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Jaguar XF in line for 500bhp
04 July 2007
Work is continuing behind the scenes in the build up to the launch of the XF saloon, while speculation rumbles on around finding a new owner for Jaguar.
The ultra-modern S-type replacement is scheduled to appear at the Frankfurt motor show in September, where final specification will be announced.
However, Autocar has learned that the most interesting version of the XF is still a couple of years off. According to various sources, Jaguar is working on a hot version of the new saloon with more power and more performance potential than any other road-going Jaguar.
‘XFR’ to get even bigger, supercharged, 500bhp V8
Until now, Autocar understood that the range-topping XF would use the XKR’s 420bhp supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine, but Jaguar sources say that won’t be the case.
According to our source, the new Jaguar saloon will launch this winter with a choice of 2.7-litre V6 diesel, 3.0-litre V6 petrol, 4.2-litre V8 petrol and supercharged 4.2-litre V8 power. The 420bhp supercharged option, however, won't be badged XFR; the performance-oriented XF will, in fact, get an all-new, larger mill with 500bhp.
The new engine is currently in development, and won’t just see service in the XFR, but also the next Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. It’s a 5.0-litre V8 unit, with a supercharger, producing 500bhp and close to 500lb ft of torque.
With that under the bonnet, the XF should be capable of cracking 60mph in less than 5.0sec, 100mph in around 10sec, and slamming up against its 155mph speed limiter with legs to spare.
Plus: ‘XKD’ is a strong possibility for 2009
In other Jaguar news, the prospect of a diesel-powered XK is looking more and more likely, timed to arrive when the car receives its first facelift another two years from now.
The ‘XKD’ had been on the drawing board at Jaguar from the car’s conception, but back then, two problems prevented its translation onto the road: that the PSA-Ford developed 2.7-litre V6 didn’t have sufficient power to suit the XK, and that the market wasn’t ready for an upmarket, diesel-powered coupe or cabrio.
The first of those problems will be remedied within 18 months, when Jaguar’s plan to enlarge the capacity of its V6 twin-turbodiesel engine from 2.7 to 3.0 litres, and from 206 to around 250bhp, comes to fruition.
The other problem promises to go up in smoke with the success of BMW’s new 635d. That new twin-turbodiesel coupe and cabrio goes on sale in September; assuming the market welcomes that car as generously as expected, Gaydon should have no qualms about providing car buyers with a British-built alternative.
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