Jaguar XE SVR Plans Full-On Assault Against the M3

Aug. 21, 2014 9:15 AM ET byJay Traugott Rumor /36 Comments

Could this finally be the car that'll take down the benchmark high-performance sedan?

It has yet to make its official debut and already we're hearing reports claiming Jaguar has an even more potent XE in the works. The XE will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, and is without a doubt one of the most important new Jags in years. As the so-called entry-level model, there are high hopes for the XE. And, of course, it's expected to spawn a high-performance version.

Auto Express is claiming the XE SVR, set to arrive in early 2016, will be powered by the F-Type's 5.0-liter supercharged V8, which will be tuned to produce 498 horsepower. 0-62 mph will happen in around four seconds and top speed will be capped at 155 mph. Jaguar's newly incorporated Special Vehicle Operations division will handle the car's prep, so expect it to wear the new SVR performance badge. The gearbox will be an eight-speed automatic, and other upgrades will include bigger brakes, a stiffer and lowered suspension, and an electronically-controlled limited slip differential.

The exterior will receive a bespoke body kit featuring alterations to the front bumper and grille, side skirts, and flared wheel arches. A set of quad tailpipes will also be included. If you haven't guessed already, the XE SVR is being designed to face off directly against the BMW M3 as well as the upcoming next-gen Mercedes C63 AMG, both of which utilize twin-turbo V8s. We'll have our first look at the XE sedan in Paris in just a few weeks.