The guys who read Wired magazine — at least the guys we know — tend to idolize Mr. Spock and just about anything else associated with “Star Trek.” They also enjoy talking about computer software and playing “Dungeons & Dragons.” An exciting bunch!

Here is what’s fascinating about this “nerd” demographic: Jaguar wants them. This is the same Jaguar Cars Ltd. that the young, stylish racing enthusiast William Lyons (certainly no nerd) founded in 1922 in the northern English town of Blackpool.

Jaguars have always looked as good as they raced, and British racing green has always suited them best. The fellows behind the wheels of these coupes and saloons have invariably been dashing men in tweed coats. So why is Jaguar now marketing itself to the pocket protector-wearing Internet crowd?

Because that’s where the big money is these days. Computer geeks generally make good salaries and they like to spend their earnings on high-priced luxury items like computer peripherals and stereo equipment. The idea with Jaguar is: Why not a sophisticated, all-aluminum sports car as well?

Earlier this month, Jaguar displayed two of its freshly designed XKR coupes (one was an open-air beauty that even drew stares from the nearby Aston Martin pavilion). These supercharged XKRs boast 420 horsepower under the hood. We know of no practical reason to possess such extraordinary motoring power, with the possible exception of running from the California Highway Patrol in a high-speed, televised chase.

Any way you look at it, you’ll be fleeing Johnny Law in high style. In the 2008 XKR Portfolio special edition, you’ll get a premium Bowers & Wilkins speaker system, polished 20-inch Cremona five-spoke alloy wheels, a highperformance Alcon braking system, and — make sure you’re seated for this — an exclusive, Celestial Black metallic paint job.

The XKR coupe starts at $86,500. Few all-aluminum pieces of technology on the market today can claim so many fancy add-ons for that price. Think of it as a really fast computer with some kicking peripherals. Which is why we think Jaguar is on to something by going after the crème de la crème of today’s Internet industry.

Jaguars claim some of the most loyal owners in the automobile world. These owners belong to motoring clubs that allow them to meet other Jaguar aficionados. And they snub their noses at guys who drive arrest-me-red Ferraris. You might say that it’s a fierce rivalry not seen since the Macintosh and PC camps started going at it.