A Jaguar XE-R Already In The Works?
The Jaguar XE might not even be on the market yet, but that hasn't stopped the English manufacturer from planning its future. According to the latest rumour, an R version of the midsize sedan is already in the works.
Since the XE’s mandate is to challenge the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it has to offer a high-performance version. For now, the most powerful XE is the 335-horsepower XE-S. It’s good, but nothing to scare the 425-horsepower M3 or the even-more powerful C63 AMG.
The V6 that sits under the XE’s hood won’t be enough. If we are to believe the rumour mill, the V8 found in the F-Type S would easily fit in the sedan’s engine bay. With this powerplant, the XE-R could generate around 490 horsepower, which would be enough get it to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds.
Apart from the engine, we can expect a firmer suspension, different chassis settings and a better calibration for the eight-speed automatic gearbox to enable firmer shifts.