normal service of other brake pads and shoes. For this discussion we are limiting ourselves to “disc brakes” only for the convenience of terminology. Other forms of brakes exist and the same basic principles to be discussed here exist in those other types of friction braking systems. Friction brakes work by applying pressure from a non-rotating part to a rotating part specifically to stop the rotating part from rotating. The faster the moving or rotating part is rotating, the more difficult it is to stop the rotation. In performance friction braking systems, it is always assumed that the moving part is moving at a high speed and that the need to stop it is urgent. It is also assumed that as soon as the moving part has been decelerated or totally stopped, the acceleration of the moving part will begin again, and the need to slow or stop it will arise again, and again. Friction Brakes For Cars

The EBC Brakes Group is the only remaining independent friction products manufacturer in the world. Not only is EBC independent, it is also privately held by a single person. This is not only a rare thing in this market, but it is almost unheard of. If that isn’t a big enough story, EBC is a dominant player in its industry. I remember a local brake shop that had a sign out front that read, “If you can’t stop; stop here.” Brakes are generally forgotten until they don’t work. When a member of the general driving public goes in to get their brakes fixed, they either don’t ask for brakes and/or rotors by brand, or they get the auto manufacturers direct replacement pads and/or rotors. How a single company can dominate a field like that is nothing short of amazing. EBC manufactures its own brakes, rotors and pads in its own manufacturing facilities in the U.K. and the U.S. As policy, they do not import anything from the third world and manufacture as much as they can. EBC Brakes For Cars