2005 XKR8 Carbon edition......
Discussion
Hi guys, I currently drive a C5 Corvette, which I've had for nearly 12 years. I have recently been looking at the last of the old shape XKR8's especially the Carbon edition. I can't seem to find much info/reviews/road tests on Google so I thought I'd ask on here for any first hand experiance? The sort of thing I'm interested in is running costs, what to look for when buying, fuel economy etc, etc.
Hi there
You wont find much on the carbon as it was an end of line run out model with all the bells and whistles on it. It will be a lovely car, with the upgraded 4.2 engine a modern dash colouring and all the brake and sat nav upgrades.
In general, my standard XKR has a pulley upgrade and straight thru exhaust, but still manages 20mpg in general use with the wife in the car !
On a good "hoon" I usually see 16mpg.
Thats really the biggest cost, fuel. Otherwise look for rust behind the rear wheels and at the underside front of the footwells, but the chances of rust on an 05 model will be very low.
They are quicker than people expect too, 0-60 in 5 secs, but the 80-140 acceleration is just superb.
Have fun hunting
You wont find much on the carbon as it was an end of line run out model with all the bells and whistles on it. It will be a lovely car, with the upgraded 4.2 engine a modern dash colouring and all the brake and sat nav upgrades.
In general, my standard XKR has a pulley upgrade and straight thru exhaust, but still manages 20mpg in general use with the wife in the car !
On a good "hoon" I usually see 16mpg.
Thats really the biggest cost, fuel. Otherwise look for rust behind the rear wheels and at the underside front of the footwells, but the chances of rust on an 05 model will be very low.
They are quicker than people expect too, 0-60 in 5 secs, but the 80-140 acceleration is just superb.
Have fun hunting
The old shape XKR in Carbon edition has all the gadgets, red brembos, Adaptive cruise, sat nav, recaro heated seats etc. but just the same 4.2 400hp output as the other models. I had mine for sale last year but never got any offers so keeping it meantime until the price of the new XFR comes within reach 
Jeff.
Jeff.
There is no substitute for driving one of these.
The best reviews of the X100 XKR were done by EVO, both a trip to Coniston in an XKR Silverstone and a group test with among other a 996 C4S, on both occasions they were very positive. Both published in one of their bumper summer specials.
The car has an explosive turn of speed, but also manages to be effortless and refined when you want. A very Jaguar-like experience in a very good looking car. It is amazing the number of people you meet who prefer the looks of the X100 to the X150, great car though the X150 undoubtedly is. You can improve both speed (if you feel it necessary) and handling.
A good exhaust is no bad thing.
The fuel consumption isn't great, but that is because you can't help putting your foot down) and the standard seats could be more supportive. Make sure you get one with all the options. As to corrosion, check it out, get the car on a ramp, and having addressed any issues, just look after it, which most people don't.
The Carbon Edition was '04 I think, the XKR400 was another edition just before, which was similar but not quite so well specified. It had Alcantara seat centres which you like or loathe but they don't show wear. Not sure if the Carbon had the Recaro seats, but they are worth having. This was not the run-out model, which was the 4.2-S in 2005. The Carbon doesn't have the burr walnut which to a lot of people is an essential part of the experience, but trust me the experience is pretty good without it.
The best reviews of the X100 XKR were done by EVO, both a trip to Coniston in an XKR Silverstone and a group test with among other a 996 C4S, on both occasions they were very positive. Both published in one of their bumper summer specials.
The car has an explosive turn of speed, but also manages to be effortless and refined when you want. A very Jaguar-like experience in a very good looking car. It is amazing the number of people you meet who prefer the looks of the X100 to the X150, great car though the X150 undoubtedly is. You can improve both speed (if you feel it necessary) and handling.
A good exhaust is no bad thing.
The fuel consumption isn't great, but that is because you can't help putting your foot down) and the standard seats could be more supportive. Make sure you get one with all the options. As to corrosion, check it out, get the car on a ramp, and having addressed any issues, just look after it, which most people don't.
The Carbon Edition was '04 I think, the XKR400 was another edition just before, which was similar but not quite so well specified. It had Alcantara seat centres which you like or loathe but they don't show wear. Not sure if the Carbon had the Recaro seats, but they are worth having. This was not the run-out model, which was the 4.2-S in 2005. The Carbon doesn't have the burr walnut which to a lot of people is an essential part of the experience, but trust me the experience is pretty good without it.
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