One cool cat

One way to define charm is when someone or something has the ability to make you do something that you really wouldn't ordinarily do, just because that person or thing is so cool or smooth.

The Jaguar XKR convertible prompted us to ride with the top down even though the summer sun was beaming down on our heads on a sweltering 90-something degree day with high humidity.The XKR's cool caused us to lose ours.

Why?

Because, when you're rolling in a machine as beautiful as this one, you surely want to be seen. Maximum exposure is achieved with the top down.Jaguar has gone through a little bit of a slump in recent years, as its products seemed to lose focus.

Products like the XK and XKR have helped Jag regain its footing, though.

The XKR has a 4.2-liter V-8 engine that cranks out 420 horsepower.But its not so much raw power as it is more of a refined energy.When you accelerate in this ride, you'll feel more like you're just beginning to glide above all the traffic, rather than rudely blowing doors off other cars.

Handling was slithery, like a snake meandering its way through a grassy field.

You sit low in the XKR, but comfortably so. And there is no sacrifice of visibility for the driver.There are back seats, but they offer only a token presence -- don't put real humans back there.

The interior design is stunningly rich - beautiful wood trim and leather. The XKR we drove was well-appointed, too, with such amenities as a premium sound system, 19-inch wheels and adaptive cruise control that automatically maintains a space cushion between you and the car in front of you.

The push-button operation of the convertible top was a cinch.Gas mileage is rated at 15 mpg city, 23 highway by EPA.Check out the XKR convertible, but don't lose your cool.

2009 JAGUAR XKR CONVERTIBLE

Price as tested: $100,060

Engine: 4.2-liter V-8

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 15 mpg city, 23 highway