Summer is the one season when you want to look good.

And if you're a well-heeled shopper, I think I've got your ride: Jaguar's XK Coupe. Who couldn't look good in one of the most beautiful cars in the world?

	The Jaguar XK. Click photo for larger image.

It's one car -- priced between $75,500 and $92,500 -- that you don't want to miss when you're looking for glitzy wheels.

It's impossibly sleek, impossibly curvy and, yes, you will notice traces of a cat-like profile in the way everything comes together. It looks -- and feels -- as if it's about to pounce. And believe me, you'll turn heads wherever you go.

But don't expect this car to be an out and out sports model. It's really more of a grand tourer, particularly with the huge trunk under its hatchback. While the XK handles beautifully, it doesn't feel taut and muscled. Instead it feels, well supple, more like a thoroughbred. Steering could use a little more responsiveness too.

The XK Coupe is rear-wheel drive, and is powered by a 4.2 liter, 300 horsepower V-8 that has a mileage rating of 18/26. If you prefer topless driving, you can check out the XK Convertible.

If you want to really tear up some pavement, you might want to take a look at the XKR coupe and convertible -- show stoppers if ever there were any.

The XKR Coupe will hit 60 mph in 4.9 heart-stopping seconds, and the convertible takes only a step slower at 5 seconds. The pair, priced at $86,500 for the coupe and $92,500 for the convertible, are powered by supercharged 4.2 liter, 420 horsepower engines that have a top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Other equipment on the XKRs includes 19-inch Jupiter style alloy wheels, dynamic stability control and traction control, four-channel ABS, electronic brake force distribution and hydraulic brake assist, performance brakes with black brake calibers with the "R" logo, "R" badging on headrests, tachometer, steering wheel and gear selector and "R" sports seats with added lateral support.

Outside, the car has unique "R" exterior styling on the front bumper, aluminum finished front mesh grille and power side vents, and color-keyed hood louvres. Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city/27 highway for both models.

There are other Jaguars of course. The X-Type, Jaguar's entry-level model, marches on with one of the widest ranges of models for the nameplate, including that snappy Sportwagon that I've coveted for I don't know how long. It's also the only compact luxury car to offer standard all-wheel drive on all models. Power for the X-Type comes from a 3.0 liter V-6 producing 227 horsepower with a mileage rating of 18/24 on all but the Sportwagon, which carries a rating of 17/23. Prices range from $34,995 to $39,995.

Jaguar's S-Type 3.0 has a new premium package that is standard equipment, which includes memory system for the driver's seat, side mirrors, steering column and pedals, electrochromic mirrors, rain sensing windshield wipers, programmable garage door opener and adjustable foot pedals.

There's also a new optional luxury package for the S-Type R that has soft grain leather-trimmed seating with piping, burl walnut veneers, electric rear sunblind, bright exterior trim and adaptive cruise control. S-Type prices begin at $49,000 and top out at $64,000 for the S-Type R.

Power comes from three engines: a 3.0-liter, 235-horsepower V-6; a 4.2-liter 300-horsepower V-8; and a 4.2-liter 400-horsepower V-8.

The five-model XJ lineup includes XJ8, XJ8L, XJR, Vanden Plas and Super V-8. Jaguar's top-of-the-line models are priced from $64,250 to $92,000 and powered by a 4.2-liter, 300-horsepower V-8, or, for the XJR and Super V-8, a 400-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8. Fuel mileage is rated at 18/21 for all but the XJR/Super V-8, which have mileage ratings of 17/28.

This year's changes include standard Bluetooth wireless technology for mobile phone, heated 16-way adjustable front seats and heated rear seats on XJ8 and XJ8 L; added front park control on Vanden Plas; and available elm gloss veneers as an alternative to traditional burl walnut as trim.

What's Coming in 2008

This will be an important year of transition for Jaguar. The company may -- or may not be put up for sale by Ford Motor Co., its present owner. And that may -- or may not -- mean changes in the lineup.

As of now, Jaguar is scheduled to unveil its all-new XF sedan, which is said to be a ground-breaking design that is unlike anything Jaguar has done before. Look for it in spring 2008.