won't Jag offer a manual 6 speed in the XKR? Has anyone ever seen anything official? This is the only reason I won't buy one. The j-gate is a joke for a sport coupe'.

yes I have owned one

You could always buy one and get it converted. They know that there should be one, they had it in the experimental XKR-R (http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/48020/page013.html) car. Why don't you call these boys (http://www.keislerauto.com/Jaguar/transmission/manual_transmissions.htm) and see if they can help you out?

They don't offer it because they figure it's too much trouble to certify it for so few sales. basically it's the fact that in North America even if a manual is available people order the Automatic, yet whine when a manufacturer drops the option due to lack of sales!!!
I like a standard but have 3 daughters all in booster/baby seats. Hard to find a manual transmission in a car big enough, whether older or present.
personally, I think jag is letting a part of their market go by the wayside on this, but who knows, maybe it'll show up one day. Hell, even the new Ford Lightning's getting a manual-there may be hope yet!!