Jaguar says supercharged V6 is capable of 300kW-plus, and even more torque

Speaking exclusively with CarAdvice during a track session with the new Jaguar XF S at the Navarra Circuit in Spain, Jaguar Land Rover business and program planning manager for powertrains John Pepperell admitted there was more to be extracted from the 3.0-litre engine.

“Potentially, it could exceed 300kW, but currently we have capped output at 280kW," Pepperell said.

"There’s more torque we can get out of that engine too, though I can't say what that number might top out at. Mind, we're quite happy launching with the four engines that we have available, as it's only the start of the journey for the new Jaguar XF."

Both the XE and larger XF share the same lightweight aluminium architecture, so whatever powertrain development is concluded for the XF (and/or the upcoming F-Pace SUV) will also be available for XE, and according to Pepperell, that also includes a V8.

“While we're not giving any specifics away at the moment, we have protected in the XF package for the 404kW/680Nm 5.0-litre V8 engine from the F-Type R," he said.

"At least from a technical standpoint, the V8 fits into the XE and XF, so it's fair to say that we certainly have options available to us. If we are talking about more performance in the range, we have places to go."

Jaguar has said from the outset that the main rivals for both new cars are BMW’s 3 and 5 Series models, at least as far as dynamics and performance go, which means it will need to stretch well beyond current outputs if it is to establish halo cars to compete with all three German luxury brands.

The British brand will also need to keep a watchful eye on Alfa Romeo, which recently unveiled the all-new 380kW Giulia, and which has plans to grow the brand with more performance-based, rear-wheel-drive cars to come.