2005 Jaguar XK-Series in Santa Monica, California

The Jaguar XK should be getting a little long in the tooth, having been introduced in 1996, but it's not. Its styling remains contemporary because it's so classically sleek and gorgeous, while mechanical and electronic upgrades, along with some sheetmetal tweaks, have enabled the big Jag to keep pace with the competition. Although not much if any competition exists, because the car is pretty much in a class by itself. Not really because of its engineering (power, handling and brakes), but because of its exclusivity. Its Jaguar-ness.

The XK is a powerful sports car with two-plus-two seating and accommodations that are more luxury than sporty. It looks and feels like a luxury car inside, handles like a tight luxury sports coupe or convertible. But it offers only an automatic transmission, a six-speed that technically doesn't even have a separate manual mode, although it can be operated manually with the Jaguar J-gate. Even the supercharged XKR, despite its 400 horsepower and brutally fast stance, can't be considered a fully track-worthy sports car because of the automatic transmission, not even with its heritage or its big Brembo brakes. And while it looks like the ultimate sports car, it feels like a cross between a British gentleman's coupe and a big ol' American stock car.

But maybe that's missing the point. Its lithe lines are breathtaking. Mild styling revisions freshen the XK models for 2005, but Jaguar knew not to tinker too much with its work of art. Inside is a forest of rich burl walnut and leather. In some ways, it feels more luxurious than the XJ, Jaguar's flagship luxury sedan. Yet unlike luxury cars overburdened by technology and menu-driven commands, the XK is refreshingly easy to operate, with clearly marked buttons. In short, driving this car is pleasurable and makes you look and feel like a million bucks.