Jaguar XE SVR to get M3 baiting supercharged V8

Jaguar is to take the fight to the BMW M3 with a hot SVR version of its new XE packing a 489bhp V8

Jaguar is planning a BMW M3-beating high performance version of its forthcoming XE Saloon, Auto Express can reveal.

It will use the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 from the F-Type S roadster tuned to 489bhp to enable it to sprint from 0-62mph in around four seconds and go on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

JLR’s recently formed Special Vehicle Operations division will prepare the car and it’s tipped to wear the company’s new SVR performance badge.

Set to arrive by early 2016 for around £60,000, the XE SVR will also use the firm’s 8-speed automatic gearbox only it will be programmed to offer faster shifts than in the standard car.

There will be a raft of other upgrades too including larger performance brakes, stiffer and lower suspension and an electronically controlled limited slip rear differential for improved traction.

Styling changes will probably include a bespoke body kit with unique front bumper treatment and grille, side skirts, flared wheel arches and a redesigned rear bumper with integrated diffuser and quad tailpipes.

The car will get an active exhaust system to ensure the engine noise isn’t too intrusive while cruising but suitably loud under hard acceleration. Likely upgrades inside the cabin could include unique trims and colour schemes and body hugging sports seats.

Jaguar will extensively test the car on the Nurburgring in a bid to ensure it can deliver the necessary performance and handling to beat the 425bhp 3.0-litre bi-turbo BMW M3 and the forthcoming Mercedes C63 AMG which will uses a bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8.

Source: www.autoexpress.co.uk